Mumbai, 22 September (H.S.): Krishna Mukerji, mother of Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji, passed away at the age of 75 on Tuesday afternoon. The news of her demise sent a wave of grief through the Mukerji family and the film industry. Yash Raj Films, in an official statement issued on behalf of the family, confirmed the news and appealed to fans and well-wishers to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

In the statement, Yash Raj Films said the family was deeply saddened by Krishna Mukerji’s passing. The family expressed gratitude for the love, prayers and support they have received during this difficult period and requested everyone to respect their privacy, emotions and time together as they mourn their loss. Details regarding the cause of her death and her last rites have not yet been made public.

An Important Influence on Daughter Rani’s Career

Krishna Mukerji was herself associated with the film industry and had worked as a playback singer in Bengali and Hindi cinema. Her credits include films such as ‘Momer Alo’, ‘Haivan’, ‘Teesri Aankh’ and ‘Tomar Rokte Amar Sohag’. She was married to filmmaker Ram Mukerji, who was among the founders of Filmalaya Studios.

Krishna shared a close bond with her daughter Rani, who has on several occasions described her mother as an important source of inspiration in both her life and acting career. According to reports, Krishna recognised Rani’s acting potential at an early stage and encouraged her to pursue a career in the film industry. Rani has also spoken on various occasions about her mother’s guidance and unwavering support.

An Emotional Loss for the Family

Krishna Mukerji was frequently seen with Rani at public events. The family has always played an important role in Rani’s journey in cinema. Raised in a family with strong film-industry roots, Rani went on to establish a distinct identity for herself in Hindi cinema, building a career spanning nearly three decades with memorable performances in films including ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Saathiya’, ‘Hum Tum’, ‘Black’ and ‘Mardaani’.

Rani’s father, Ram Mukerji, passed away in October 2017. With the death of Krishna Mukerji, the family has now lost another close member. During this difficult period, the family has publicly appealed to everyone to respect their privacy and allow them time to grieve.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar