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Rani Mukherjee (Template:Lang-bn (also known as Rani Mukerji), born March 21, 1978 in West Bengal, India) is a six-time Filmfare Award-winning Indian film actress. Mukherjee has consistently topped Filmfare's annual power list of top Bollywood female stars for three consecutive years (2004-2006). Her career includes the top grossing films which have collectively earned box office receipts well over Rs. 2 billion. Today, she has emerged as one of the finest and most successful actresses in the country.

Career

Early work, uptil 1997

While in school at the age of 14, she did a cameo role in her father's Bengali film Biyar Phool. She then continued with her studies and graduated from Maneckjee Cooper High School in Juhu. Later, she was enrolled in her first year at Mithibai College in Mumbai. Soon after in 1994, Salim Akhtar, a family friend, offered her a film called Aa Gale Lag Jaa but her father was against it as she was too young. Moreover, Mukherjee wasn't at all interested in becoming an actress. So, she turned down the offer and Urmila Matondkar was casted instead.

Two years later, Salim Akhtar came up with another offer and insisted on her playing the protagonist of Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1996). After a long discussion with her father, she agreed to do the film,at the age of 17. When the film was not successful at the box office, Mukherjee landed up in college all over again.

Breakthrough, 1998-2002

Karan Johar first approached her for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai upon Shahrukh Khan's recommendation. Her first release in 1998 was Ghulam opposite Aamir Khan. It was a big hit. The song 'Aati Kya Khandala' suddenly caught everyone's attention and the actress received rave reviews. This is how many could recognize her and people started calling her the 'Khandala Girl'. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) came next, also starring superstars Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. The movie was a blockbuster. For the latter, she received her first Filmfare Award in the Best Supporting Actress category. The actress was also offered the lead role opposite Shahrukh Khan in Mani Ratnam's Dil Se but dates were a problem. So, Manisha Koirala was casted instead.

After her instant stardom, she signed on several projects. Unfortunately, most of the movies did not do well at the box office. 2000 was her most quantitative year in terms of movies released. Badal was one of the highest grossing films of that year. On top, her films with bankable actor, Salman Khan didn't turn out so well. Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000), Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaye (2000) and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001) all did average business respectively.

In 2002, she re-established her fame with Saathiya which was amongst the top five grossing movies of the year and also critically successful.

Success, 2003-present

In 2003, her new look in Chalte Chalte opposite Shah Rukh Khan was much appreciated; the film was a hit. Mickey Contractor did her make-up for the movie and took all the deserving credit for her new image. The make-up artist had also previously worked with her in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. At the end of the year, Mukherjee ventured into her first comic role. Chori Chori finally released after much rather delay as the producer had passed away during filming.

2004 was one of the most significant years in her career. Veer-Zaara was the top grossing movie of the year. Furthermore, her performances in the critically acclaimed Yuva and the commercially successful Hum Tum earned her all the accolades at all the major award ceremonies - the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for the former, and the Filmfare Best Actress Award for the latter. Her performance as a Pakistani lawyer in Veer-Zaara was also critically acclaimed and earned her even more award nominations.

In 2005, Mukherjee starred in four high-profile films as she worked with the biggest banners of Bollywood. While Bunty Aur Babli, Black and The Rising were among the biggest grossers of the year, Paheli was sent to the Oscars. She received critical acclaim for every film, especially her performance in Black. She also won every single award in the "Best Actress" category for Black that year. Undoubtedly, these successes established Mukherjee as one of the industry's most bankable stars. Hence, the actress was honored by a largely foreign audience of 50,000 at the Casablanca Film Festival (2005) in Morocco where four of her movies were presented.

Mukherjee had two releases in 2006. The first, Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was one of the most successful movies of the year. Her next release, B.R. Chopra's Baabul talked about a story of a widow. Although much hyped, the movie did not do well at the box office in India but proved to be a hit overseas. * Mukherjee charged 4 crore rupees for Baabul, making her the highest paid actress in India.

Mukherjee was also invited to the Toronto International Film Festival to promote her movie Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Due to her schedule shooting of Tara Rum Pum in New York City, she opted not to go.

Her latest movie in 2007, Ta Ra Rum Pum is all set to release and the actress has gone for a fringe haircut this time. Mukherjee will be sporting a modern, up-market and slightly sexy look in chic western outfits for the first half of the film. She had to go through intense training to slim down and be suitable for the role. Meanwhile, she has joined hands with her brother in setting up a TV production. The whole concept was only conceived seven months earlier and will now be set rolling.

