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Bollywood Film Families: Kajol to Rani Mukerji, the marvelous Mukherjee-Samarths

Updated On: 22 October, 2023 02:44 PM IST | Tuhina Upadhyay

Bollywood Film Families: The Mukherjee-Samarth family boasts a lineup of incredibly famous actresses and filmmakers in Indian cinema, including Nutan, Tanuja, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Ayan Mukerji.

Bollywood Film Families: The Mukherjee-Samarth family boasts a lineup of incredibly famous actresses and filmmakers in Indian cinema, including Nutan, Tanuja, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Ayan Mukerji.

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Bollywood Film Families: The Mukherjee-Samarth family boasts a lineup of incredibly famous actresses and filmmakers in Indian cinema, including Nutan, Tanuja, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Ayan Mukerji.

1st GenerationThe saga begins with Rattan Bai, an icon of her time, gracing the silver screen in the 1930s. As the era of talkies dawned, she brought to life unforgettable characters in films like "Sitara" (1938), "Bhikharan" (1935), and "Bharat Ki Beti" (1935). Notably, Rattan Bai was the mother of the iconic actress Shobhana Samarth, setting the stage for generations to come.

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1st GenerationThe saga begins with Rattan Bai, an icon of her time, gracing the silver screen in the 1930s. As the era of talkies dawned, she brought to life unforgettable characters in films like "Sitara" (1938), "Bhikharan" (1935), and "Bharat Ki Beti" (1935). Notably, Rattan Bai was the mother of the iconic actress Shobhana Samarth, setting the stage for generations to come.

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2nd GenerationShobhana Samarth, a talented actress who also took on roles as a director and producer, became a major presence during the early days of Indian cinema. Her career spanned both Marathi and Hindi films, and she left a lasting mark on the industry. Shobhana Samarth`s impact wasn`t limited to her performances; she also played a pivotal role behind the scenes, producing and directing films that set the stage for her daughters, Nutan and Tanuja, to make their mark in the film world, solidifying their family`s enduring influence in the industry.

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2nd GenerationShobhana Samarth, a talented actress who also took on roles as a director and producer, became a major presence during the early days of Indian cinema. Her career spanned both Marathi and Hindi films, and she left a lasting mark on the industry. Shobhana Samarth`s impact wasn`t limited to her performances; she also played a pivotal role behind the scenes, producing and directing films that set the stage for her daughters, Nutan and Tanuja, to make their mark in the film world, solidifying their family`s enduring influence in the industry.

In a significant turn of events, she married Kumarsen Samarth and became the mother of three daughters – Nutan, Tanuja, and Chatura – and a son named Jaideep.

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In a significant turn of events, she married Kumarsen Samarth and became the mother of three daughters – Nutan, Tanuja, and Chatura – and a son named Jaideep. 

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Sashadhar Mukherjee, a film producer who made his mark in the 1930s with Bombay Talkies, went on to create Filmistan Studio and his independent venture, Filmalaya. His notable works include movies like "Dil Deke Dekho" (1959), "Love in Simla" (1960), "Ek Musafir Ek Hasina" (1962), and "Leader" (1964). Sashadhar`s personal life was equally intriguing as he was married to Sati Devi. Interestingly, her brothers, Anoop Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Kishore Kumar, were prominent figures in the film industry. Together, Sashadhar and Sati Devi had a family of six children, comprising four sons and two daughters: Rono Mukherjee, Joy Mukherjee, Deb Mukherjee, Shomu Mukherjee, Shibani Maulik, and Subir Mukherjee. Their journey is a fascinating chapter in the world of Indian cinema.

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Sashadhar Mukherjee, a film producer who made his mark in the 1930s with Bombay Talkies, went on to create Filmistan Studio and his independent venture, Filmalaya. His notable works include movies like "Dil Deke Dekho" (1959), "Love in Simla" (1960), "Ek Musafir Ek Hasina" (1962), and "Leader" (1964). Sashadhar`s personal life was equally intriguing as he was married to Sati Devi. Interestingly, her brothers, Anoop Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Kishore Kumar, were prominent figures in the film industry. Together, Sashadhar and Sati Devi had a family of six children, comprising four sons and two daughters: Rono Mukherjee, Joy Mukherjee, Deb Mukherjee, Shomu Mukherjee, Shibani Maulik, and Subir Mukherjee. Their journey is a fascinating chapter in the world of Indian cinema.

