Krishna Mukerji, mother of Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji, passes away at age 75.

Krishna Mukerji’s playback-singing legacy included the Bengali and Hindi film industries, including the song “Idd Ke Din Gale Mil Le Raja” from the film Teesri Aankh.
Rani Mukerji said her mother initially viewed her acting ability critically: after watching her screen test for Raja Ki Aayegi Barat, Krishna reportedly warned the producer that casting her daughter could cause losses.
Krishna Mukerji had said Rani deserved her National Award for Black, arguing that the honor for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway came “very late,” though she emphasized how proud she was of her daughter.
Krishna and Ram Mukerji had two children, Rani and filmmaker Raja Mukerji, both of whom carried forward the family’s connection to cinema.
Krishna’s influence extended into Rani’s work: she was described as the real-life inspiration for the actor’s fiercely protective mother character in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
Krishna Mukerji, mother of Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji, died in Mumbai on Tuesday at age 75 after a brief illness, Zoom TV Entertainment reported. The family requested privacy during this time of mourning and did not disclose the cause. Krishna was a former playback singer who shaped her daughter's acting career and remained a powerful presence in her life.
Rani often credited her mother with pushing her toward acting. Krishna's influence extended beyond advice—she became the real-life inspiration for the fiercely protective mother character in Rani's National Award-winning film Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Economic Times noted.
Krishna Mukerji carved out a legacy in Bengali and Hindi cinema as a playback singer. She performed songs including "Idd Ke Din Gale Mil Le Raja" from the film Teesri Aankh. Her connection to cinema ran deep—she married Ram Mukerji, co-founder of Filmalaya Studios, and their two children, Rani and filmmaker Raja Mukerji, both entered the film industry.
Krishna was not always convinced her daughter should act. When Rani screened for the film Raja Ki Aayegi Barat, Krishna reportedly warned the producer that casting her daughter could hurt the project. Yet this critical eye pushed Rani to prove herself and work harder on her craft.
As Rani's career flourished, Krishna became her proudest cheerleader. She believed Rani deserved recognition earlier—and said the National Award for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway came "very late," Economic Times reported. Still, Krishna expressed deep pride in her daughter's achievement and in the awards that finally recognized her talent.
Rani frequently spoke about how her mother shaped her success. She credited Krishna with encouraging her to pursue acting when she might have doubted herself. In interviews, Rani described their bond as close and protective—qualities she drew on when building the character of the strong mother in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
The Indian film fraternity mourned Krishna's passing, Social News reported. The family issued a formal statement through Yash Raj Films, asking for privacy and grace as they grieve. Krishna's legacy now lives on through Rani's performances and the values she instilled—strength, resilience, and a fierce commitment to excellence in cinema.
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