# Bhojpuri Actress Rani Chatterjee Observes Chhath Puja Every Year Despite Muslim Roots, Know Her Real Name

> Popular Bhojpuri cinema actress Rani Chatterjee follows the four-day Chhath festival with complete devotion every year, despite belonging to a Muslim family. The story behind her transition from Sabiha Sheikh to her current screen name is quite fascinating.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Bhojpuri · **Published:** 2026-11-10 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/bhojpuri/bhojpuri-actress-rani-chatterjee-observes-chhath-puja-every-year-despite-muslim-roots-58556 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Rani Chatterjee, Chhath Puja, Bhojpuri Cinema, Sabiha Sheikh, Manoj Tiwari

The grand festival of Chhath Puja is celebrated with immense enthusiasm every year, and as the four-day rituals approach, traditional folk songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya begin to resonate everywhere. Alongside common citizens, film celebrities also observe this rigorous festival with deep devotion. Within Bhojpuri cinema, several artists participate in Chhath Puja annually without fail. Among them is a prominent actress who belongs to a Muslim family but worships Chhathi Maiya with complete reverence every single year. Let us explore the identity of this actress and the circumstances that led to her adopting the screen name Rani Chatterjee.

## The Fascinating Journey from Sabiha Sheikh to Rani Chatterjee
The actress in question is well-known Bhojpuri star Rani Chatterjee, whose actual birth name is Sabiha Sheikh. In an interview, Rani shared that she holds equal respect for all faiths and performs Chhath Puja annually. She mentioned that people might have rarely seen her offering Islamic prayers, but they have frequently witnessed her participating in traditional worship. She emphasized that she has always respected every religion and regularly seeks the blessings of Chhathi Maiya.

## Facing Social Media Trolling Over Religion and Name
During the same interaction, Rani Chatterjee revealed that she often faces online trolling on social media regarding her real name and religious background. She noted that when younger generations discover she is a Muslim, they post comments and send direct messages calling her fake and accusing her of utilizing a Hindu name. However, Rani maintained that despite adopting this name, she has never shown disrespect to any religious belief or tradition.

Reflecting on her artistic journey, Rani stated that entering the film industry completely transformed her perspective on the world. As a performer, she got the unique opportunity to understand diverse cultures and religions from close quarters. She expressed that sometimes she portrays a Christian woman on screen, sometimes she performs devotional sequences inside a temple, and at other times she records devotional tracks dedicated to Lord Shiva. Embracing every culture translates to truly understanding India, and she deeply cherishes this experiential journey.

## The Surprising Incident Behind Her Screen Name
Recalling the amusing anecdote behind her name change, Rani explained that she was studying in the tenth standard when she commenced shooting for her very first Bhojpuri feature film. The sequence required her to bow down inside a temple and pray at the feet of the deity for her husband's life. Since Manoj Tiwari was starring in the lead role, a massive crowd and numerous media personnel had gathered at the temple premises to watch the shoot.

According to Rani, the film director became concerned that if the temple priest or attendees discovered her Muslim identity, it could create complications for the production team. Consequently, she was instructed to state her name as Rani if anyone inquired, since her character in the movie shared the exact same name. When journalists pressed the film producer for her complete name, he panicked and spontaneously attached the surname Chatterjee to her first name. Nobody anticipated at that moment that the movie would achieve massive commercial success. Upon release, the film triumphed at the box office, transforming Sabiha Sheikh into the renowned Bhojpuri celebrity Rani Chatterjee, a moniker she subsequently embraced as her permanent identity.

## What this means for you
As this article primarily concerns the entertainment industry and cultural harmony, it carries no direct financial, legal, or administrative impact on daily reader routines.

- **Cultural Harmony:** **Across India:** The narrative highlights how artists from diverse backgrounds embrace cultural traditions with mutual respect and inclusivity.
- **Entertainment Industry:** **Bhojpuri Cinema:** The story sheds light on the lesser-known personal background, name transitions, and early struggles of prominent regional film actors.

## Why this happened
This article details the personal life journey of a prominent actress and the circumstances that led to her permanent screen name rather than reporting a sudden breaking news event.

- **Production Precautions:** **Shooting Constraints:** The director suggested using a pseudonym during her first film shoot inside a temple to avoid potential community sensitivities or logistical disruptions.
- **Spontaneous Naming:** **Media Inquiries:** When journalists pressed the producer for her full name on set, the producer spontaneously added a surname to protect the actor's identity.
- **Artistic Evolution:** **Cultural Exposure:** Portraying diverse characters across different religious settings through her film career shaped her deep appreciation for multiculturalism.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What is the real name of Bhojpuri actress Rani Chatterjee?
Rani Chatterjee's actual birth name is Sabiha Sheikh.

### 2. Why did Rani Chatterjee change her name?
Her name was modified during her first film shoot to avoid potential issues during temple sequences, and the producer spontaneously added the surname when pressed by media.

### 3. Does Rani Chatterjee observe Chhath Puja annually?
Yes, despite coming from a Muslim family, Rani Chatterjee performs Chhath Puja with complete devotion every year.

### 4. Which standard was Rani Chatterjee studying in when she started her first film?
She was studying in the tenth standard when she began shooting for her debut feature film.

### 5. Who starred in the lead role alongside Rani Chatterjee in her first film?
Manoj Tiwari starred in the lead role during her debut film shoot.

## Inspiration & Lessons
Rani Chatterjee's journey from a young student to a celebrated star offers valuable lessons on dedication, cultural acceptance, and perseverance in the face of unique circumstances.

- **Early Dedication:** **Starting Young:** Entering the demanding film industry while still in school demonstrates how early focus and commitment can yield long-term success.
- **Respecting Diversity:** **Cultural Tolerance:** True artistry transcends religious boundaries, teaching creators to embrace and respect traditions across different communities.
- **Embracing Identity:** **Name Adaptation:** Adapting to unexpected professional changes with grace can transform an improvised moniker into an iconic and lasting brand.

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