Grafting is one of the best method for the modification of physicochemical properties of the cellulose. The -OH groups present at C-2, C-3,C- and C-6 atoms of each beta-d-glucopyranose units of cellulose chains are the most susceptible active sites for the grafting of many monomer units or polymers for the formation of a variety of cellulose-based graft copolymers with advanced properties and potential applications as compared to the bare cellulose. In this review article, a brief introduction to get an insight into the structural features of cellulose is given. After that, the potential applications and recent advancements of various cellulose graft copolymers made in fields of controlled drug delivery, adsorption of harmful, toxic and non-biodegradable dyes from industrial effluents, sorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous medium, modification of electrolyte, electrodes and separators of the modern age Lithium ion batteries, and fabrication of smart and innovative food packaging materials are reviewed. [GRAPHICS] .