Krishna Mukerji, Rani Mukerji’s Mother and Early Career Guide, Dies at 75
Krishna Mukerji, the mother of Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji, died on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the age of 75. Her death was confirmed by the Mukerji family, with Yash Raj Films also conveying the news and requesting privacy for the family.
The family said it was deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support extended to them and asked people to respect their privacy during the period of mourning. No cause of death has been officially disclosed, and details of the funeral arrangements have not been made public.
Krishna Mukerji had remained an important figure in Rani’s personal life as well as in the early stages of her acting career. Rani has spoken several times about the influence her mother had on her decision to enter films, even though Krishna initially had doubts about whether her daughter was ready for the profession.
A mother who played a central role in Rani’s career
Krishna was a former playback singer who worked in both Bengali and Hindi cinema. Film records credit her with playback work in films including Haiwan and Teesri Aankh.
Rani followed her parents into the film industry, although she has said that becoming an actor was not initially her own plan.
In an interview in 2025, Rani recalled that her father, filmmaker Ram Mukherjee, had not initially been in favour of her pursuing acting. Her mother also had reservations after seeing Rani’s first screen test.
Rani said Krishna had even advised producer Salim Akhtar not to cast her in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, fearing that her performance could hurt the film. Despite those doubts, the producer went ahead with Rani’s casting. The 1996 film became her first Hindi feature as a leading actor.
That early episode reflected a relationship in which Krishna was willing to be candid about her daughter’s work while remaining closely involved in her career.
Krishna celebrated Rani’s National Award
Krishna was able to see her daughter receive one of the biggest honours of her career.
Rani won the National Film Award for Best Actress at the 71st National Film Awards for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The recognition came after more than three decades in Hindi cinema.
In October 2025, Krishna spoke publicly about the award and said she was proud of her daughter, while also expressing the view that Rani should have received the honour earlier for her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black.
The comments offered a glimpse into how closely Krishna continued to follow her daughter’s career even after Rani had established herself as one of Hindi cinema’s prominent actors.
Rani herself has also spoken about the significance of her parents to her professional journey. In comments reported after her National Award win, she described the recognition as particularly personal and connected her award to the blessings of both her late father and her mother.
A family rooted in Indian cinema
Krishna was married to filmmaker Ram Mukherjee, who died in 2017 at the age of 84. Ram was one of the founders of Filmalaya Studios and worked as a director and producer in Hindi and Bengali cinema. He also produced Rani’s Hindi debut, Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat.
The Mukerji family has longstanding connections with the Indian film industry. Krishna’s sister was Bengali actor Debashree Roy, while Rani is related to several other members of the broader Mukherji-Samarth film family.
Krishna herself had a career in music before becoming primarily known to the public as Rani Mukerji’s mother.
Cause of death and funeral details remain undisclosed
As of September 22, the family has not publicly disclosed the cause of Krishna Mukerji’s death. Reports circulating about a possible health-related cause have not been confirmed by the family, so they have not been included here as fact.
The family has also not announced funeral or last-rites arrangements publicly.
For now, the central information confirmed by the family is that Krishna Mukerji died on Tuesday at the age of 75 and that relatives have asked for privacy.
Her death marks another major personal loss for Rani Mukerji, who lost her father nearly nine years ago. Krishna remained a visible source of support and a candid voice throughout her daughter’s long film career.
The family’s request for privacy means further details about the circumstances of her death and funeral will depend on any subsequent statement from relatives or their representatives.
