In this second part of Bollywood's Top 5 heroines, we profile Rani Mukerji, who emerged the second popular actress in 2003. The unanimous choice was Preity Zinta. Aishwarya Rai earned a fourth place.

Calling Rani Mukerji Bollywood's queen of hearts may be a cliché.

But it is true. With her radiant eyes, warm smile and enchanting screen presence, the daughter of Ram Mukerji, founder of Mumbai's Filmalaya Studios, and cousin of the versatile Kajol, made a rather unconventional debut in films.

While most newcomers opt for gooey love stories, Rani chose to play a rape victim and harassed wife to Amjad Khan's son Shadaab in Salim's Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat.

The film didn't work. Rani did.

Text: Sukanya Verma
Design: Uday Kuckian

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