She has come far since the days when she was better known only as Kajol's cousin sister. Now, Bollywood diva Rani Mukherji, who turned 30 Friday, is recognised for her powerful emoting and has made her position unshakeable in the Hindi film industry.

From the time she appeared in the 1996 box office dud 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat' to her accomplished performance in 'Black' (2005) - success has not come easy for the actress.

Her short and plump figure made her a difficult choice as the leading lady for many directors, but the Bengali actor proved everyone wrong with her acting prowess.

The 1998 film 'Ghulam', opposite Aamir Khan , was a runaway success and overnight she came to be known as the "Khandala girl" from the song 'Aati kya Khandala' in the film.

Then came Karan Johar's 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' in the same year. Though she played a small role in the Kajol-Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Rani was noticed and liked by everyone. From then on, there was no looking back for the light-eyed beauty.

Rani has played a successful innings and given hits like 'Black' (2005) 'Bunty Aur Babli' (2005), Paheli (2005), 'Veer-Zaara' (2004), 'Hum Tum' (2004), 'Yuva' (2004), 'Chalte Chalte' (2003), 'Saathiya' (2002), and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001).

Last year, she worked in films like 'Ta Ra Rum Pum', 'Laaga Chunari Mein Daag', and 'Saawariya' but unfortunately none was a hit at the box office.

Shruti Seth, an actor who has worked along side Rani in 'Ta Ra Rum Pum', wished her immense success and happiness on her birthday.