Eight Performances Rani Mukherji Aced Like a Queen

As a tough cop who fights the child trafficking mafia, Rani was ballsy and breathtaking in 'Mardaani'. Her introductory scene in the film was a decent reminder of how much we need to see her more often.

Sassy, daring and bold, Rani's journalist act in 'No One Killed Jessica' introduced us to the new and improved version of the actress. Sharing screen space with the immensely talented Vidya Balan, Rani proved that when content is king, you don't need a hero to make the film work.

Rani played Maya Talwar, a woman with grey shades. Her character could either be hated or empathised with but Rani made the character look believable. Infact, she is the only actress who can cry effortlessly while on screen.

A career-defining performance, Rani starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' alongwith megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Playing a deaf and mute woman, she was truly deserving of all the awards and recognition that came her way for this poignant performance.

Rani essayed the role of Samiya Siddique, an honest lawyer who would fight till the end for her client and friend, with immense sincerity. While she won the Filmfare Award for the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for 'Yuva', she was also nominated in the same category for 'Veer Zaara'.

From a young college student to a successful boutique owner, Rani displayed the evolution of a prudish girl into a mature woman, beautifully in this fun rom-com.

Even though 'Yuva' was a male-oriented flick, Rani managed to hold her ground as the feisty and righteous wife of Abhishek Bachchan's character. She won the Filmfare Award for the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the film.

A remake of Mani Ratnam's Tamil original Alaipayuthey, 'Saathiya' almost resurrected Rani's failing career which wasn't going great post 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. Playing a medical student who runs away from home with her lover, Rani delivered a graceful and honest performance that won her, her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Rani Mukherjee is one of the very few actresses in tinsel town who never followed a formula. With a not-so-steady start in Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat, she was first noticed in Karan Johar's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Over the years, her choice of films have seen a drastic shift from playing safe to going unconventional. As the dusky damsel turns a year older, here's looking at her 8 incredible performances which she aced like a Queen.