Krishna Mukerji, mother of Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji, died on Tuesday, 22 September, at the age of 75.
Yash Raj Films confirmed her death in a statement issued on behalf of the family. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and the family has yet to announce details of her last rites.
“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,” the statement said.
Krishna, who maintained a relatively private life, had worked as a playback singer and was associated with the Bengali film industry. She was also the sister of Bengali actor Debashree Roy.
She was often seen supporting Rani at public appearances and remained a familiar presence among the actor’s fans.
Krishna married filmmaker Ram Mukherjee in 1972. He worked in both Hindi and Bengali cinema and was among the founders of Filmalaya Studios in Mumbai. He directed films including Hum Hindustani (1960) and Leader (1964), starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.
Ram also directed and produced Rani’s Bengali debut Biyer Phool in 1996. He died in Mumbai in October 2017 at the age of 84.
The couple had two children, Rani and her elder brother Raja Mukerji, a film producer.
Rani also comes from a prominent film family. Actors Joy Mukherjee and Deb Mukherjee are her uncles, while Kajol, Tanisha Mukerji and filmmaker Ayan Mukerji are among her cousins.
Rani has built a career spanning nearly three decades, with acclaimed films including Ghulam, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Saathiya, Hum Tum and Black. She later became known for leading the Mardaani franchise, with Mardaani 3 being her latest release.
Rani is married to Yash Raj Films chairman Aditya Chopra. The couple have a daughter, Adira.
