Happy birthday, Rani Mukherji!

Once upon a time, she was just like any struggling aspiring actress - she was often criticized for her husky voice, called "chubby", made a part of a lot of media rumors and was ignored by top named Bollywood stars!

Published: Wednesday,Mar 21, 2012 22:23 PM GMT-06:00

Nadia M.

Ghulam. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum. Mujhse Dosti Karoge. Saathiya. Chalte Chalte. Yuva. Hum Tum. Veer Zaara. Black. Bunty Aur Babli. Baabul. Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. Dil Bole Hadippa. No One Killed Jessica. The only name that comes to mind when one thinks of these movies is that of the queen of Bollywood, Rani Mukerjee.

Once upon a time, she was just like any struggling aspiring actress - she was often criticized for her husky voice, called "chubby", made a part of a lot of media rumors and was ignored by top named Bollywood stars! Yet she handled almost every situation she was put into professionally and with ease. She is a friend to all and an enemy to none. No matter how harsh people have been to her, Rani has taken everything in stride. Very few today have that quality in them!

Rani's biggest breakthrough came with co-stars and friends Aamir Khan, with 1998's Ghulam, and Shahrukh Khan, with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai also in 1998. She has stated in various interviews that without these two personalities she wouldn't have been able to reach the success she has today. These two films brought out the actress in Rani. KKHH gave Rani her first award (Best Supporting Actress) after receiving an award for Best Fresh Talent for Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat (1997). Thus began the career of one of India's most successful actresses of today!

With the success of these two films, Rani's career began to soar. She began to deliver hit after hit, and with each movie her performances got stronger and better. While not all her films did exceptionally well at the box office, Rani's self confidence and belief that she could do better was never shattered. She didn't stop and kept doing what she loved.

Her role in Saathiya as a sweet and simple character got Rani many nominations at various award functions and won her a Best Actress award. After that, success just continued to shine upon Rani. She won awards with hits like Yuva (Best Supporting Actress), Hum Tum (Best Actress), Veer Zaara (Best Supporting Actress), Black (Best Actress) and Dil Bole Hadippa (Best Actress). Her performance in Black especially captivated millions of viewers.

In the humble opinion of this writer, Rani still stands as the numero uno actress in Bollywood even after 15 years, and today, as we come together to celebrate the day a Queen was born, we remember all the contributions that Rani has given to the film industry. Whether it be with Shahrukh or Saif, Salman or Aamir, Kajol, Kareena or Preity, Bobby or Arbaaz, Anil Kapoor or Govinda, Abhishek or Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik, Ajay or Vivek, Konkona, Vidya, or Hema Malini ji, Ranbir or Shahid, she has made a place in everyone's hearts! She has shined with every co-star and has always tried to maintain friendships with them all.

Most people thought that Rani was done with the industry after her long disappearance, but she negated the naysayers and came back with a bang proving that she is still very much a big part of the industry and has fans galore! Every actor goes through numerous phases in their life and Rani was no different. She handled them with grace, never paying any attention to the critics, and continued to do what she loved. That's a true quality of a hard working, dedicated actress.

We, at BollyCurry, want to wish the Queen of Bollywood a very happy 34th birthday. We wish her all the best on her two newest films, Talaash and Aiyaa and may success keep showering upon her!

Happy birthday, Rani Mukerji!

Author: Rani S.
Editor(s): Aradhna & Gunia.
Graphics: Nadia.