Not many people know that Rani Mukerji’s official debut film was Biyer Phool in 1996 which was helmed by her father Ram Mukherjee. To the world, it is Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat in the same year where she played the role of a rape victim. Since then the petite actress has only reached greater heights with a filmography that’s replete with exceptional choices. She’s done her fair share of rom-coms when they were the go-to trend back then and given us films like Hum Tum, Ta Ra Rum Pum, and a short cameo in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai whereas she’s also given us hardcore romantic films such as Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Saathiya amongst her many blockbusters.But there are a few handfuls of her roles that changed her image from a pretty girl who’s got a talent for melodramatic movies to a badass lady on the big screen. Be it as a journalist in No One Killed Jessica to her very recent film Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway where she played the limitless harrowed mother who would go to any extent to bring back her children, she encapsulated the whole emotion of being one actor with many shades through these impressionable characters.On her birthday today, here’s a look at 5 Rani Mukerji films where her character was the epitome of strength and self-confidence.
Black
Based on the novel The Story Of My Life by Helen Keller, Rani Mukerji essayed the role of Michelle McNally who has had a difficult childhood as she loses both her eyesight and hearing ability at the mere age of two. One of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s best works, he made Rani’s character resonate deeply with the audience despite her having no dialogues. The narration in the background made it for a soul-stirring watch, the story of a girl who faced life’s many roadblocks because of her unfortunate disease but continued to face every challenge head-on with her mentor Debaraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan) being her rock every step of the way.
No One Killed Jessica
Rani Mukerji essayed the role of a fearless crime reporter named Meera Gaity in the film. Unbothered by all the threats and dangers that she has to tackle in a male-dominated world, her vigour with which she advances to solve the murder case of an innocent girl. Her character was a strong representation of how power can be used correctly to bring justice and fear cannot be a dent in that road.
Mardaani and Mardaani 2
Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy is a gutsy female inspector who is battling crime against women every day. Both the instalments had strong societal issues and the crux of the story where Rani’s badass character was seen doing a lot of action as well. She’s unapologetic when it comes to raising her voice against the gender-based partiality that exists in the ecosystem. Her acting prowess touched its peak with such hard-hitting characters.
Hitchki
Ms. Nanina Mathur (Rani Mukerji) suffers from Tourette syndrome which is an unfortunate disease that results in unwanted hiccups at regular intervals that cannot be controlled. This character was a beautiful amalgamation of sensitivity and self-confidence. Her character aimed to bring a positive change in the lives of her students even though they failed to give her the same respect, but eventually found a middle ground. It was inspiring and a lesson on how your flaws do not restrict your capabilities.
Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway
Rani Mukerji as Debika Chatterjee was the voice of every mother in this film who has no limits when it comes to protecting her children. When the Norwegian authorities take away her children and deem her unfit to take care of them, she goes to the ends of the world to fight for their custody, meanwhile going through extreme trauma and mental exhaustion. She makes you feel her pain through her honest portrayal and her performance has been lauded across the globe.Rani Mukerji is an actor of many shades. The above mentioned films make her shred her stereotypical portrayal and push her limits as she essayed some fearless female characters on screen.
