Aashka Goradia, one of the most popular television actresses, was born on November 27, 1985, in Ahmedabad. She completed her schooling from St Louis School, Ahmedabad. She even received a scholarship from New Zealand University, but Aashka always nurtured a dream to start an independent career in Mumbai. (All photos/Aashka Goradia's official Instagram account and mid-day archives)

She decided to move to Mumbai to pursue her dreams, which was followed by her period of struggle. Just like most people who come to Mumbai, Aashka too stayed as a paying guest in various places, before she finally bagged a role in Sab TV's Akting Akting.

In picture: A throwback picture of Aashka Goradia's childhood with her mum.

In 2002, Aashka Goradia bagged a role in Achanak 37 Saal Baad on Sony. Later on, she joined the cast of Bhabhi on Star Plus, however, it was Kkusum, where she played Kumud, that gave her fame.

In picture: Aashka Goradia with her brother Shivam Goradia

Aashka Goradia is a popular name in the telly world. She has featured in hit TV shows such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahiin to Hoga and Naagin. The audience also got to see her real side in reality shows like Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss.

Before we jump to her acting career, let us tell you one lesser-known fact about Aashka Goradia. The actress used to be a kabaddi player. In fact, she even represented her school in the under-16 national-level championships.

In picture: Aashka Goradia with her parents

Aashka was good at several games, but her passion for sports, especially Kabaddi, saw her suffer quite a few fractures. And her father, eventually, asked her to stop playing the sport.

In picture: Aashka shared this picture with her father and wrote alongside, "Love you Bapu #happyfathersday. I celebrate you every day. What would I be without you anyway, my man of steel, with a heart of gold. Giving as you are and loving as you are, I would be nothing without your love. Thank you is a small word for so many things you have done for me Dad. I owe my whole life. #maarabaapjevukoinahi"

Before becoming an actress, Aashka Goradia worked as a translator in a marketing firm. Aashka Goradia wanted to pursue a career in criminal psychology once, but destiny had other plans for her, clearly.

In picture: Aashka Goradia's role Maharani Dheerbai Bhatiyani in the mythological show Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap is considered one of her best works.

Very few know that Aashka Goradia has studied aviation and learnt how to fly planes too. The multi-faceted actress had also taken up astronomy. In 2015, Aashka bought a telescope and had been studying the stars, moon and the orientation of planets.

In picture: A still from the 2014 show Adaalat, co-starring Ronit Roy, where Aashka played the character of Advocate Meera Thakur.

Aashka Goradia loves cooking and can make Indian and Italian food. Her favourite cuisines are Indian, Thai and Italian.

In picture: Aashka Goradia had participated in Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 4 (2011), which was hosted by Akshay Kumar.

Do you know Aashka Goradia has been part of the International Emmy Awards as one of the jury members in the past? Not once or twice, but she has represented India on a global platform at the awards, as well as walked down the red carpet thrice.

In picture: Aashka Goradia as Mahavinashini Pari from the popular TV show Baal Veer

Aashka Goradia, who was part of Bigg Boss 6 (2012), was questioned about her sexuality after she was out of the reality show. The actress said she was portrayed in a wrong way which in turn embarrassed her in front of her parents. "I was intentionally made to come across as a lesbian on this reality show through editing tricks. I am extremely content with being straight," said Aashka on Zee TV's JuzzBaatt... Sangeen Se Namkeen Tak.

In picture: Aashka Goradia as the shape-shifting honeybee with Sesha (Adaa Khan) in Naagin 2 (2016)

With a career spanning over 18 years and over 23 shows to her credit, Aashka has carved a niche for herself on television. In 2018, Aashka launched 3D eyelashes under the brand 'Renee By Aashka', that was named after her mother-in-law and made eyelashes a must-have in every girl's makeup kit. It is now set for a revamp, after which the brand will have its range of kohl eye pens to be followed by eyeliners and an entire line of beauty products.

Aashka, in the first few years after her acting career took off, ventured into a promising frozen dessert industry back in her hometown. The actress later stepped into the cut-throat industry of makeup and beauty products and launched India's first double-stitched lashes online.

On the personal front, Aashka Goradia is married to Brent Goble, an American businessman. The duo met at an event in the US, soon after the actress ended her 10-year-old relationship with actor Rohit Bakshi. Brent was a weapons instructor and range safety officer in Las Vegas, back then.

In August 2016, Aashka Goradia shared this very first picture with Brent, thus, making it Insta official, through her caption. "Shredded the last bit of everything and today I give you my heart with a breathing smile. He said just #breathe, she said #breathing now. He said just #smile, she said #smiling now. That's all I needed to do, breathe and smile, everything else just fell in place. #thankyou. So in #love with that #face. That #heart and that #soul. My beautiful souls meet the man who reassured life to every bit of lost faith in me. #loveyou," she wrote in the caption.

Aashka and Brent got engaged in December 2016 in the USA and the very next year tied the knot. The couple got married in Ahemdabad, Aashka's hometown.

In picture: They even participated in the 8th season of the dance reality show 'Nach Baliye'

Aashka Goradia and Brent Goble are now settled in Goa. In September, they restored a 150-year-old Portuguese house to start a Yoga Shala, in September this year. Aashka said, "Brent has spent the last year and a half getting trained and certified in Yoga. I am lucky that I had the opportunity to become his first student and learn Yoga from him. In the process, we dreamt of opening up Yoga Shala where people can spend a few days, detox and completely detach from everything."

Aashka Goradia has been flaunting her curves in her pole dance and yoga videos on social media. Now, she is working towards helping her American husband realise his dream in India.

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Aashka Goradia!