Juhi Chawla is one of the cutest, most lovable and talented female actors B-town’s ever seen. Her movies ( happy or sad) always cheer me up and leave me feeling entertained. For her birthday, I decided I want to reflect back on Juhi’s journey in the film industry over the decades and how the different phases of her career and her personal life have helped us see why we love her so much.
The Grand Beginning ( When Qayamat Strikes..)
Juhi Chawa had a perfect filmi beginning. She was crowned Miss India in the year 1984 and it served as the perfect platform for her debut in Bollywood. Though her debut in Sultanat went largely unnoticed, she surprised everyone with an impeccable performance in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
The film was a mega success and Aamir Khan and Juhi made the most rocking onscreen pair ever. Over the years, QSQT has become a true classic with a special place in our hearts because of its mesmerizing songs and an unforgettable tale of love.
“I love you K-k-kiran…”
After critically acclaimed characters in successful films like Pratibandh, Bol Radha Bol and Aaina, Juhi played the lead in the Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Deol starrer Darr which became a huge blockbuster.
Darr was about Rahul’s ( SRK) obsessive love for Kiran’s ( Juhi) character and it marked the beginning of a very successful Yash Raj and King Khan reign in Bollywood. I thought she was really cute in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman as well ( again with King Khan) which totally proved that they were one of the best romantic pairs in B-town history.
The Vivacious Rom-Com Queen!
This is my favorite phase of Juhi’s stint in Bollywood. I loved her in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. She’s just perfectly adorable as the rebellious girl who runs away from an arranged marriage and has a blast with three kids who live with their uncle, Aamir Khan. They looked like they had a super time making the movie and the icing on the cake was when she won the Filmfare Best Actress Award for it. And her smile is so endearing, you just want to give her a bear hug!
Then there was the super cute Yes Boss with SRK again which really reminds you how awesome these two are on the silver screen. I also enjoyed watching Deewana Mastana where she plays a doc who has two men, Govinda and Anil Kapoor vying for her love. And finally, Ishq which was a laugh riot. She and Aamir Khan had the naughtiest, craziest, cutest scenes together and I can’t get enough of watching this one! Which also reminds me, Duplicate and Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi were two fun rom-coms which make my list of lovable Juhi movies.
The Dreamy Producer Years…
Juhi turned producer with Dreamz Unlimited, a company she started with Shah Rukh Khan and director Aziz Mirza. Their first production, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani was a film I enjoyed immensely.
The film was ahead of its time and did not really do well at the box office but her production house went on to make Asoka and Chalte Chalte which was pretty successful.
The Silent Arty Phase.
After the year 2000, Juhi turned to more serious cinema. This was the phase when the critics truly admired her work and she won several awards. From 3 Deewarein and 7 ½ Phere, to the remarkable, My Brother Nikhil which critics believed was one of her finest work, she won us all over with her talent and spontaneity. And we loved Jhankaar Beats with its dreamy soundtrack.
The Yummy Mummy Years!
Juhi and her husband Jai Mehta have two children, Jhanvi and Arjun. Being a mommy of two has really helped Juhi understand kids better and she’s even doing an all new kids show on Colors called Badmaash Company. Juhi and her husband co-own the most flamboyant IPL team, Kokata Knight Riders with SRK. Phew… that’s a lot of work! Way to go, super mom!
The Spicy Kurkure Years!
Apart from featuring in a series of really funny Kurkure commercials and other fun ads for kid stuff (she really rocks at it) Juhi has also featured in several dance shows as a judge and is doing other exciting stuff on television as well.
I Am..
Juhi had small but impressive roles in Salaam-e-Ishq: A tribute to Love, Bas Ek Pal and Swami. But, one of my favorites in the recent past was her film Bhoothnath with Amitabh Bachchan where she made her singing debut with Chalo Jaane Do. Juhi received rave reviews for Onir’s film I Am last year. The film that saw Manisha Koirala and Juhi return to the silver screen after a long sabbatical was widely appreciated. And Juhi won The Best Actress Award at the 13th London Asian Film Festival. Impressive, eh?
I have to admit… I love everything about Juhi. From the million dollar smile to that cute giggle and from the her magnetic charm and comic timing to those eyes that make you believe in them. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and for lighting up our lives with your limitless energy and your spectacular work. We can’t wait to see more of you on TV and in movies and commercials. So here’s a big hug Juhi, for being Bollywood’s original sweetheart! Team MissMalini wishes you the best birthday ever and a year full of warmth, surprises and love. xoxo