3rd GenerationNutan was an incredible actress who shone on the big screen for about forty years. She became famous for taking on unusual and challenging roles in movies like "Sujata" (1959) and "Bandini" (1963), earning her a reputation as one of the best actors in Indian cinema. Her performances were not only critically acclaimed but also adored by audiences. Her life took a new turn when she married Lieutenant-Commander Rajnish Bahl, and together they welcomed their son, Mohnish, in 1961.

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3rd GenerationNutan was an incredible actress who shone on the big screen for about forty years. She became famous for taking on unusual and challenging roles in movies like "Sujata" (1959) and "Bandini" (1963), earning her a reputation as one of the best actors in Indian cinema. Her performances were not only critically acclaimed but also adored by audiences. Her life took a new turn when she married Lieutenant-Commander Rajnish Bahl, and together they welcomed their son, Mohnish, in 1961.

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Tanuja, who happens to be Nutan`s sister, had a successful career in Hindi and Bengali films. She teamed up with big-name actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Dharmendra, creating movies that won over the audience.

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Tanuja, who happens to be Nutan`s sister, had a successful career in Hindi and Bengali films. She teamed up with big-name actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Dharmendra, creating movies that won over the audience. 

Her marriage to filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee resulted in the birth of two talented daughters, Kajol and Tanisha.

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Her marriage to filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee resulted in the birth of two talented daughters, Kajol and Tanisha.

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Joy Mukherjee, the child of Sashadhar Mukherjee, made his debut alongside Sadhana in the film "Love in Simla" in 1960. Following this, he shared the screen with Asha Parekh in several successful films like "Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon," "Love in Tokyo," "Ziddi," and "Hum Hindustani." In a significant career move, he directed Rajesh Khanna in "Chailla Babu" in 1977, which became a major box office hit. He was happily married to Neelam, and they were blessed with two sons, Monjoy (also known as Toy), Sujoy (also known as Boy), and a daughter named Simran.

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Joy Mukherjee, the child of Sashadhar Mukherjee, made his debut alongside Sadhana in the film "Love in Simla" in 1960. Following this, he shared the screen with Asha Parekh in several successful films like "Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon," "Love in Tokyo," "Ziddi," and "Hum Hindustani." In a significant career move, he directed Rajesh Khanna in "Chailla Babu" in 1977, which became a major box office hit. He was happily married to Neelam, and they were blessed with two sons, Monjoy (also known as Toy), Sujoy (also known as Boy), and a daughter named Simran.

Ram Mukherjee, a prominent figure in Hindi and Bengali cinema, made a mark as a film director, producer, and screenwriter. He co-founded Filmalaya Studios in Mumbai and is renowned for his work in classics like "Hum Hindustani" (1960) and "Leader" (1964), featuring legendary actors Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. His family connections run deep, with his father being the elder brother of the well-known Sashadhar Mukherjee. Adding to the family`s artistic legacy, his wife, Krishna Mukherjee, was a playback singer and the sister of Bengali actress Debashri Roy. Ram also played a pivotal role in nurturing his daughter Rani Mukerji`s career, directing and producing her film debut, "Biyer Phool," in 1996 and facilitating her Hindi film debut with "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat" in 1997. Their son, Raja Mukherjee, started as his father`s assistant in the film industry and later ventured into acting, making his debut with "Bidhatar Khela" in 2007.

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Ram Mukherjee, a prominent figure in Hindi and Bengali cinema, made a mark as a film director, producer, and screenwriter. He co-founded Filmalaya Studios in Mumbai and is renowned for his work in classics like "Hum Hindustani" (1960) and "Leader" (1964), featuring legendary actors Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. His family connections run deep, with his father being the elder brother of the well-known Sashadhar Mukherjee. Adding to the family`s artistic legacy, his wife, Krishna Mukherjee, was a playback singer and the sister of Bengali actress Debashri Roy. Ram also played a pivotal role in nurturing his daughter Rani Mukerji`s career, directing and producing her film debut, "Biyer Phool," in 1996 and facilitating her Hindi film debut with "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat" in 1997. Their son, Raja Mukherjee, started as his father`s assistant in the film industry and later ventured into acting, making his debut with "Bidhatar Khela" in 2007.

