Who was more popular between Rani and Preity during their prime - Page 2

Originally posted by: Blood_Sacrifice

I am not asking who the better actress is because Rani obviously is the one. I am also not asking who do you like more today or who is doing better now.

However in the 2000s decade, who was more popular with the audience? I think Preity was the bigger star during 2000-2003 while Rani was the bigger star between 2004-2007. At their respective primes, I think Rani was slightly bigger and more respected as an actress.

But in terms of popularity, I think Preity was the heartthrob across both men and women in the early 2000s. She was the male fantasy of her time after Ash. In terms of hit too, she had a better track record than Rani or even Ash or KK or PC. Like in 2003, the top 3 grossers belonged to her (a record). In 2004 too, the top grosser belonged to her. Up until 2006 or so she barely had any flops.

What say?

And today in retrospect, Rani is the bigger star by far, Preity's legacy has not held up well at all.

Originally posted by: Rekha_ji

You have written the perfect analysis. Every sentence = tea. The only thing I'd slightly tweak would be to say that Rani also had a very strong following by both male and female. Preity was well ahead of Rani from 2000 to 2004. Rani overtook her in early 2005 when she won all those awards and the release of Black and Bunty Aur Babli.

And today in retrospect, Rani is the bigger star by far, Preity's legacy has not held up well at all.

Rani certainly was popular, but I think her popularity was below the level of Ash or Preity until 2004 or so. I mean, Ash was literally the numero uno actress of the early 200s with HDDCS, Mohabbatein, HDAPH and finally Devdas, when Rani only had Saathiya. Preity too was going strong with KK, DCH, KMG and finally KHNH. When Rani had Saathiya, Ash out-grossed her with Devdas. When Rani had the moderately successful CC, Preity had 2 of the biggest hit in KMG and KHNH. But then 2004 Rani literally outshined everyone with 3 big films (VZ, HT, Yuva), while Preity only had VZ (even there Rani outshined her). After that Rani continued until 2007 or so. They were pretty neck to neck then I think.

Of course it's a totally different story today.

Originally posted by: kusima

sick of this term 'male fantasy' to measure actresses' popularity

How is that not a barometer for popularity? Men comprises 50% of the population, if they fantasize about someone, that person is popular to half of the population. Not to mention the craze men make about them (ala Madhuri, Ash, Katrina) would contribute to the popularity.

Originally posted by: Blood_Sacrifice

How is that not a barometer for popularity? Men comprises 50% of the population, if they fantasize about someone, that person is popular to half of the population. Not to mention the craze men make about them (ala Madhuri, Ash, Katrina) would contribute to the popularity.

why is ajay devgan a superstar then, hard to believe that someone will fantasize about him

This fantasy thing is only limited to actresses

Guys preity much liked Priety more.

But Rani was a bigger star always.

rani was more popular

I'd say both were equally popular.👍🏼

Preity had a more bubbly/vivacious vibe going on with her. Children and young men adored her. 👏

Rani had a more feminine charm to her, and girls related more with her I think.

Acting wise, Rani was miles ahead. KANK is the only film where Preity overshadowed Rani.

That too, because of the vast differences in the roles they portrayed.

Zinta will always be popular in my heart 💜❤️

It was Rani who was the top actress and most popular, most versatile actress back then with equal appeal among urban, NRI audiences and masses. She was called Rani Hindustani back then and won favorite actress polls, awards every year. Aamir Khan said if there was an actress who came closest to holding sway over masses after Madhuri Dixit, it was Rani. In all episodes of Jai Jawan also, jawans would request to meet Rani or call her their favorite actress. Rani was most requested actress on Jai Jawan show as well.

Came there purely on public demand.

Rani was versatile, worked with all top stars, appealed to all generations and vowed critics and masses alike. She was totally untouchable, reached pinnacle after Yuva, Black, Bunty aur Babli. She is the only actress apart from Aishwarya Rai who made it to top 5 in Filmfare Power list back then.

Preity was popular but only among younger people and kids. She was never considered versatile and had a more urban or cute girl image. So her popularity never really went to masses, cutting across all ages or sections of society.

Coming to your question, it is undoubtedly Rani who was darling of masses and critics in early 2000s before her career went a bit downhill from 2007.

Even now, her No one Killed Jessica and Mardaani films are critically acclaimed, do well, unlike Preity whose later work is not much to talk of.

Originally posted by: Blood_Sacrifice

How is that not a barometer for popularity? Men comprises 50% of the population, if they fantasize about someone, that person is popular to half of the population. Not to mention the craze men make about them (ala Madhuri, Ash, Katrina) would contribute to the popularity.