Personal life

Mukherjee comes from a film-oriented family of Bengali origin: Her father Ram Mukherjee is a retired director and also one of the founders of Filmalaya Studios. Her mother Krishna was a former playback singer. Her brother Raja Mukherjee is a film producer, now turned director. Her maternal aunt, Debashree Roy, was a popular Bengali actress and her cousin Kajol is another actress working in the Indian film industry. Mukherjee is deeply attached to her niece, Mayesha whom she lovingly calls 'Mishti' (which means "sweet" in Bengali).

Complete article: Mukherjee-Samarth Family

Gossip columnists have linked Mukherjee to many industry figures, but she has strongly denied every single rumor of romance. Most gossip columns have also claimed that she is regularly in feud with some of the Bollywood actors and actresses, but everyone knows Mukherjee as the most diplomatic and caring person in the industry.

The actress changed the English transliteration of her surname from Mukherjee to Mukerji several years ago. At the time, it was reported that she did this for numerological reasons. Recently, she has stated that numerology was not a concern; her name had been put down as Mukerji on her passport, and she wanted to be consistent.

Controversies

In June 2005, Mukherjee was widely criticized following the publication of an interview with British newspaper Desi Xpress. Mukherjee was asked to name her idol and she replied, "Adolf Hitler". However, in an interview with TimesNow a year later, she denied ever mentioning Hitler's name.

In November 2006, Mukherjee was shooting a film in Varanasi when avid fans crowded the set. Security personnel beat the crowd back with sticks. A media storm followed as various groups insisted that Mukherjee should have stopped the security guards. Mukherjee later issued a guarded apology.

Famous commitments

Humanitarian work

Besides acting in films, Mukherjee has associated herself with several other commercial and non-profit organizations. In March 2004, Mukherjee visited the sandy dunes of Rajasthan to boost the morales of the jawans. It was for a show where entertainers and stars visit Indian troops in far-flung regions to encourage them along with the NDTV team.

She was highly involved in the Temptations 2005 show in New Delhi. The actress helped to raise funds for the National Centre For Promotional of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), a leading disabled rights' group. Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were also amongst the many who contributed to this cause.

In 2006, Mukherjee celebrated her birthday with the students of the Helen Keller Institute for the Deaf and Blind, whom she had befriended while doing research for her role as a blind and deaf girl in Black. She has given due credit for her award-winning performance in that movie to the students.

Ms. Mukherjee donated her prize money, her half-share of 50 lakh rupees from her 2007 appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati with Preity Zinta, to the Holy Family Hospital. She said that this institution looks after children with heart problems which is a major setback in India.

World tours

The actress has been an active stage performer and has participated in numerous world tours. Her first world tour was in the year 1999 with Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna and Twinkle Khanna. It was called the Magnificent Five. The show was widely watched in every city where it was showcased.

Five years later, Temptations 2004 came along. It was the most successful Bollywood concert in its time and it broke all records. The actress performed alongside Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal and Priyanka Chopra in nineteen stage shows across the globe.

Special events

Mukherjee was a guest of honour at a state dinner to greet General Pervez Musharraf along with the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh. The government found out that she was Begum Musharraf's favourite Bollywood star. Hence, Mukherjee was the only Bollywood star on the top elite guest list.

She also appeared along with various other Bollywood actors at the Closing Ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, as part of a performance showcasing Indian culture, on behalf of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, to be held in Delhi. For her three minutes dance act alongside Saif Ali Khan , she was reportedly paid 1.5 crore rupees, the equivalent of about 300,000 U.S. dollars.

