Happy birthday, Juhi Chawla. The actress turns 58 today. With a career spanning over three decades, Juhi has delivered several superhit films and cemented her place as one of the leading stars of Hindi
cinema.
Known for her charming screen presence, she has earned several accolades. Besides mesmerising audiences with her performances, the Miss India 1984 winner is an environmentalist. As we celebrate ‘Juhi Chawla day’, let’s take a look at her journey, award-winning performances, and charitable work.
Juhi Chawla’s Journey: From Miss India Win to Bollywood Debut
Hailing from Ambala, Haryana, Juhi Chawla began her career as a model. She came into the spotlight after winning the Miss India 1984 crown. She also represented India at the Miss Universe pageant. Juhi had carried a lehenga and a ‘nath’ at the Miss Universe pageant in 1984. She won the National Costume round.
She made her film debut in the 1986 film Sultanat, but her breakthrough role came in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) opposite Aamir Khan. The film was a huge success and is regarded as a milestone in Hindi cinema. She soon won hearts with her charming appearance.
Juhi Chawla’s Award-Winning Performances
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
The film that made her an overnight star also earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Helmed by Mansoor Khan, the romantic musical starred Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla in lead roles.
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak tells the story of two individuals and their journey of falling in love, eloping, and the aftermath. The film not only marked the beginning of her career but also established her as one of the leading romantic actresses of her generation.
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)
After delivering a superhit like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Aamir and Juhi collaborated on this film. Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke earned the National Film Award – Special Jury Award/Special Mention (Feature Film).
Darr (1993)
In this Yash Chopra film, she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Deol. The film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Juhi Chawla as an Environmental Activist
Juhi Chawla is the richest Indian actress according to the Hurun India Rich List 2025, with a net worth of Rs 7,790 crore. She is a co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL team along with Shah Rukh Khan and Jay Mehta.
However, she is also an active environmentalist and is known for her charitable work.
She has been vocal about issues such as mobile tower radiation, plastic pollution, and declining air quality. She raises awareness about sustainability and environmental issues through interviews, social media, and public events.
Her advocacy extends to legal action, having filed a petition to assess the health impact of 5G technology. Juhi also collaborates with NGOs and startups working in the field of green energy, conducts educational talks to engage students and institutions, and promotes tree-planting drives to increase green cover in cities like Mumbai.
Juhi Chawla’s journey reflects resilience, versatility, and grace. From winning Miss India to becoming one of Bollywood’s leading stars in the 1990s and later transitioning to meaningful cinema and philanthropy, she has continually evolved with time.
