Happy Birthday, Juhi Chawla! Celebrating her iconic romantic movies

Born on November 13, 1967, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Juhi Chawla is the daughter of Dr S Chawla and Mona Chawla. She completed her schooling in Ludhiana and rose to fame after winning the Miss India pageant in 1984.

Her bollywood debut came in 1986 with the multi-starrer Sultanat, but her big breakthrough was in the 1988 hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak opposite Aamir Khan. This marked the beginning of Juhi’s rise to stardom, quickly establishing her as one of the top actresses in the 1990s.

In 1998, Juhi married industrialist Jai Mehta, and they have two children, Jhanvi and Arjun. Known for her charm and exceptional comic timing, Juhi won the Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance as the endearing runaway bride in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. 

Her on-screen pairing with Shah Rukh Khan became legendary, resulting in hits like Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Darr, Yes Boss, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, One Two Ka Four, and Bhoothnath. 

As her career progressed, she gracefully transitioned to supporting roles, such as in ‘Amol’ Palekar’s Paheli, where she co-starred with Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji.

In the 2000s, Juhi expanded her creative range by working with new-generation directors like Nagesh Kukunoor, Sujoy Ghosh, and Onir, receiving critical praise for roles in films like 3 Deewarein, Jhankaar Beats, My Brother Nikhil, and I Am. 

Juhi also ventured into film production, co-founding Dreamz Unlimited with Shah Rukh Khan and director Aziz Mirza. 

Despite being well-known for her vivacious and upbeat personas, she was also comfortable playing antagonists, as demonstrated in Gulaab Gang, in which she co-starred with Madhuri Dixit.

Here’s a look at some of Juhi Chawla’s most iconic romantic films:

1. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak

Raj and Rashmi, lovers from rival families, are the subject of this classic romantic musical drama from 1988, which was directed by Mansoor Khan and starred Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla. The film captivated audiences and remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic romances.

2. Darr

Directed by Yash Chopra in 1993, Darr is a romantic thriller where Shah Rukh Khan plays Rahul, an obsessive lover who stalks Kiran (Juhi Chawla). 

When Kiran gets engaged to Sunil (Sunny Deol), Rahul’s obsession spirals, leading to intense conflict. This film stands out as a milestone in Juhi’s career and showcases her chemistry with SRK.

3. Yes, Boss

Released in 1997 and directed by Aziz Mirza, Yes Boss is a romantic comedy about Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan), a dedicated employee who aids his boss in wooing women, only to fall for one of them, Juhi Chawla's character Seema. The film is loved for its romantic plot, soulful music, and charming performances.

4. Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi

In this 1997 comedy by David Dhawan, Juhi stars alongside Akshay Kumar. The story follows Raja, a lazy young man aiming to impress Shalu, the daughter of a wealthy businessman. The film is full of light-hearted moments and entertaining performances, making it a popular pick among Juhi’s fans.

5. Ishq

Directed by Indra Kumar, Ishq (1997) is an action-romantic comedy featuring Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Juhi Chawla, and Kajol. 

The movie explores class divides in relationships with memorable comedy and action sequences, solidifying its place as a Bollywood classic.

Juhi Chawla’s Net Worth

According to the Hurun Rich List of 2024, Juhi Chawla is one of the wealthiest actresses in India, with an estimated net worth of  Rs 4600 crore. 

Her wealth surpasses that of actresses like Aishwarya Rai, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra, despite her focus on selective roles since 2009. 

Her ranking places her as one of the top-earning actresses, second only to her business partner Shah Rukh Khan among Bollywood stars.