Cinema VinesRani Mukerji’s mother, Krishna Mukerji, passed away on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 75, prompting a wave of condolences from the Bollywood fraternity. The family released a brief statement confirming the death and requesting privacy, saying: “With heavy hearts, we share that Rani Mukerji’s mother Mrs Krishna Mukerji, 75, passed away this afternoon. The family is deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and support, and respectfully requests privacy during this time of immense grief.”
Friends and relatives gathered for Krishna’s last rites, with high‑profile attendees arriving in the early hours. Filmmaker‑producer Karan Johar was seen arriving to pay his respects, while Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan also made an appearance under heavy security. Anil Kapoor, Rani’s cousin and filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, and actress Alia Bhatt were among others spotted at the funeral. The event drew significant media attention, with paparazzi capturing the procession and the star‑filled attendance.
Krishna Mukerji, a playback singer best known for her 1982 hit “Idd Ke Din Gale Mil Le Raja” from the film Teesri Aankh, was married to filmmaker Ram Mukerji, one of the founders of Filmalaya Studios. Ram Mukerji’s notable works include the 1960 film Hum Hindustani and the 1964 classic Leader, both starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.
Despite encouraging her daughter to pursue acting, Krishna initially doubted Rani’s suitability after seeing her first screen test for the 1996 film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. In a 2025 interview, Rani recalled that Krishna warned the producer, saying, “I think you’ll ruin your film by taking my daughter. You’ll go through losses. Better you don’t take her.” The producer, however, was determined to cast Rani, and the actress went on to star in blockbuster hits such as Ghulam and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, cementing her status as one of Hindi cinema’s leading actresses.
As the industry mourns the loss of a beloved singer and matriarch, the outpouring of support from peers underscores Krishna Mukerji’s enduring influence on Bollywood and the personal bonds that shaped Rani’s illustrious career.
