Rakhee Gulzar, often credited simply as Raakhee, is one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses, known for her powerful performances in both Hindi and Bengali films. Moreover, she ruled the silver screen during the 1970s and 1980s, transitioning gracefully from leading lady to iconic character roles in the 1990s. Furthermore, after a two-decade hiatus, she made a triumphant return to cinema with the 2025 Bengali blockbuster Aamar Boss.
Rakhee Gulzar Biography / Wiki
Who is Rakhee Gulzar?
Rakhee Gulzar is a veteran Indian actress who has appeared in over 90 films during a career spanning five decades. She is the recipient of three Filmfare Awards and two National Film Awards. In addition to her acting prowess, she is known for her unique personal life; she is the estranged wife of the legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar and the mother of acclaimed director Meghna Gulzar. Recently, she has been in the news for her 2025 comeback film, Aamar Boss, which became a significant theatrical hit.
Rakhee Gulzar Age – How Old is She?
Rakhee Gulzar was born on August 15, 1947, the very day India gained independence. As of January 2026, she is 78 years old. She was born in Ranaghat, in the Nadia district of West Bengal.
Early Life and Background
Rakhee was born into a Bengali family in Ranaghat just hours after the partition of India. Her father ran a flourishing shoe business in what became East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) before the family settled in West Bengal.
Rakhee Gulzar young life was marked by struggle and resilience. As a teenager, she had an arranged marriage to journalist and film director Ajay Biswas. However, the marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce as she found it difficult to adjust to the film-oriented environment of his family. Consequently, financial constraints forced her to enter the film industry, a career path she had not originally planned.
Rakhee Gulzar Education
Details regarding Rakhee’s higher education are limited. She received her early education at a local girls’ school in West Bengal. Due to early marriage and financial responsibilities, she reportedly did not attend college, stopping her formal education after high school. However, her articulate nature and grasp of cinema demonstrate a self-taught intelligence that served her well in her career.
Rakhee Gulzar Profession
Rakhee is primarily a film actress who has worked extensively in Hindi (Bollywood) and Bengali cinema. Unlike many of her contemporaries who faded away, she successfully reinvented herself multiple times—first as a glamor icon, then as a serious dramatic actress, and finally as the “strong mother” figure in the 90s.
Rakhee Gulzar Career Journey
The Golden Era (1970s–1980s)
Rakhee made her debut in the Bengali film Bodhu Boron (1967). Her Bollywood breakthrough came with Jeevan Mrityu (1970) opposite Dharmendra. Following this, she delivered hits like Sharmilee (1971), Daag (1973), and Kabhie Kabhie (1976). Her ability to play complex roles, such as in Tapasya (1976), earned her a National Film Award.
The Iconic Mother Roles (1990s)
In the late 80s and 90s, Rakhee transitioned to playing older character roles. She immortalized the “vengeful mother” archetype in the blockbuster Karan Arjun (1995), where her dialogue “Mere Karan Arjun aayenge” became part of pop culture history.
Hiatus and Comeback (2003–2025)
After Rituparno Ghosh’s Shubho Mahurat (2003), for which she won another National Award, Rakhee took a 22-year break from the silver screen. She lived a quiet life at her Panvel farmhouse. However, in May 2025, she made a stunning comeback with the Bengali film ** Aamar Boss **, directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee. The film was a massive commercial success, proving her enduring stardom.
Rakhee Gulzar Movies
Rakhee has an extensive filmography. Some of her most culturally significant works include:
- Jeevan Mrityu (1970)
- Sharmilee (1971)
- Daag (1973)
- Kabhie Kabhie (1976)
- Tapasya (1976)
- Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
- Ram Lakhan (1989)
- Karan Arjun (1995)
- Soldier (1998)
- Shubho Mahurat (2003)
- Aamar Boss (2025)
Rakhee Gulzar Husband and Family
Rakhee Gulzar husband is the celebrated lyricist and director Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra). They married in 1973. However, their marriage faced turbulence early on. Reports suggest that Gulzar wanted her to quit films, a patriarchal condition that caused friction.
The breaking point reportedly occurred during the shoot of the film Aandhi, involving an incident with actor Sanjeev Kumar and actress Suchitra Sen, which led to a confrontation between Rakhee and Gulzar. Consequently, the couple separated just one year after the birth of their daughter, Meghna Gulzar.
Status of Marriage: Interestingly, Rakhee and Gulzar never divorced. They have lived separately for decades but maintain a cordial relationship, co-parenting their daughter and attending family events together. Rakhee famously stated, “We are more well-adjusted than most married couples”.
Rakhee Gulzar Daughter
Her daughter, Meghna Gulzar, is one of India’s most respected filmmakers, known for directing hits like Raazi and Sam Bahadur. Rakhee credits her survival during her separation to the focus she placed on raising Meghna.
Rakhee Gulzar Net Worth
As of 2026, Rakhee Gulzar’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹98 Crore (approximately $12 Million).
- Assets: She owns a sprawling farmhouse in Panvel, on the outskirts of Mumbai, where she spends most of her time gardening and living a quiet life away from the industry spotlight.
- Income Sources: While she stopped acting for years, her recent return with Aamar Boss (2025) likely commanded a significant fee. Additionally, she receives royalties and returns from long-term investments. Her daughter, Meghna Gulzar, also commands a massive net worth in the industry.
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