Born on July 24, 1980, Iulia Vantur hails from Iasi, Romania. Starting a career at a very young age, Iulia was a model, television presenter and anchor in Romania. She was 15 when she did her first modelling assignment. Iulia became popular in India when she was linked to Salman Khan in 2011.

It all started when a Romanian magazine carried a love story between Iulia, who was then introduced as a Romanian TV news presenter, and Salman. In the magazine interview, Iulia claimed that she met Sallu when she was in Mumbai and ever since then, was in touch with him. She had even posed for the magazine in Being Human tees.

Back in Romania, Iulia Vantur had made a name as a TV presenter, model, a model instructor and singer as well.

That's Iulia Vantur on a magazine cover in 2006. "Looking back, 14 years ago, I remember I was such a dreamer, I use to dream with my eyes wide open, with a lot of joy and faith. I was really enjoying every second of my life, there was no tiredness, no breaks, just excitement, dedication and hard work. It feels good to look back but it feels even better to look ahead," she had written in her caption.

Iulia Vantur earlier used to don a blonde look. "I have been asked many times if I miss my blonde look since I wore it from the beginning of my TV career and it became part of my image. I don't really miss it, it was suiting those years, now a new me is enjoying the new colour, more natural for the last few years," said Iulia.

Iulia Vantur moved to India in 2011 and has been staying away from her parents, who are based in Romania. The 40-year-old keeps visiting her parents or takes a vacation to spend time with them. On Father's Day, Iulia shared this lovely picture and wrote alongside, "He always has our back, he is always there to protect, love and support us. The love for music I got from him. He thought me the first stretching exercises and how to stay strong, focused and honest. Happy father.s day to all the dads in the world. Sending love and light to all of you."

On Mother's Day, Iulia posted a couple of adorable pictures with her mom and wrote alongside, "Happy mother's day to all the mothers in the world. Sending love and gratitude to u. I'm so blessed to have my mom, her care and unconditional love with me, no matter where I'm in the world. She is my heart. I've learned to love from her."

In 2016, Iulia Vantur collaborated with Himesh Reshammiya for his album Aap Se Mausiiquii, where she lent her voice in the song Every Night And Day. When her song was launched, the first thing that everyone noticed about Iulia Vantur was her impressive Hindi. When media complimented her, her face lit up and she responded with 'Shukriya'. "I took Hindi classes. Of course, having people around me speak in Hindi all the time helped. I would practise Bollywood songs, and picked up the pronunciation," she explained.

She recalled speaking to Himesh for the first time after close friend Salman Khan made the composer hear out her rendition of 'Teri Meri Kahani' from 'Bodyguard' (2011). "It is actually a Romanian carol which I used to sing for my parents. Himesh felt my voice was divine. I didn't want to miss the opportunity of working with him. This song [Every Night and Day] is beautiful. He was waiting for the right composition to work with me," she added.

Talking about shifting base to India, she said that having worked for many years in Romania as an anchor, it is scary to start from scratch. "But going back to basics is an experience worth having. It is never too late to reinvent yourself. No one from my home country can ever think of me as a singer. I'm happy about this new journey. Before coming to India, I was worried. But people here are so warm, kind and generous that now it feels like home."

In picture: Iulia Vantur with Maniesh Paul in a still from their song Harjai, released in 2018.

There were rumours that Iulia Vantur was briefly married to producer-musician Marius Moga, but they ended their marriage in 2009. When rumours of Iulia and Salman Khan's wedding started doing the rounds in 2016, a few intimate snapshots of Vantur with Marius went viral.

But Iulia took to Twitter later to say, "Dear friends, I didn't feel the need to react to any rumours... But now I think I should state clearly that I was never married and I am in no hurry to wear my wedding dress. God bless us all! (sic)."

Asked about her equation with Salman Khan, Iulia Vantur said, "He is a very good friend and not just to me, but to everyone he meets. He is a great man with a good heart."

While Iulia may not name the 'people' who motivated her to follow her heart, it is well known that Salman has been mentoring her. "What do I say? The Khan family is so beautiful. I really admire them; they are united and welcoming. Their doors are always open for everyone," said Vantur, who is now a part of the Khan family.

Iulia Vantur is all set to make her Bollywood debut with the film Radha Kyu Gori Main Kyu Kaala. However, the film has hit a roadblock due to several pre-production issues. We hope her wait for her Bollywood vehicle finally gets over!

Currently, Iulia Vantur is spending her time at Salman Khan's Panvel farmhouse, amid lockdown imposed due to Coronavirus pandemic. She seems to be enjoying the farm life, going by the pictures and videos the actress has been sharing on social media.

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Iulia Vantur!