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4th GenerationMohnish Bahl is a well-known face in both movies and television, earning recognition for his work. In the film world, he often played supporting roles and was part of hit movies like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. On the personal front, he is happily married to actress Ekta Sohini, and they have two children together, Pranutan Bahl and Krishaa Bahl. Interestingly, Pranutan also followed in her family`s footsteps and made her acting debut in the 2019 film Notebook.

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4th GenerationMohnish Bahl is a well-known face in both movies and television, earning recognition for his work. In the film world, he often played supporting roles and was part of hit movies like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. On the personal front, he is happily married to actress Ekta Sohini, and they have two children together, Pranutan Bahl and Krishaa Bahl. Interestingly, Pranutan also followed in her family`s footsteps and made her acting debut in the 2019 film Notebook.

Kajol, the daughter of Tanuja and Shomu Mukherjee, stepped into the world of acting with her debut in "Bekhudi" in 1992. Her first big commercial hit came with "Baazigar" in 1993, where she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan. This successful pairing continued with blockbusters like "Karan-Arjun," "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995), and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998). Kajol`s versatile talent was evident when she portrayed a psychopathic killer in "Gupt: The Hidden Truth" (1997) and an avenger in "Dushman" (1998), earning critical acclaim. Her acting prowess often drew comparisons to her aunt Nutan, solidifying her status as one of the most gifted actresses in Hindi cinema.

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Kajol, the daughter of Tanuja and Shomu Mukherjee, stepped into the world of acting with her debut in "Bekhudi" in 1992. Her first big commercial hit came with "Baazigar" in 1993, where she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan. This successful pairing continued with blockbusters like "Karan-Arjun," "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995), and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998). Kajol`s versatile talent was evident when she portrayed a psychopathic killer in "Gupt: The Hidden Truth" (1997) and an avenger in "Dushman" (1998), earning critical acclaim. Her acting prowess often drew comparisons to her aunt Nutan, solidifying her status as one of the most gifted actresses in Hindi cinema. 

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Kajol`s life took a beautiful turn when she married Ajay Devgn, and together, they welcomed two wonderful children into their family.

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Kajol`s life took a beautiful turn when she married Ajay Devgn, and together, they welcomed two wonderful children into their family.

Tanisha Mukerji, Kajol`s younger sister, has appeared in movies such as "Neal N Nikki," "Sarkar," and "Tango Charlie." She also had a notable stint as the first runner-up on Bigg Boss 7.

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Tanisha Mukerji, Kajol`s younger sister, has appeared in movies such as "Neal N Nikki," "Sarkar," and "Tango Charlie." She also had a notable stint as the first runner-up on Bigg Boss 7.

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Rani Mukerji, a well-known actress hailing from the Mukherjee family and the daughter of Ram Mukherjee, didn`t let a shaky start slow her down. She quickly bounced back from an initial underwhelming debut and went on to achieve success with movies like "Ghulam" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." Her breakthrough came with "Saathiya" in 2002, marking a turning point in her career. She continued to shine in several romantic hits such as "Chalte Chalte" (2003), "Hum Tum" (2004), and "Veer-Zaara" (2004). Her filmography boasts other popular titles like "Bunty Aur Babli" (2005), "Yuva," "Black," and "Paheli." In recent years, she transitioned to more performance-oriented roles, showcasing her talent in films like "No One Killed Jessica" (2011), "Talaash: The Answer Lies Within" (2012), "Mardaani" (2014), and its sequel, "Mardaani 2" (2019) and most recently, "Mrs Chaterjee Vs Norway"

