Rani Kapoor is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Coco Cherian.
Rani begins her first relationship with Harley Canning (Justin Holborow) and Cherian stated that her character had really fallen for him and wanted the "whole fairytale".
Cherian told a writer for Dolly that she had been a fan of Neighbours for many years, so she was "excited" to learn from her agent that she had an audition with the serial.
[1] Weeks later, Cherian was out shopping when she received a call from her mother, who told her that she had been offered the role of Rani.
[2] It was also revealed that Rani's parents, Ajay (Sachin Joab) and Priya Kapoor (Menik Gooneratne), would be promoted to the regular cast in early 2012.
"[3] Bower added that having a family of Indian and Sri Lankan heritage join the neighbourhood was very exciting.
"[9] Rani eventually begins dating Harley and Cherian told Jackie Brygel from TV Week "She's a hopeless romantic.
[8] Talking to Susan Hill from the Daily Star, a show spokesperson revealed that while Callum could give up on Rani, he decides to imitate Harley's "bad boy" ways instead in a bid to impress her.
[10] When Rani helps her father to plant some presents around the Lassiter's Complex for a treasure hunt, she witnesses her mother in an embrace with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).
[11] Cherian told an Inside Soap reporter that Rani is in "total shock" at what she has seen, especially as Paul is her parent' nemesis.
"[12] Rani eventually finds the courage to confront her mother, who tells her that she was just comforting Paul because he was upset about his son's epilepsy diagnosis.
[11] Cherian commented that Rani really wants to believe the story, but when Priya start buying her gifts, she realises something is not quite right.
[11] When Rani learns that a pair of her mother's gold earrings were found in a Lassiter's Hotel room, her suspicions that she was having an affair are reignited.
[14] Joab told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy "At first Ajay thinks his daughter is lying to hurt her mother.
"[14] A few months later, Ajay forgives Priya, but Rani struggles to come to terms with what has happened and is not "so easily won over".
[15] Rani leaves the reception and when Priya goes to send her a text message, a gas explosion causes the marquee to collapse, trapping her inside.
[16] Cherian explained "Rani is feeling guilty, as the last time they spoke, she told Priya she hated her.
[16] Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) and Callum soon notice that Rani has become withdrawn and they try unsuccessfully to get her to open up.
He's also got his own problems – she's seen how much Priya's death has affected her dad and so she doesn't want to put any more stress on him or burden him with her own issues.
[17] Cherian tweeted that she would miss the cast and crew, while executive producer Richard Jasek told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy "It's very special when someone joins the Neighbours family as a youngster and then to have the privilege of watching them grow into an extraordinary young adult.
We have all adored working with Coco and like all our characters, we hope there will be an opportunity with our stories for Rani to make a return visit to Ramsay Street.
[18] The pair were planning a trip to India with the insurance payout from Priya's death, but when Ajay learns his grandmother is seriously ill, he decides to leave immediately to be with her.
Callum turns on Rani when Ajay begins representing his biological father, Troy Miller (Dieter Brummer) in a custody case.
Rani develops a crush on Harley Canning and decides to get contact lenses, so she can catch his attention.
Rani initially refuses to attend the detention, but Ajay tells her that he agrees with Priya's punishment and takes her back to school.
Rani befriends Bailey Turner (Calen Mackenzie) at a street barbecue and he later apologises for his father's involvement in her punishment.
Rani decides to produce a play written by her mother and casts both Callum and Bailey in the main roles.
Following the announcement that the Kapoor family would become regular cast members, several racist posts were left on the Neighbours website and had to be removed by staff.
Bower said most of the inappropriate comments, from viewers expressing their anger at a non-Anglo-Saxon family being introduced to the show, came from a "small minority".
[21] For her portrayal of Rani, Cherian was included on the long-list for the 2013 Most Popular New Female Talent Logie Award.