As Rani Mukerji, the beloved Bollywood actress who does justice to her name, celebrates her 45th birthday, we reflect on her remarkable journey in the Indian film industry. Since her debut in 1996, Rani has been a force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences with her exceptional and commanding performances. Throughout the 2000s, Rani dominated the industry as the cinematic queen, delivering a series of blockbuster hits and collaborating with the biggest names in the business. Her versatility knows no bounds, as she fearlessly took on roles that challenged gender norms with equal passion.
With her recent film, ‘Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway’, receiving a resoundingly positive response from audiences, it’s clear that Rani’s star power continues to shine brightly. She remains the undisputed queen of both the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Here are five roles that showcase her remarkable ability to break stereotypes.
1) Black
In 2005, Rani Mukerji delivered a career-defining performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Black’. The movie portrayed her as a deaf and blind girl and explored her relationship with her alcoholic teacher, who eventually develops Alzheimer’s disease. Rani’s portrayal was so convincing that she swept all the awards for it, and the film was even considered India’s entry for the Oscars. However, it lost to another Rani-starrer, Paheli. With its powerful performances by Rani and Amitabh Bachchan, ‘Black’ won the National Film Award and earned numerous accolades, leaving audiences in awe of Rani’s ability to bring depth and nuance to her character.
2) Dil Bole Hadippa!
In 2009, the movie ‘Dil Bole Hadippa!’ was released, directed by Anurag Singh and starring Rani Mukerji, Shahid Kapoor, and Anupam Kher. The film tells the story of a young Punjabi woman who dreams of playing cricket professionally but is constantly discouraged by her family and community because of her gender. In a twist of fate, she disguises herself as a man to try out for the local team and ends up becoming the star player.
The movie broke stereotypes by challenging the traditional gender roles and societal expectations placed on women in sports. Rani’s character, Veera, shattered the notion that women are not capable of excelling in sports traditionally dominated by men. The movie also highlighted the importance of breaking gender barriers and promoting gender equality. Rani Mukerji delivered a powerful performance, proving yet again that she is not afraid to take on roles that challenge societal norms and perceptions.
2) Mardaani
In 2014, Rani Mukerji starred in ‘Mardaani’, directed by Pradeep Sarkar. It was her first film after her marriage and she played the role of a tough cop named Shivani Shivaji Roy. The story revolves around Roy’s mission to rescue a teenage girl who has been kidnapped by a human trafficking racket. The film sheds light on the issue of child trafficking and the challenges that law enforcement officials face while trying to combat it. The film was a huge success, with audiences loving the new kind of cop that Rani brought to the screen. ‘Mardaani’s success led to a sequel, ‘Mardaani 2’, which was also a critical and commercial hit. Her strong performance and the film’s gripping screenplay made ‘Mardaani’ a must-watch.
4) Hitchki
In 2018, she made a comeback after a brief hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Adira Chopra. She starred in ‘Hichki’, a film directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, where she portrayed the character of Naina Mathur, a teacher who suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome. The film delves into how Naina overcomes her own challenges and uses her unique approach to teaching to help her students find their true potential. Rani Mukerji’s performance was praised for bringing awareness to Tourette’s Syndrome and breaking the stereotypes surrounding the condition. Her heartfelt portrayal of Naina will leave you feeling inspired and motivated.
5) Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
The brilliant Rani delivered a captivating performance in her most recent movie titled ‘Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway,’ which has won the hearts of both viewers and critics alike. The movie centres around the trials of an Indian couple residing in Norway whose children are seized by child services. It depicts the emotional turmoil of the mother’s struggles to reunite with her children, in a heart-wrenching tale of resilience and determination. Rani’s impeccable direction and the protagonist’s outstanding performance have brought this poignant story to life, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Rani is a true powerhouse of talent who never fails to leave us in awe with her performances. As she adds another year to her already illustrious life, we are excited to see how she will continue to redefine the boundaries of the entertainment industry. Here’s wishing this brilliant actor a joyous, fulfilling and a very happy birthday!
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