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Rani Mukerji, a well-known actress hailing from the Mukherjee family and the daughter of Ram Mukherjee, didn`t let a shaky start slow her down. She quickly bounced back from an initial underwhelming debut and went on to achieve success with movies like "Ghulam" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." Her breakthrough came with "Saathiya" in 2002, marking a turning point in her career. She continued to shine in several romantic hits such as "Chalte Chalte" (2003), "Hum Tum" (2004), and "Veer-Zaara" (2004). Her filmography boasts other popular titles like "Bunty Aur Babli" (2005), "Yuva," "Black," and "Paheli." In recent years, she transitioned to more performance-oriented roles, showcasing her talent in films like "No One Killed Jessica" (2011), "Talaash: The Answer Lies Within" (2012), "Mardaani" (2014), and its sequel, "Mardaani 2" (2019) and most recently, "Mrs Chaterjee Vs Norway"

Media in India closely followed her romance with filmmaker Aditya Chopra, even though she chose to keep it private.

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Media in India closely followed her romance with filmmaker Aditya Chopra, even though she chose to keep it private. 

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In April 2014, they tied the knot in a discreet ceremony in Italy. Just a year later, their joy was doubled when they welcomed their daughter, Adira.

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In April 2014, they tied the knot in a discreet ceremony in Italy. Just a year later, their joy was doubled when they welcomed their daughter, Adira.

Ayan Mukerji, who happens to be the son of Bengali film actor Deb Mukherjee, began his career as an assistant director working alongside Ashutosh Gowariker on "Swades" in 2004. He took his first step into the director`s chair at the young age of 26 with "Wake Up Sid" in 2009, a coming-of-age comedy that received widespread acclaim. His subsequent project, the 2013 film "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani," went on to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films ever. His foray into filmmaking continued with the first installment of his superhero trilogy, "Brahmastra," which featured star power in the form of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt and achieved significant success.

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Ayan Mukerji, who happens to be the son of Bengali film actor Deb Mukherjee, began his career as an assistant director working alongside Ashutosh Gowariker on "Swades" in 2004. He took his first step into the director`s chair at the young age of 26 with "Wake Up Sid" in 2009, a coming-of-age comedy that received widespread acclaim. His subsequent project, the 2013 film "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani," went on to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films ever. His foray into filmmaking continued with the first installment of his superhero trilogy, "Brahmastra," which featured star power in the form of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt and achieved significant success.

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Sharbani Mukherjee, who happens to be the daughter of Rono Mukherjee, the brother of Shomu and Dev, entered the film industry with a bang, making her debut in the successful movie "Border." Her craft includes her performance alongside Samir Soni in the song `Ghar Aaja Soneya,` which was sung by Shazia Mansoor. Sharbani`s talents also extended to the world of Malayalam cinema, where she showcased her skills in several films.

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Sharbani Mukherjee, who happens to be the daughter of Rono Mukherjee, the brother of Shomu and Dev, entered the film industry with a bang, making her debut in the successful movie "Border." Her craft includes her performance alongside Samir Soni in the song `Ghar Aaja Soneya,` which was sung by Shazia Mansoor. Sharbani`s talents also extended to the world of Malayalam cinema, where she showcased her skills in several films.

The family`s story is filled with love, talent, and connections that intertwine with other film families. At its core are figures like Tanuja and Shomu Mukherjee. It all starts with luminaries like Nutan and Shobhana Samarth, whose impact on the film industry is truly legendary.

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The family`s story is filled with love, talent, and connections that intertwine with other film families. At its core are figures like Tanuja and Shomu Mukherjee. It all starts with luminaries like Nutan and Shobhana Samarth, whose impact on the film industry is truly legendary. 

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The next generation, including the famous Kajol and Rani Mukerji, continues to be prominent in the film world. Through marriages that link them to the Devgn and Chopra families, their influence in the film industry grows even more

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The next generation, including the famous Kajol and Rani Mukerji, continues to be prominent in the film world. Through marriages that link them to the Devgn and Chopra families, their influence in the film industry grows even more

Looking ahead to what Nysa and Yug have in store for the world of movies is something we`re all very excited about.

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Looking ahead to what Nysa and Yug have in store for the world of movies is something we`re all very excited about.

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High tidal waves in Mumbai delay Lalbaugcha Raja`s visarjan

High tidal waves in Mumbai delay Lalbaugcha Raja`s visarjan

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