Rani Mukherjee in a still from Babul. Photo Credit: BR Films19 June 2007 (Sawf News) - Bollywood star Rani Mukerhee, 29, is all set to marry film maker Aditya Chopra, 36, son of Yash Raj Chopra. A commitment ceremony or "Roka" was held Monday at the Chopra bungalow in Bombay.
A source close to the family told the Hindustan Times:
"The roka took place at the same Chopra bungalow where Chandni was shot. Around 60 people (family and friends) attended the ceremony that included Rani's parents Ram and Krishna Mukherjee, brother Raja and his wife. Present from the Chopra clan were brother Uday, dad Yash Chopra and mum Pamela Chopra."
"Rani wore a maroon saari with silver embroidery and Aditya wore a kurta-pyjama, both designed by designer Pallavi Jaikishan. Pam aunty didn't seem very happy, as she has a soft corner for Adi's ex-wife, Payal. Another function will take place at Rani's house next week," the source added.
Aditya was recently divorced from Payal Chopra, whom he married in 2001.
According to the Mumbai Mirror, Aditya's decision to divorce Payal Chopra née Khanna, who is the daughter of a close friend of father Yash Raj, has strained relations between the father and son.
To express their solidarity and affection for her the Chopras have bought a Rs 3.5 crore flat for Payal at Khar, into which he has reportedly moved in.
Yash Raj has also reportedly asked Aditya to 'move out of the business'.
Aditya and Rani first worked together in Yash Raj Films' (YRF) Saathiya (2002). Rani went on to star in other films produced under the banner such as Mujhse Dosti Karoge (2002), Hum Tum (2002), Veer-Zaara (2004), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Tara Rum Pum (2007) and the forthcoming Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.
Somewhere along the way a romance sparked between the two. They have been reportedly dating since the past two years but have never been seen in public together.
Aditya is averse to publicity and has never appeared on television. However, he is credited with the phenomenal growth of the Yash Raj Banner from a modest film company in 1995 to a Rs.1000 crores empire today.
Aditya’s first film, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995) with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol turned out to be the biggest success story ever of Bollywood. The film continues its uninterrupted run in a theatre in Bombay till today.
Aditya's Midas touch was evident in subsequent YRF film releases also.
However, lately the banner is showing signs of faltering. Neal 'N' Nikki (2006) was an unmitigated flop, Kabul Express (2006), Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007) and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) have not had great runs either.
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