Born on September 13, 1973, in Darjeeling, Mahima Chaudhary`s birth name is Ritu. The actress studied at Dow Hill in Kurseong and later moved to Loreto College in Darjeeling.

Mahima Chaudhary is best remembered for her debut film `Pardes` in 1997, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The first shot of Mahima Chaudhary for `Pardes` was in a real temple

Mahima Chaudhary went on to work in films like `Daag: The Fire` (1999), `Kurukshetra` (2000), `LOC Kargil` (2003), `Baghban`, and `Sarhad Paar` (2006)

Mahima has been a part of several songs, including "Pehle Kabhi Na Mera Haal" from `Baghban`, "Meri Mehbooba" from `Pardes`, and "Aapka Aana Dil Dhadkana" from `Kurukshetra`

In 2004, the world learned about the celebrated tennis player Leander Paes` troubled relationship with Mahima Chaudhary. The duo split up when Mahima learned about Leander`s affair with Rhea Pillai in 2006

Later, Mahima Chaudhary married architect-businessman Bobby Mukherji. The couple has a daughter, Ariana. In the same year, Mahima Chaudhary`s career went on a downturn as she expressed that she was bored of her routine

Mahima started judging a few television shows, making appearances at functions, or cutting ribbons because it became convenient for her. It also gave her quick and good money. "Now, when I look back, I feel those assignments ruined me as an actress," Mahima Chaudhary told `Mid-Day

Talking about her absence from the big screen, Mahima Chaudhary says she prefers to do nothing rather than be a part of mediocre work

"You would rather sit and not do anything than be available to do very little work," Mahima Chaudhary said. She mentioned that there is a lack of good roles for senior female actors, which is why she decided to stay away from the camera

Mahima Chaudhary also spoke about her desire to do an action film. "I love comedy, romance, and action films. In fact, I want to do a great action flick, as I have never experimented in that genre," she said

After a decade-long sabbatical, Mahima Chaudhary returned to the big screen in 2016 with the Bengali thriller `Dark Chocolate`, loosely based on the Sheena Bora murder case

When Mahima Chaudhary was away from Bollywood, she was busy campaigning for the Trinamool Congress for the Siliguri municipal polls in 2015

Today, on Mahima’s birthday, actress Hina Khan posted pictures along with a long note to thank her for being there during tough times

Currently, Mahima Chaudhary is awaiting the release of `Emergency`, as she is all set to return to the big screen with Kangana Ranaut`s directorial

The movie, which has received a U/A certificate from CBFC, is currently awaiting a confirmed release date. In the film, Mahima will be seen in the role of Pupul Jayakar