Krishna Mukerji, Rani's mother and veteran playback singer, passes away at 75
Synopsis
Bollywood's oldest and closest ties showed at Pawan Hans Crematorium on Tuesday — Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar and Anil Kapoor gathered to mourn Krishna Mukerji, 75, the playback singer and matriarch whose quiet encouragement put Rani Mukerji on the path to stardom.
Key Takeaways
Krishna Mukerji , mother of actress Rani Mukerji , passed away on 22 September 2026 at the age of 75 .
Last rites were held at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai .
Shah Rukh Khan with Gauri Khan , Alia Bhatt , Karan Johar , and Anil Kapoor were among those who attended.
The family issued a statement requesting privacy, expressing gratitude for 'love, prayers, and support'.
Krishna Mukerji was a playback singer known for the 1982 track 'Idd Ke Din Gale Mil Le Raja' from 'Teesri Aankh' .
She was married to the late filmmaker Ram Mukerji , a co-founder of Filmalaya Studios .
Veteran playback singer and Bollywood matriarch Krishna Mukerji, mother of actress Rani Mukerji, passed away on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, at the age of 75. Her last rites were conducted at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, with several prominent names from the Hindi film industry arriving to pay their respects.
Industry Turns Out at Juhu Crematorium
Actor Shah Rukh Khan arrived alongside wife Gauri Khan under heavy security to offer his condolences. Filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Alia Bhatt were also present, with shutterbugs capturing their arrival. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor was among the other prominent names from the film fraternity spotted at the funeral.
Family's Statement Requesting Privacy
Earlier on Tuesday, the family issued a formal statement confirming Krishna Mukerji's passing. 'With heavy hearts, we share that Rani Mukerji's mother Mrs Krishna Mukerji, 75, passed away this afternoon. The family is deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and support, and respectfully requests privacy during this time of immense grief,' the statement read.
A Life Rooted in Cinema and Music
Krishna Mukerji was a playback singer best remembered for lending her voice to the track 'Idd Ke Din Gale Mil Le Raja' from the 1982 film 'Teesri Aankh'. She was married to the late filmmaker Ram Mukerji, one of the founders of Filmalaya Studios in Mumbai, who is remembered for directorial works including 'Hum Hindustani' (1960) and 'Leader' (1964). The couple had two children: actress Rani Mukerji and filmmaker-producer Raja Mukherjee.
The Bond Between Mother and Daughter
Krishna Mukerji was widely described as a constant and steadfast presence in Rani's life. On multiple public occasions, Rani spoke warmly of their close bond, and once revealed that it was her mother who encouraged her to enter films. Her passing marks the end of a formative chapter for one of Bollywood's most celebrated families, and the industry's swift turnout at the crematorium was a testament to the respect she commanded.
Point of View
She was a quiet thread running through decades of Hindi cinema. The industry's prompt gathering at Juhu reflects both genuine affection and the tight social bonds that still define the film fraternity. What mainstream coverage tends to underplay is her own artistic identity — she was a singer in her own right before she became known primarily as Rani's mother.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Krishna Mukerji?
Krishna Mukerji was a veteran Bollywood playback singer and the mother of actress Rani Mukerji. She was best known for her voice in the track 'Idd Ke Din Gale Mil Le Raja' from the 1982 film 'Teesri Aankh', and was married to the late filmmaker Ram Mukerji, co-founder of Filmalaya Studios.
When and where did Krishna Mukerji pass away?
Krishna Mukerji passed away on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, at the age of 75. Her last rites were performed at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai.
Which Bollywood celebrities attended Krishna Mukerji's funeral?
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, and Anil Kapoor were among the prominent film industry figures who attended her last rites in Juhu.
What did Rani Mukerji's family say after Krishna Mukerji's death?
The family issued a statement saying, 'With heavy hearts, we share that Rani Mukerji's mother Mrs Krishna Mukerji, 75, passed away this afternoon.' They thanked well-wishers and requested privacy during their grief.
What is the connection between Krishna Mukerji and Rani Mukerji's career?
According to Rani Mukerji, it was her mother Krishna who encouraged her to join films. Rani has spoken on multiple public occasions about their close bond and her mother's formative influence on her life and career.
