The
singular thing about Rani Mukherjee is the way
she epitomizes the freshness and the vitality
of the new generation, and yet she manages to
evoke nostalgic memories of the bygone era when
beauties like Madhubala, Mala Sinha, et al ruled
the tinsel town. Rani's beauty is timeless,
as is her talent. It is testimony to her universal
appeal that every generation can empathize with
her. Ask the grandpa or grandson - the chances
are that both of them will name Rani as one
of their favorite actresses. Wonderful, beautiful
and ethereal on screen, Rani has the deep huskiness
in her voice that is most mesmerizing to the
ears.
It was on March, 21 1978 that Rani was born
in Bengal to mother Krishna, who was a playback
singer and father Ram, who was a movie director.
Rani was only 19 years old when she made her
film debut with the movie called, Royal Ki Ayegi
Barrat (1997). But it was with her second movie,
released a year later in 1998 that the wonderful
and nonchalant performer in her got noticed
by the critics. And the chartbusting number
"Aati Kya Khandala", from Ghulam made
her a sensation. There was no looking back for
Rani now; she was on the fast track to stardom.
Very few actresses win a Filmfare award in
the beginning of their career, but Rani managed
that feat when she bagged the award for best
supporting actress in the mega blockbuster movie
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Next Rani acted in
Mehndi (1998) and had a special appearance as
the sexy girl in the song "Kali Nagin Ke
Jaisi" in the movie Mann (1999), followed
by the funny ghost-movie Hello Brother (1999)
and the romantic action drama movie Badal. In
the midst of doing a spate of commercial films,
Rani took timeout to play a small part in the
historical movie Hey Ram (2000), whose story
takes place in the period around India's independence.
The fun filled Hadh Kar Di Aapne got released
in 2000. This typical David Dhawan film offered
viewers many lighthearted moments expertly enacted
by Rani and Govinda. The year 2000 also saw
the release of Rani's Bichhoo, an action packed
film, in which Rani plays the role of the sultry
Kiran Bali who is seeking revenge from the gang
of bad guys who have murdered her family. Playing
the role of Pooja Oberoi in Har Dil Jo Pyar
Karega, Rani got nominated for the Filmfare
Best Supporting Actress Award. This movie was
based on the Hollywood movie While You Were
Sleeping starring Sandra Bullock.
The year 2003 saw the release of her unforgettable
films like Chalte Chalte, Calcutta Mail, Chori
Chori, LOC (Kargil). Her film Black released
in 2004 propelled Rani to the pinnacle of the
Indian Film Industry. She says, " Now I
put my heart and soul into every role I do.
Post-'Black', people's expectations are scary."
But with Veer Zaara and Bunty Aur Babli she
has managed exceed people's expectations in
every which way. By her impeccable performances
she has to a large extent redefined the importance
of heroines in a film script. But the best thing
about Rani will always be her simplicity. She
says, " Tomorrow, when it's all gone and
I'm married, I need to be that simple Bengali
girl, which I am at heart."
