Miss India At 17, Bollywood Queen In Her 20s, And Now India's Wealthiest Actress!

That radiant smile, once the heartbeat of Bollywood’s romance, still enchants millions. Juhi Chawla’s life has been a symphony of dazzling highs and humbling lows, yet she has met each moment with poise, perseverance, and an enduring grace that time itself admires. Juhi Chawla was born on November 13, 1967, in Ambala, Haryana. From a young age, she harboured a passion for modelling and acting. At just 17, she won the Miss India title, instantly attracting widespread attention. Following her coronation, film offers began to pour in. Juhi Chawla made her acting debut in 1986 with the film Sultanat. Though the film failed at the box office, she remained undeterred and continued honing her craft. She briefly worked in South Indian cinema before turning her focus to Bollywood. Juhi Chawla’s breakthrough came with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, opposite Aamir Khan, which propelled her to stardom overnight. Over the years, Juhi Chawla delivered numerous hit films including Pratibandh, Bol Radha Bol, Aaina, Ishq, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and Darr. Her infectious smile and bubbly persona won audiences over, and she proved her versatility in comic roles as well, earning praise for films such as Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi, Deewana Mastana, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Yes Boss. Juhi Chawla’s personal life is equally noteworthy. She met her husband, Jay Mehta, in 1992 while filming Kaarobar with Anil Kapoor. At the time, Jay Mehta had lost his first wife in a plane crash. Initially friends, their bond gradually deepened, with Juhi Chawla supporting him through his grief. They married in 1995 and have two children, daughter Janhvi and son Arjun. However, the lead-up to their wedding was marked by profound sorrow. Wedding invitations had been sent across the country and abroad, and thousands were expected to attend, given Jay Mehta’s prominence as a businessman. But just before the ceremony, Juhi Chawla’s mother passed away, leaving her devastated. Her mother-in-law offered comfort, saying, “If you don’t want a grand wedding, we won’t. If you want to focus on your career, then do that. Do what makes you happy. Because you are my daughter, not my daughter-in-law.” Consequently, Juhi Chawla’s wedding was a simple affair. She often reflects how life gave her a second mother. Throughout her career, Juhi Chawla has received numerous accolades, including two Filmfare Awards, along with several nominations for major honours. She garnered critical acclaim for films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and has been recognised repeatedly for her impeccable comic timing. Beyond acting, Juhi Chawla is also a successful entrepreneur and a business partner of Shah Rukh Khan. In the 2025 Rich List, she was named India’s wealthiest actress. According to the Hurun India Rich List 2025, Juhi Chawla holds a net worth of Rs 7,790 crore.