Rani Mukerji, born on 21 March 1978, turns a year older today. The Bollywood diva first time won the hearts with Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’s Tina and then there was no looking back for her. She gave several hit performances including Ghulam, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Hadh kar Di Apne, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Bunty Aur Babli, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Chalte Chalte and the list goes on. The bong beauty swiftly made her own space in the showbiz industry and became a go-to person for the filmmakers. Although we might love her for her girl-next-door, bubbly and romantic performances, she is more than that!

The talented actress is now all set to make her comeback with ‘Hichki’. In this film she plays a role of a teacher who has having Tourette syndrome. This is not the first time that she took up such subject for her film. She has always been that one personality who without beating the drum-rolls, subtly chose the characters that actually promoted women empowerment. Here are 5 such characters played by Mukerji that showcased the traits of a strong-headed woman.

Hichki: Of course, this movie tops the list. Her dialogues added with hiccups, show her as a teacher with an unusual syndrome called Tourette syndrome. However, Naina Mathur vows to overcome her ‘Hichki’ single handed and also inspires a bunch of notorious students to help themselves through their inhibitions.

Rani Mukerji in Hichki. (Movie Still)

Black: It would be a blunder to not add this flick in the list. Rani plays a deaf, mute and blind girl, a character inspired by Hellen Keller. Her zeal for life and the bonding with her teacher (Amitabh Bachchan) makes her stand out amongst all. The character shows that no physical or mental shortcoming can stop you from leading the life that you wish for!

Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan in Black. (Movie Still)

Hum Tum: Rani’s this character remains close to most of her fans. The young, independent Rhea Prakash faces life’s harsh reality and still doesn’t give up on her career. It is also hearty to see how Rhea embraces her life with a new positive vision and gives love another chance after her husband’s death. Isn’t it always supposed to be this way?

Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan in Hum Tum. (Movie Still)

Veer Zaara- Rani plays the role of a lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui who takes it upon herself to reunite Veer and Zaara who are from Indian and Pakistani nationalities respectively. In just a short, impressive role, she has shown the passion and honesty for her profession with much grace.

Rani Mukerji in Veer Zaara. (Movie Still)

Mardaani: We see the actress here as a fierce senior inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy. She gets involved in a case of a kidnapped teenage girl that leads her to uncover secrets of human trafficking by the Indian mafia. We need more such officers in real life!

Rani Mukerji in Mardaani. (Movie Still)

Rani Mukerji has come a long way in her career and we really do expect more of such phenomenal roles by her. Wish the gorgeous performer on her birthday right in the comment section below.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 21, 2018 10:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).