Rani Mukerji: From early marriage plans to an accidental Bollywood debut amid financial struggles

Thirty years in Hindi cinema marks a significant chapter in Rani Mukerji’s life, one shaped more by circumstance than choice. Making her debut with Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat in 1996, Rani went on to become one of the most respected performers of her generation, even though her journey into films began without intention or planning.

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Growing Up Without Big Dreams of Stardom

During a candid interaction with filmmaker and longtime friend Karan Johar at Yash Raj Films Studios, Rani looked back at her childhood. Despite being born into a film family, her father Ram Mukherjee was a filmmaker, the household survived on modest means, earning just enough to get by. Acting, she revealed, was never envisioned as her future.

Reflecting on that phase, Rani shared, “I don’t think they even had dreams (for me),” and added, “At the time we were growing up, it was never really something that occurred to my dad that I was going to work. It was (considered) more of a boy’s responsibility. That responsibility they saw through my brother. With me, it was very clear. They wanted to get me married at a very young age.”

A Legacy Rooted in Cinema

Ram Mukherjee came from an illustrious film lineage. Cousins Deb Mukherjee and Joy Mukherjee were well-known actors, while his uncle Shashadhar Mukherjee was a pioneer of Bombay cinema. Ram himself was best remembered for directing Dilip Kumar’s Leader, yet financial stability remained elusive.

Destiny Steps In

Against all expectations, fate intervened. Rani landed her first film through Salim Akhtar, a close family friend. Recalling the moment, she said, “Destiny had other plans for me,” and added, “With the offer that came for Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, my mum just told me, ‘Salim uncle is a family friend, and he has offered you a film. Why don’t you take it up?’”

A Quiet Financial Hope

Only later did Rani understand the deeper reason behind her mother’s decision. “I didn’t realise it then that probably my mum was finding a way to make the financial situation in my house better. Because they knew that if I do well in this field, it would be good for us. But at that time, I didn’t see it from that angle,” she reflected.

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From Missed Box Office to Lasting Impact

Though Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat failed commercially, it opened doors. Films like Ghulam and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai soon followed, firmly establishing Rani Mukerji as a mainstream star. Three decades on, she continues to lead from the front, returning to theatres with Mardaani 3 on January 30.