Rani Mukerji Birthday Special: From ‘Black’ to ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’, 7 Filmfare Award-Winning Performances of ‘Mardaani 3’ Actress and Where To Stream the Movies Online

Born on March 21, 1978, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Rani Mukerji turns 48 today. She has truly lived up to her name, establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses. There was a time when Rani reigned supreme, delivering both commercial hits and critically acclaimed performances with equal finesse. The Bengali beauty, now married to Yash Raj Films head and director Aditya Chopra, made her acting debut in the social drama Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat in 1996, which unfortunately flopped at the box office. However, her career took a meteoric turn when Karan Johar cast her as Tina in the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai turning her into an overnight sensation. For many, KKHH remains her unofficial debut, given the indelible mark she left with her performance. Rani Mukerji Birthday: Black, No One Killed Jessica, Mardaani 2 – 8 Stellar Performances of the Superstar That Deserve Perennial Applause!

Rani followed it up with a string of memorable roles in films like Ghulam, Hum Tum, Chalte Chalte, Bunty Aur Babli, Saathiya, Black, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, and No One Killed Jessica, among many others. Post-marriage, she has become more selective with her roles, yet continues to captivate audiences and critics alike with her powerful performances in films like Mardaani, Mardaani 2, Mardaani 3, Hichki, and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (let’s just pretend Bunty Aur Babli 2 never happened).

Rani Mukerji’s Filmfare Awards

Rani Mukerji’s talent has been richly rewarded at the Filmfare Awards, where she holds several unique records. She is the only actress to have won both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress in the same year (2005). The following year, she achieved another milestone by winning both Best Actress and Best Actress (Critics) for the same film, Black. With 21 nominations and eight wins, Rani Mukerji is the most nominated and awarded actress in Filmfare history. ‘Mardaani 3’ Announced! Rani Mukerji Returns As Fierce Cop Shivani Shivaji Roy; Film To Release in Theatres in 2026.

On Rani Mukerji’s 48th birthday, we revisit the films that earned her Filmfare accolades, and where you can stream the movies to watch online.

1. 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

Won: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Rani’s portrayal of the vivacious Tina in Karan Johar’s debut film, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Salman Khan, was not only her breakout role but also earned her her first Filmfare Award.

Streaming on: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

2. 'Saathiya'

Won: Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics).

This heartfelt remake of Mani Ratnam’s Alaipayuthey benefited from the fresh pairing of Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerji, complemented by AR Rahman’s soulful music. This was Rani’s second collaboration with YRF, a banner she would later become closely associated with, both professionally and personally.

Streaming on: Prime Video.

3. 'Hum Tum'

Won: Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

This YRF rom-com, directed by Kunal Kohli and loosely inspired by When Harry Met Sally, starred Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji as frenemies-turned-lovers. Abhishek Bachchan’s charming cameo added to the film’s appeal.

Streaming on: Prime Video.

4. 'Yuva'

Won: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

From acting in a Mani Ratnam remake to being directed by the maestro himself proved to be a winning formula for Rani Mukerji. Her portrayal of a woman trapped in a toxic relationship, seeking hope, stood out in a film packed with stellar performances by Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Esha Deol, and Sonu Sood.

Streaming on: Netflix.

5. 'Black'

Won: Filmfare Award for Best Actress, Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics).

Inspired by the life of Helen Keller, Black is an unconventional Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, devoid of songs. Yet, the powerful performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji more than compensated for the lack of musical numbers. Rani’s dual win in both the Popular and Critics categories remains a rare achievement.

Streaming on: Netflix.

6. 'No One Killed Jessica'

Won: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Based on the Jessica Lal murder case, Raj Kumar Gupta’s film featured Vidya Balan as Jessica’s sister seeking justice. Rani, playing a sharp-witted and principled journalist, stole the show and the award.

Streaming on: Netflix.

7. 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway'

Won: Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics).

Rani’s most recent Filmfare win came for her portrayal of a resilient mother battling an unjust foreign legal system to regain custody of her children in this real-life-inspired drama.

Streaming on: Netflix.

As we celebrate Rani Mukerji’s birthday, we honour her legacy as an actress who continues to inspire and entertain with her unparalleled talent and versatility. Here’s to many more years of her brilliance on screen!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 21, 2025 12:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).