Fighting the Darkness: Bengali Actress Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Star Rani Mukherji (Mukherjee) | Photos

Born on March 21, 1978 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Rani Mukherji (also Mukherjee) is a Bengali actress who has been active in the Indian film industry since the mid-90's.

Acting and good looks runs in her blood (see photo below). Her parents are Bengali Brahmins, who are associated with Bollywood. Her father Ram Mukherjee was a film director and is one of the founders of the Filmalaya Studios. Her mom - Krishna Mukherjee - was a former playback singer (like Sunidhi Chauhan). Bollywood star Kajol and scriptwriter and film director Ayan Mukherji are her paternal cousins.

Her debut came in 1996 with the movie "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat". But it was not until 1998 that Rani’s acting talent was recognized through the international blocbuster "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (KKHH), where she won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. A KKHH promotional poster in below photo:

But the fame and recognition that Rani enjoys today comes from her hard work. Her devotion to the acting profession is evident most specifically in the 2005 film "Black", which earned her the Filmfare and Filmfare Critics awards for best actress.

Her filmography (movies list) below:

1992: Biyer Phool
1997: Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat
1998: Ghulam Alisha, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Mehndi
1999: Mann, Hello Brother
2000: Badal, Hey Ram, Hadh Kar Di Aapne, Bichhoo, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye
2001: Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai, Nayak: The Real Hero, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...
2002: Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai, Mujhse Dosti Karoge!, Saathiya, Chalo Ishq Ladaaye
2003: Chalte Chalte, Chori Chori, Calcutta Mail, Kal Ho Naa Ho, LOC Kargil
2004: Yuva, Hum Tum, Veer-Zaara
2005: Black, Bunty Aur Babli, Paheli, Mangal Pandey: The Rising
2006: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Baabul
2007: Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Saawariya, Om Shanti Om
2008: Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
2009: Luck by Chance, Dil Bole Hadippa!
2011: No One Killed Jessica
2012: Aiyyaa, Talaash: The Answer Lies Within
2013: Bombay Talkies, Koochie Koochie Hota Hai
2014: Mardaani (in production)