In pictures: Rani Mukerji's complete style evolution

Born to Ram and Krishna Mukherjee, a renowned film director and playback singer respectively, and with Bengali actor Debashree Roy for an aunt and Kajol for a cousin, foraying into Bollywood was a natural step for Rani Mukerji. Having made her debut in 1996, Mukerji’s over two-decade-long trajectory is also dotted with several conversation-starter sartorial moments.

Filmography

The star started her career in the Hindi film industry social drama Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1997), for which she garnered critical acclaim. She followed it up with two blockbusters—Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), for which she won a Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Ghulam (1998). Already a household name by early noughties, she further substantiated her place as a Yash Raj star with several hits to her credit including Saathiya (2002), Hum Tum (2004), Veer Zaara (2004) and Bunty Aur Babli (2005) among others. The role of a headstrong television reporter in the thriller No One Killed Jessica (2011) earned her another Best Supporting Actress trophy at Filmfare In 2012. She then starred in Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), before essaying the role of a police officer in the crime thriller Mardaani (2014). After a four-year hiatus from the silver screen since her daughter was born, Mukerji returned to acting with the portrayal of Tourette syndrome in the comedy-drama Hichki (2019). Her latest endeavour was Mardaani 2 (2019).

Style files

Much like the promise she showcased with her debut, Rani Mukerji made heads turn with her sartorial choices in her early days into the industry. Through the years, a lot has changed, but the Bengali actor’s wardrobe has a never-ending love affair with friend and Kolkata-based fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Be it an award show, a movie premiere, or just a day out—Mukerji has had a Sabyasachi ensemble for every occasion. You can't blame the star.

She may have cheated on her staple of saris and salwars for dresses (a midnight Donna Karan gown or a crimson dress in 2011). The actor made sure to best complement her ensembles with those kohled amber eyes and lustrous locks. In an industry bogged down by OTT embellishments and vibrant colours, Mukerji made a case for the beige palette in 2012. She even tried several variations too—whether she wore a satin champagne-hued gown for Karan Johar’s 40th birthday celebrations or a Sabyasachi sari or lehenga during the promotion rounds of her supernatural thriller alongside Aamir Khan.

The year when the actor starred in the anthology film Bombay Talkies (2013), Mukerji played with some colour. Her rani pink Raw Mango sari and cobalt blue and green Anuradha Vakil lehenga looks were unmissable in 2013. In 2014, Mukerji took a timeout from the silver screen to tie the knot in a low-key ceremony in Italy with Aditya Chopra. The 42-year-year old leaned on a Sabyasachi creation for her big occasion.

After Mukerji's much-discussed secret wedding to Bollywood producer Aditya Chopra, the star's style has only made a turn for the better. The following years in 2014, 2015 and 2016 saw her gravitating towards all things black. Some of her strongest looks include: a Burberry sheath dress styled with a jacket, a few romantic Sabyasachi saris and even anarkali including the one she wore for the Vogue Beauty Awards. Come 2017, she switched between sharp trousers, ripped jeans and culottes. But more often than not, she complemented it with a relaxed-fit top or a comfy jacket.

The next year saw a resurgence of monochromes. She was seen oscillating between traditional and contemporary ensembles, from wearing a black statement-making sari for Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s reception and even trying her hand at tailoring for the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 20th anniversary party, to an all-white look for Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s mehandi or a snowy off-the-shoulder top with a midi striped skirt.

In more recent times, Rani Mukerji has been spotted relying on trusty classic like trousers with breezy tops or saris like the blush pink Raw Mango creation she wore in 2019. She, however, made sure to up the ante of her attire with a scene-stealing It bag. It would either come courtesy of a pink Louis Vuitton, or a patchwork Gucci. She even kept up with the trend of micro bags, when she reached out for the tiniest cross-body with her organza Sabyasachi sari worn for Armaan Jain’s wedding celebrations in February 2020.

Flip through the photos below to follow Rani Mukerji's style evolution over the years.