Awards and nominations

Filmography

See also

• List of Indian movie actresses

References

Footnotes

1. "rani-mukerji.com". No.1 on Filmfare Top Ten List. Retrieved 19 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
2. "ibosnetwork.com". Her Box Office Impact. Retrieved 9 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
3. "specials.rediff.com". Most Powerful Actress. Retrieved 4 March. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
4. "glamsham.com". Streak of Successes. Retrieved 4 March. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
5. ^ "tribuneindia.com". Rani’s First Career Move. Retrieved 16 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
6. "freewebs.com". Shahrukh Wanted Rani Mukerji. Retrieved 14 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
7. "members.aol.com". Ghulam: Hit. Retrieved 16 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
8. "ndtv.com". The Khandala Girl. Retrieved 24 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
9. "members.tripod.com". Rani wins her first. Retrieved 16 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
10. "rediff.com". Lead Role In Dil Se. Retrieved 16 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
11. "boxofficeindia.com". Her Films' Success Ratio. Retrieved 1 January. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
12. "boxofficeindia.com". Hit: Badal. Retrieved 1 January. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
13. "ibosnetwork.com". 2000 Box Office Performance. Retrieved 14 June. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
14. "ibosnetwork.com". 2001 Box Office Performance. Retrieved 14 June. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
15. "ibosnetwork.com". Saathiya: Top Five. Retrieved 23 August. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
16. "us.imdb.com". Saathiya, A Winner Everywhere. Retrieved 23 August. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
17. "rediff.com". Tanned Look in Chalte Chalte. Retrieved 13 October. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
18. "inhome.rediff.com". Her Make-Up Man. Retrieved 13 October. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
19. "rediff.com". First Comic Role. Retrieved 13 October. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
20. "ibosnetwork.com". Rani Rules 2004. Retrieved 9 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
21. "thedailystar.net". Rani reigns & Shahrukh rules. Retrieved 19 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
22. "ibosnetwork.com". Her Best Year: 2005. Retrieved 9 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
23. "thedailystar.net". The year of the queen - Rani reigns. Retrieved 1 June. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
24. "ibosnetwork.com". Honoured at the Casablanca Film Festival. Retrieved 16 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
25. "ia.rediff.com". KANK: The All-Time Biggest Hit Overseas. Retrieved 10 December. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
26. "boxofficeindia.com". Baabul Box Office Report. Retrieved 20 February. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
27. "boxofficeindia.com". Baabul: A Hit Overseas. Retrieved 25 March. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
28. "imdb.com". Highest Paid Now. Retrieved 22 October. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
29. "apunkachoice.com". Rani Mukerji: The Numero Uno in Bollywood. Retrieved 1 June. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
30. "in.rediff.com". Rani to dazzle Toronto Film Festival. Retrieved 23 August. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
31. "in.movies.yahoo.com". Her Sexy Look in Ta Ra Rum Pum. Retrieved 14 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
32. "indiantelevision.com". Her First Television Production. Retrieved 18 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
33. "dnaindia.com". New Member to the Family. Retrieved 4 November. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
34. "nowrunning.com". Life is Good. Retrieved 4 November. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
35. "musicindiaonline.com". Interview: Rani Mukerji (surname changed). Retrieved 22 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
36. "totallyjewish.com". Bollywood Star idolises Hitler. Retrieved 16 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
37. "timesnow.tv". She Never Said That About Hitler. Retrieved 20 November. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
38. "allbollywood.com". Trouble at Varanasi Once Again. Retrieved 18 November. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
39. "indiasnews.net". Rani Confronts the Media. Retrieved 18 November. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
40. "specials.rediff.com". Jai Jawan Marathon. Retrieved 6 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
41. "nowrunning.com". Raising Funds for Disabled Rights Group. Retrieved 1 June. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
42. "rani-mukerji.com". Rani Celebrates Her Birthday in an Unusual Way. Retrieved 31 May. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
43. "dnaindia.com". Birthday Celebration at the Helen Keller Institute. Retrieved 31 May. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
44. "smashits.com". Rani donates to Holy Family Hospital. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
45. "bollywoodconcerts.com". Aamir, Rani and Ash in Magnificent Five. Retrieved 14 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
46. "youtube.com". Temptations 2004: The biggest so far. Retrieved 24 June. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
47. "rediff.com". Rani: I'd love to go to Pakistan!. Retrieved 1 October. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
48. "timesofindia.indiatimes.com". The President’s Favorite. Retrieved 14 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
49. "melbourne2006.com". Bollywood's taste of Delhi 2010. Retrieved 22 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
50. "youtube.com". Rani’s Act at the Closing Ceremony. Retrieved 22 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
51. "bollywoodinsight.com". Rani & Shahrukh in Aditya Chopra's Next. Retrieved 14 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
52. "in.movies.yahoo.com". Rani with Saif Ali Khan in Kunal Kohli's Next. Retrieved 14 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
53. "rani-mukerji.com". Rani Mukerji with Aamir Khan in Tsunami. Retrieved 14 April. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
54. "ziff.co.zw". Paheli: Zimbabwe International Film Festival. Retrieved 30 August. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

Press coverage

• Verma, Supar. "Aati Kya Khandala?", "Rediff" interview. July 15, 1998. Retrieved March 01, 2006.
• Das, Madhuparna. "Makeover Girl", "The Telegraph - Calcutta". June 03, 2005. Retrieved June 20, 2006.
• Somaaya, Bhawana. "Everyone wants Rani Mukerji", "IndiaFM" interview. June 24, 2005. Retrieved September 30, 2006.

External links

• Rani Mukherjee at IMDb

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