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A hard-working actress with tremendous screen presence, the decade saw Rani emerge, peak and falter.
If the early few years recognised her versatile talent in Hey! Ram and Bichhoo, box office realised her worth through hits like Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.

With her vibrant portrayal of Suhaani in Saathiya (2002), Rani came into her own creating her own niche through meaty and fiery parts in Chalte Chalte, Yuva, Hum Tum and Veer Zaara.

2005 turned out to be rather precious for the light-eyed star. Playing a severely handicapped Michelle McNally in Black won Rani huge respect and admiration as a keen actress with an eye for detail. In complete contrast, she played a plucky con-woman in Bunty Aur Babli. Even though her part in Paheli wasn't high on histrionics, Rani looked her best and portrayed her Lachchi with dazzling aesthetics.

Unfortunately, the going was not so good after that. Her fondness for soppy melodramas and refusal to get out of the Yash Raj comfort zone resulted in a series of flops like Baabul, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Even though Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna made its money, Rani earned flak for her soulless performance.

2009's Dil Bole Hadippa, in which she plays a girl parading as a Sardar boy for the love of cricket, was expected to change things for the better but did not. Nonetheless, the decade ended on an optimistic note as her gutsy portrayal of an investigative journalist in 2011's No One ****ed Jessica generated major buzz.

Image: Rani Mukerji