Rani Mukerji was one of the most successful actors in the 90s and the 2000s. Even today, her performances are applauded and looked upon with awe. One of the most versatile actors in the industry, Rani Mukerji has won seven Filmfare Awards along with multiple other accolades. While she debuted as a demure girl in Raja Ki Aayegi Baarat, she shot to fame as the stylish and sanskaari Tina in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. In her career spanning over 25 years, Mukerji has made it a point to do as many diverse roles as possible. As we celebrate the Khandala girl’s birthday, let’s take a look at some of Rani Mukerji’s best performances.

1. Black (2005)

This Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie shone a new light on Rani Mukerji’s talent. Starring as the deaf, mute and blind Michelle McNally, Rani proved why she is a talented queen. The movie is by far the best performance by Rani Mukerji and no one could have done it better than her. Her sensitive acting won over the hearts of the audience and even won her numerous awards. Rani herself has talked about how she wouldn’t change anything about her performance in Black. Frankly, neither would we, ‘coz she was perfect. Her impeccable way of showing the challenges faced by someone who is physically disadvantaged was impressive. The determination and never-give-up attitude of Michelle is something we could all add to our lives.

2. Hichki (2018)

Naina Mathur is an aspiring teacher with Tourette syndrome. Naina keeps making random, unintentional sounds due to her Tourette syndrome which becomes a problem when she’s teaching. It also becomes a reason why she is not selected in any of the schools she applies to. Rani’s Naina is another character that knows how to persevere and see things through to the end. Rani aces her role as Naina and never falls out of character. It’s the little things, like the frequent knocks on the chin that Naina does, which makes the performance a stand-out one.

3. No One Killed Jessica (2011)

Based on the real-life story of Jessica Lal, Rani played the role of journalist Meera Gaity. Meera is a righteous reporter who does not stop in her pursuit of truth and justice. Even when Jessica’s sister Sabrina seems to give up, Meera never does. Rani Mukerji plays a ballsy journalist who is afraid of no one and goes after justice, no matter what.

4. Mardaani (2014)

An out and out gritty performance, Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani was a delight to watch. Shivani Shivaji Roy is a tough-as-nails cop who is trying to find her kidnapped ward, Pyaari. The movie shows the raw, naked truth of the Indian mafia and it is told with utmost brilliance. Rani’s performance is par excellence and she leaves behind a strong impression. Her action sequences and dialogue delivery as a cop are as strong as any male-oriented cop movie, maybe even better.

5. Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007)

While Laaga Chunari Mein Daag did not fare well at the box office, Rani Mukerji’s performance in the movie was appreciated. Rani plays the role of Vibhavari, a school-drop-out from a poor family. When the family is embroiled in a financial crisis, Vibha moves to Mumbai to find a job. Life plays out such that Vibha becomes an escort who only caters to wealthy clients and goes by Natasha. Vibha is in a constant state of war with herself. On one hand, she feels ashamed of what she is doing, and on the other, she can’t stop because she needs the money. While her mother knows what she does, Vibha’s sister and father are blissfully unaware. The war of emotions and the duality of Vibha and Natasha have been portrayed beautifully by Rani Mukerji.

6. Saathiya (2002)

When it came out in 2002, Saathiya changed the game in the romance genre in Bollywood. The Mani Ratnam movie is considered to be a cult love story even today. Rani Mukerji’s Suhani is a confident woman, yet she isn’t afraid to show her vulnerability. She knows what she wants and goes after it, even if it means she might have to leave her family behind. Unlike many female leads in Bollywood romances, Suhani is not a romantic. She is quite practical and determined. The best part is that she makes her own choices and doesn’t get affected by outside influences. She also owns up to her choices and blames no one else for them.

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