Birth Date:15 August 1947
About Me
From Sharmeelee to Aamar Boss: Mapping the 50-Year Journey of Rakhee!
In the annals of Indian cinema, few stars possess the "wine-colored eyes" and profound emotional depth of Rakhee Gulzar. A legendary leading lady of the 1970s and 80s, Rakhee is currently witnessing a massive resurgence. As of March 2026, her recent return to the silver screen in the Bengali blockbuster Aamar Boss has reminded audiences why she remains one of the most revered performers in cinematic history.
Rakhee Gulzar Biography: The Spirit of Independence
Rakhee Majumdar was born on August 15, 1947—the very day India gained independence—in Ranaghat, West Bengal. This coincidence of birth is often cited as the source of her fiercely independent and principled nature, both in her personal life and her career choices.
Personal Profile:
• Full Name: Raakhee Gulzar (née Majumdar)
• Date of Birth: August 15, 1947
• Birthplace: Ranaghat, West Bengal, India
• Family: Daughter of a successful businessman; mother to acclaimed filmmaker Meghna Gulzar.
• Relationship Status: Formerly married to director Ajay Biswas; later married the legendary poet and filmmaker Gulzar in 1973. Though separated shortly after their daughter's birth, the two maintain a deep, respectful bond.
• Key Traits: Known for her "limpid" eyes, haunting voice, and a refusal to conform to typical "glamour" tropes of the 70s.
Filmography: From Romantic Lead to Iconic Mother
Rakhee’s career spans over 100 films, characterized by her ability to share the screen with giants like Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan while often receiving top billing herself.
The Golden Era (1970s–1980s)
• Jeevan Mrityu (1970): Her successful Bollywood debut opposite Dharmendra.
• Sharmeelee (1971): A career-defining dual role (Kamini and Kanchan) that showcased her immense range.
• Kabhi Kabhie (1976): Played "Pooja," the muse of Amitabh Bachchan’s character, in what is considered one of the greatest romantic dramas of all time.
• Tapasya (1976): A nuanced performance that won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
• Paroma (1985): A bold, critically acclaimed Bengali film directed by Aparna Sen, where Rakhee portrayed a housewife’s self-discovery.
The "Karan Arjun" Legacy
In the 90s, Rakhee transitioned into powerful matriarchal roles, most notably:
• Ram Lakhan (1989): Won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Sharda.
• Karan Arjun (1995): Her dialogue "Mere Karan Arjun aayenge" (My Karan and Arjun will come) became one of the most iconic memes and lines in Indian pop culture history.
The 2025–2026 Comeback
After a nearly 22-year hiatus since Shubho Mahurat (2003), Rakhee returned to the screen:
• Aamar Boss (Released May 9, 2025): Directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, this family drama saw Rakhee playing Subhra Goswami, an elderly mother who enters the corporate world as a trainee. The film was a box-office hit in Bengal and trended globally upon its OTT release in late 2025.
• Current Status (2026): While she recently made headlines for her "frank and spirited" interactions at press events, Rakhee has officially stated she is unlikely to return to Bollywood, preferring projects that connect deeply with her cultural roots.
Awards & Accolades
• Padma Shri (2003): India’s fourth-highest civilian honor for her contribution to the arts.
• National Film Awards: Won for Ram Lakhan (1989) and Shubho Mahurat (2003).
• Filmfare Awards: A multi-time winner, most notably for Tapasya and Daag.
• Lifetime Achievement: Honored by various international film festivals for her four-decade career.
Quick Highlights
• Total Movies: 100+ across Hindi and Bengali cinema.
• Most Frequent Co-star: Shashi Kapoor (10 films).
• Last Major Hit: Aamar Boss (2025).
• 2026 Focus: Quiet living in her farmhouse, occasional selective Bengali cinema.
Rakhee Gulzar's films' availability: You can watch Rakhee Gulzar's films on B4U Movies Channels of India, UK, USA, Canada, and UAE. You can check country-specific schedule pages here.
- B4U Movies India
- B4U Kadak India
- B4U Movies UK
- B4U Movies USA
- B4U Movies Canada
- B4U Movies UAE
