HBD Juhi Chawla: The top contender who never aimed to be No 1

These days she makes headlines as a passionate environmentalist but there was a time when Juhi Chawla ruled the screens with her girl-next-door image for nearly two decades after she debuted with Sultanat in 1986. As the actor celebrates her birthday today, here is a look at what made Juhi the most sought-after diva in those days.

Mumbai: Juhi Chawla, the beauty queen turned actor turns a year older today. Her illustrious filmography is the testimony of her success in the Hindi cinema which many believed that failed to tap Juhi's full potential as an actor and encashed only on her girl-next-door image.

The crowning moment!

After bagging the Miss India title in 1984, Juhu entered filmdom when Sridevi was enjoying the name and fame as the first female superstar of the Hindi industry. She had tough competitors in Madhuri Dixit and later, Karisma Kapoor and Kajol but Juhi managed to carve a niche of her own. Juhi became a household name after Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Though multi-starrer Sultanat was her debut film QSQT turned out to be the coveted breakthrough for Chawla.

Juhi Chawla with her frequent collaborator Aamir Khan

Filmmakers vouch for Juhi's talent and her sincerity as an actor but she in an interview had said that everything in her life has happened by chance. But there is no denying that she was smart enough to realise that extraordinary opportunities have fallen in her lap and worked hard to make most of those chances.

Juhi Chawla in a candid click

Chawla apparently knew that she is loved but need to give audience and critics reasons to take her seriously as an actor. Juhi is one of those stars who doesn't shy away from accepting the fact that they made wrong choices in career and swayed by success rejected some good offers. After the enormous success of Yash Chopra’s 1993 release Darr, which was her fourth consecutive box office hit of the year, Juhi had begun limiting herself to only doing romantic and commercial roles which left no scope for experiment. But, she realised her mistakes soon.

Juhi Chawla flaunting her million-dollar smile

WATCH |Why do you ask what govt's doing, ask what are you doing: Juhi Chawla

Another reason for Juhi's long run at the top is the fact that she never aimed at becoming number one. The actor in a throwback interview had said that she was always amongst the top few but never romanticised the idea of ruling the space. She opines that at the top one is always afraid of losing that position and an actor should only focus on doing good work.

Juhi Chawla and Rishi Kapoor in a working still

Accepting ageism in the film industry, the reigning queen of rom-com lapped up character roles but never failed to make her presence felt. In 2000s, Juhi delivered stunning performances in independent and art films. Audience and critics were in unison to celebrate Chawla's finest performances as she began mighty second innings with films like Jhankaar Beats, My Brother Nikhil, 3 Deewarein and I Am.

Juhi Chawla and Kajol posing for the shutterbugs

Upon her return, the actor apparently developed a new liking for complex characters and intrigued plots. Juhi, who had shed inhibitions to play grey shades with 1999 release Arjun Pandit, earned rave reviews for essaying negative character in Gulaab Gang but returned to her comfort comic zone in 2019 release Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga.

Juhi posing with kids and husband Jay Mehta in a collage

Married to businessman Jay Mehta for 24 years and a mother of two, Juhi has donned many hats including that of a producer, an IPL team co-owner and environmentalist besides an accomplished actor.

We wish the ultimate rom-com queen of Bollywood a great life ahead!