For more than twenty years, Rani Mukerji's name has represented adaptability, strength, and elegance in Bollywood. Since making her debut in the late '90s until now, where she stands among the best performers of her era, Rani consistently transforms herself by selecting parts that defy conventions and reshape the portrayal of powerful women in Hindi movies.
Top 5 Essential Rani Mukherjee Films to Watch
1. Black: In Indian cinema history, Rani gave a remarkable portrayal of Michelle McNally—a deaf-blind individual learning to live under the mentorship of her instructor, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. This powerful acting job won her significant praise from critics.
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2. Mardaani: In this movie, Rani played the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy, a bold crime branch officer dedicated to dismantling a human trafficking operation. Her powerful depiction of an uncompromising police officer set new standards for action-oriented characters for women.
3. Hichki: This emotional movie stars Rani as Naina Mathur, a dedicated educator suffering from Tourette syndrome. She not only motivates her pupils but also challenges social prejudices through her subtle yet powerful acting, making the film both uplifting and thought-provoking.
4. Nobody Killed Jessica: Inspired by actual occurrences, Rani portrayed the tenacious reporter Meera Gaity, who was committed to uncovering justice for a victimized young woman. Her intense and forceful performance significantly amplified the movie’s effect.
5. Bunty Aur Babli: In stark opposition to her usual intense characters, Rani delivered a bubbly portrayal of the cunning and aspiring scam artist Vimmi that charmed audiences. Her on-screen synergy with Abhishek Bachchan along with the movie’s lighthearted storyline contributed to making it a memorable crowd-pleaser.
Bonus: The Role She Adored the Most
If there’s one character that still holds a special place for Rani, it’s Tina from "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." Despite having minimal screen time, her delightful and powerful portrayal made a lasting impact, earning her legions of fans and establishing her among Bollywood’s top stars.
An Audacious Star Reshaping Indian Cinema
Rani Mukerji has consistently embraced difficult characters, demonstrating repeatedly that she is an actress to be taken seriously. Regardless of whether she portrays a tough police officer, a dedicated educator, or a crusading reporter battling for fairness, she continually breaks new ground with every role. The caliber of projects she selects along with her commitment to acting solidify her position as one of the most outstanding performers of her era.
With every powerful character, she doesn’t merely perform; she sends a message. That’s why Rani Mukerji stands as an indispensable icon in Bollywood.
Admiring her appearance on-screen and eagerly anticipating what she'll do next! Happy Birthday, Queen!
– Prachi Mehta
