First Miss Kerala became KG George’s first heroine; turned down star director’s marriage proposal; lost her life in plane crash at 27

According to Manorama Online, she also ran a dance troupe called “Miss Kerala and Party” during that period, which included her sisters as members. However, their lives took a drastic turn when their father’s business failed, resulting in a deterioration of the family’s financial situation. Determined to support her family, Rani focused entirely on her dance troupe and acting career after graduating from St Teresa’s College in Ernakulam.

It did not take Rani Chandra long to rise to fame in cinema, thanks to her immense talent. Soon, she began receiving opportunities to share the screen with stars like Prem Nazir and Madhu, among others. Her performances in movies such as Chembarathi, Devi, Brahmachari, Jesus, Pacha Nottukal, Aaraadhika, and Soundarya Pooja helped her gain more attention. With her appearance and strong performance in legendary filmmaker Ramu Kariat’s Nellu (1974), Rani left a lasting impression on both the audience and industry insiders. Nellu also played a key role in helping her land her part in Swapnadanam, as the screenplay for the former movie was jointly penned by Ramu and his then-assistant KG George.

Rani Chandra was born in 1949 as one of the six children of her parents. (Credit: m3db)

From Kaamini, Naathoon, Bhoogolam Thiriyunnu, Swami Ayyappan, and Ayodhya, to Boyfriend, Mucheetukalikarante Makal, Utsavam, Chirikkudukka, and Amba Ambika Ambalika, Rani Chandra appeared in key roles in several notable films, working with prominent celebrities like IV Sasi, Sreekumaran Thampi, Raghavan, Gemini Ganesan, Thoppil Bhasi, Adoor Bhasi, Bahadoor, KP Ummer, Srividya, Jayabharathi, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, Unni Mary, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma, among others. Meanwhile, she also made her debut in Tamil cinema, appearing in movies like Then Sindhudhe Vaanam and Bhadrakali, where she collaborated with actors such as Kamal Haasan and Sivakumar.

But all her dreams were shattered on the fateful day of October 12, 1976, when her journey from Bombay to Madras turned out to be her last. She was on board the Indian Airlines Flight 171 that crashed shortly after take-off while attempting an emergency landing at Bombay Airport (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport), killing all 95 passengers — including the actor, as well as her mother and three sisters. Among the deceased passengers were members of Rani’s dance troupe and accompanying musicians as well.

At the time of her death, Rani Chandra was just 27. (Screenshot: YouTube/SafariTVLive)

According to The Hindu, the ill-fated plane was scheduled to operate the flight after authorities “had made two earlier futile attempts to fly the passengers to Madras” on a Boeing flight. One of the Boeings had suffered a bird strike, while the other had developed a technical snag.

At the time of her death, Rani Chandra was just 27. The filming of her Tamil movie Bhadrakali hadn’t been completed, and hence, the makers shot some parts of the movie using a body double. However, as this didn’t progress as intended, some scenes from Rani’s previous films were reportedly pieced together to complete the movie. She appeared in over 70 films in her short career.

Almost all those who worked with Rani Chandra unanimously say that she was a simple girl. (Credit: m3db)

Almost all those who worked with Rani Chandra unanimously say that she was a simple girl, devoid of the cunning and malicious intentions that were allegedly inherent in the vast majority of film personalities of the era. Most dubbed her an innocent soul with no pretence, arrogance, or hypocrisy. “When we describe a character, unlike other actors, Rani would listen intently, looking at our face with wide eyes, asking about every minute detail about the role. She had an immense dedication. She would strive to perfect her character as much as possible. I have never seen such a dedicated actress since. Even if the director okayed the shot, Rani wouldn’t be satisfied. She would push for retakes again and again to improve further,” Manorama Online quoted KG George as saying about Rani.

He added, “While almost all actresses of that era showcased an exaggerated and overly dramatic acting style, Rani was completely different from all of them. She focused on acting naturally with precision. Today, none of this is new. But in the 70s, Rani’s approach amazed me.”

Rani Chandra won her first Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Swapnadanam, helmed by KG George. (Credit: m3db)

KG George was not the only one who spoke highly of Rani Chandra. Director IV Sasi, who later became one of the most successful and celebrated mainstream filmmakers in Malayalam, also recalled Rani often with much gratitude and compassion. While Sasi was struggling to make his debut as an independent filmmaker, Rani helped him immensely without expecting anything in return. However, when he eventually made his first film, Utsavam, Sasi ensured that he gave her a strong and important character. They also collaborated in movies like Abhinandanam and Oonjaal later.

Apparently, Sasi always openly stated that Rani Chandra was the first woman he ever fell in love with. Once they forged a strong emotional bond, Sasi proposed marriage to her. However, she gently refused. When he approached her with the same request again, she told him, “You are destined to travel a long distance. I am not worthy of that.” Rani discouraged him, saying she wished to see Sasi lead a better life by marrying another girl, who preferred to be a homemaker and not a film actress. Although Sasi didn’t understand the reason at the time, he later realised that her refusal stemmed from her excessive sincerity towards him. She wished that his life should not be filled with difficulties by joining her, who was burdened with family matters and responsibilities.

Just before her last flight from Mumbai, it was IV Sasi with whom Rani Chandra reportedly last spoke over an airport telephone. He was at the location of a film under production. During their interaction, she mentioned the gifts she had brought for him from her recent trip to Dubai. They ended the phone call without knowing that this would be the last time they would hear each other’s voices. Following her tragic demise, which left him totally shattered, Sasi reportedly wrote a heartfelt article about her in a film magazine. Its title was: “Rani… My Dearest Rani…”

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