Rani Mukerji, who debuted in Bollywood with "Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat" in 1996, has delivered numerous powerful performances throughout her career. Here are some of her roles that have stayed with audiences:
Michelle McNally in Black (2005): Inspired by Helen Keller's life, Rani portrayed a deaf and blind woman, Michelle, with sincerity. Sanjay Leela Bhansali wrote the role specifically for her, and Mukerji's performance earned her immense appreciation. The film depicts the relationship between Michelle and her teacher, Debraj, who helps her "see" into the light through her blindness.
Saathiya (2002): Rani's portrayal of a woman falling in love was more than just exotic locations and designer clothes.
Maya Talwar in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006): Rani moved hearts with her portrayal of Maya, a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. She brought authenticity to the role of a conflicted woman and elevated the fashion quotient of the film. Maya is on autopilot when she marries her childhood friend but finds herself tempted by another unhappily married man.
Sashi Biswas in Yuva (2004): In an ensemble cast, Rani stood out as Sashi, a downtrodden housewife steadfastly loyal to her abusive husband. Mukerji made every moment count in this small role, adding richness and depth to Abhishek Bachchan's portrayal. She won a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for this role.
Samiya Siddiqui in Veer-Zaara (2004): Rani brought a new dimension to her character, Samiya Siddiqui, a lawyer who brings two lovers together. A scene where she visits Veer's village in India is considered iconic.
Naina Mathur in Hichki (2018): Rani played Naina, a teacher with Tourette's syndrome, who never falters when faced with contumacious students from the slums. The dining-table sequences with her estranged father are marvels of screenwriting, drama, and performance. Hichki became Mukerji's highest-grossing release.
Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani (2014) and Mardaani 2 (2019): Rani's cop character, Shivani, is a mixture of the feminine and the mardaani (masculine), showcasing her versatility in action-oriented roles.
Mrs. Chatterjee in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023): Rani's performance as a hyper Bengali mother battling the government of Norway for the right to her children is a tour de force. She brings an implosive emotional velocity to her character, making it clear that this woman will fight fiercely for her children.
Roshni Shekhawat in Talaash (2012): Rani played a distressed housewife dealing with the loss of her son and a collapsing marriage. Her nuanced performance as Roshni drew critical acclaim.
Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998): Though a supporting role, Rani made her presence felt. She played Tina, a modern Indian woman who was sassy, glamorous, and charming.
Recognition for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
Most recently, Rani Mukerji won Best Actress at the 71st National Film Awards for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. This marks her first National Award after nearly 30 years in the film industry. She received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi. Mukerji dedicated the award to her late father, who had always dreamt of this moment for her.
Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, directed by Ashima Chibber, is based on the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother whose children were taken away by Norwegian authorities in 2011. Rani plays Debika, a mother who challenges the legal system to regain custody of her children, highlighting cultural misunderstandings between Indian parenting traditions and Western child welfare systems.
At the awards ceremony, Rani wore a brown Sabyasachi saree and a gold necklace with her daughter Adira's initials, keeping her daughter close to her heart as she received the award.
Rani Mukerji's next project is Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
