Rani Mukerji turns 42: Rare photos of the Mardaani actor

Bollywood diva and a commendable actor Rani Mukerji turns a year older today. On her 42nd birthday, we go through our archives to bring you some of her unseen photos. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

In 1997, Rani Mukerji made her Bollywood debut with Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. Though the film did not do well, Mukerji's performance garnered praise and she received special recognition at the Annual Screen Awards. After this, she returned to college but later, took up acting as a full-time career. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Mukerji had an illustrious career with a wide range of movies to her credit. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Rani Mukerji with her parents, father Ram Mukherjee and mother Krishna Mukherjee. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Rani Mukerji with Amitabh Bachchan and wife Jaya Bachchan. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Rani Mukerji didn't want to be an actor in her younger days. She did her schooling from Maneckji Cooper School and obtained a degree in Home Science from SNDT Women's University. She is also a trained Odissi dancer. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Rani Mukerji with Manish Malhotra on a TV show. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

In a career spanning over two decades, Rani Mukerji gave many commendable performances in films like Black, Mardaani, Veer Zara, Hum Tum, Saathiya and others. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Rani Mukerji on the set of Hello Brother with Sohail Khan. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Rani Mukerji starred opposite Aamir Khan in Ghulam The film’s song "Aati Kya Khandala" is still popular. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )

Rani Mukerji has several awards to her name for her work in the Hindi cinema. (Source: Photo by Express Archive )