Rani Mukerji

Rani Mukerji Biography

Rani Mukerji, born on 21 March 1978 in Bombay (now Mumbai), is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. She belongs to the Mukherjee-Samarth family: her father, Ram Mukherjee, was a film director and one of the founders of Filmalaya Studios; her mother, Krishna Mukherjee, is a former playback singer; and her elder brother, Raja Mukherjee, is a producer and director. The actress Kajol is her paternal second cousin. Mukerji was educated at Maneckji Cooper High School in Juhu and graduated with a degree in home science from SNDT Women’s University; she is also a trained Odissi dancer.

She made her debut in 1996 in her father’s Bengali film Biyer Phool and in the Hindi social drama Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat, both released on 18 October that year. Her first commercial success came with Ghulam (1998), and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai the same year brought her a breakthrough and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Saathiya (2002) marked a turning point and won her the first of three Filmfare Critics Awards for Best Actress.

Mukerji has received a National Film Award and eight Filmfare Awards. Her National Film Award for Best Actress, announced at the 71st National Film Awards on 1 August 2025 and presented on 23 September 2025, was for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. She married the filmmaker Aditya Chopra on 21 April 2014 in a private ceremony in Italy, and their daughter, Adira, was born the following year. She returned to the Mardaani franchise with Mardaani 3, released on 30 January 2026, and is next set to appear opposite Shah Rukh Khan in King.

Basic Details

• Full Name: Rani Mukerji
• Date of Birth: 21 March 1978
• Place of Birth: Bombay (Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Actress
• Education: Maneckji Cooper High School, Juhu; home science degree, SNDT Women’s University
• Family: Ram Mukherjee (father), Krishna Mukherjee (mother), Raja Mukherjee (brother), Aditya Chopra (husband), Adira Chopra (daughter)
• Years Active: 1996 to present
• Major Awards: One National Film Award, eight Filmfare Awards

Career Highlights