Who is Mahima Chaudhry?
Mahima Chaudhry is an acclaimed Indian actress and former model who became one of Bollywood’s most popular stars in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She made a sensational debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Subhash Ghai’s film Pardes (1997), which earned her instant fame and a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Known for her natural beauty, expressive eyes, and charming screen presence, Mahima went on to appear in several successful films, establishing herself as one of the leading actresses of her era. Beyond acting, she is admired for her courage, especially her battle and recovery from breast cancer, inspiring countless fans across India.
| Full Name | Mahima Chaudhry (Born Ritu Chaudhry) |
| Nickname | Mahima |
| Date of Birth | 13 September 1973 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 52 Years |
| Birthplace | Darjeeling, West Bengal, India |
| Hometown | Darjeeling, West Bengal |
| Current Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Famous For | Debut film Pardes (1997) opposite Shah Rukh Khan |
| Debut Film | Pardes (1997) |
| Years Active | 1997 – Present |
| School | Dow Hill School, Kurseong |
| College | Loreto College, Darjeeling |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Bobby Mukherjee (Businessman) |
| Children | Daughter – Ariana Mukherjee |
| Father’s Name | Not Known (Businessman) |
| Mother’s Name | Not Known (Homemaker) |
| Siblings | Not Publicly Known |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Yoga, Reading, Spending time with family |
| Favorite Actor | Shah Rukh Khan |
| Favorite Actress | Madhuri Dixit |
| Favorite Food | Homemade Indian dishes |
| Favorite Destination | London, Switzerland |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English, Bengali |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹15–20 Crore |
Mahima Chaudhry Early Life
Mahima Chaudhry was born as Ritu Chaudhry on 13 September 1973 in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling, West Bengal. She grew up in a close-knit family surrounded by the serene Himalayan beauty. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in performing arts, participating in school plays and cultural events.
Her upbringing in a small town taught her humility and resilience, qualities that helped her later navigate the competitive world of Bollywood. Her natural charm and elegance soon caught attention, paving her path toward modeling and entertainment.
Mahima Chaudhry Education
Mahima completed her schooling at Dow Hill School in Kurseong and pursued higher education at Loreto College, Darjeeling. During her college years, she participated in various beauty pageants and modeling contests, which boosted her confidence and exposure to the entertainment world.
After graduation, Mahima moved to Delhi, where she began working as a VJ (Video Jockey) for Channel V. This opportunity became her stepping stone toward films.
Mahima Chaudhry Family
Mahima Chaudhry comes from a modest yet supportive family. Her father worked in a local business, while her mother was a homemaker who strongly encouraged her ambitions. Mahima often mentions that her mother played a vital role in her career journey.
She married Bobby Mukherjee, a well-known architect and businessman, in 2006. The couple has a daughter, Ariana Mukherjee, who is very close to Mahima. However, the marriage ended in divorce, and Mahima has since raised her daughter as a single mother with immense strength and grace.
Mahima Chaudhry Career
Early Career and Breakthrough
Before entering Bollywood, Mahima gained attention as a VJ and a commercial model. She appeared in several advertisements, including the famous Pepsi ad with Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai, which brought her national visibility.
Her big break came when Subhash Ghai noticed her screen presence and cast her opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Pardes (1997). Ghai renamed her “Mahima” to mark a new beginning. The film was a massive hit, and her portrayal of Ganga, a simple yet strong-willed Indian woman, won millions of hearts. She received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, becoming an overnight star.
Rise to Fame (1998–2002)
After Pardes, Mahima starred in several hit films, proving her versatility across genres. Some of her most notable works include:
- Daag: The Fire (1999)
- Dil Kya Kare (1999)
- Dhadkan (2000)
- Kurukshetra (2000)
- Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar (2001)
- Lajja (2001)* alongside Madhuri Dixit and Manisha Koirala.
Her emotional depth, expressive performances, and relatable characters made her one of the most sought-after actresses of the time.
Later Career and Comeback
In the mid-2000s, Mahima took a break from films due to personal reasons and motherhood. She made a comeback with projects like Home Delivery (2005), The Dark Chocolate (2016), and later appeared in Anupam Kher’s film The Signature (2023).
In 2022, she bravely shared her battle with breast cancer, inspiring millions with her honesty and positive attitude. Her courage earned widespread respect, and she continues to engage in work related to women’s empowerment and cancer awareness.
Mahima Chaudhry Personal Life
Mahima Chaudhry’s personal life reflects strength, independence, and resilience. Despite facing setbacks, including her divorce and health struggles, she remains optimistic and dedicated to her daughter, Ariana.
She leads a peaceful life in Mumbai, focusing on her family, wellness, and occasional film work. Mahima enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending quality time with her daughter. She is also involved in charity initiatives supporting women’s health and education.
Mahima Chaudhry Controversy
Mahima Chaudhry has maintained a dignified image throughout her career. While her divorce and health issues drew media attention, she handled them gracefully, turning her challenges into an inspiring story of courage and hope.
She has stayed away from unnecessary controversies, earning respect for her poised public persona.
Mahima Chaudhry Social Media
| Platform | Handle/Link | Followers (Approx.) | Content Type |
| @mahimachaudhry1 | 1.3M+ | Lifestyle, motivational posts, family moments | |
| Mahima Chaudhry Official | 14K+ | Event updates, photos, interviews | |
| X (Twitter) | @Mahima_Chaudhry | — | Opinions, gratitude posts, film updates |
Mahima Chaudhry Net Worth
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
| Film Projects | ₹8–10 Crore |
| Brand Endorsements | ₹3–5 Crore |
| Investments & Properties | ₹5 Crore+ |
| Total Net Worth (2025) | ₹15–20 Crore (Approx.) |
Mahima Chaudhry Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (Approx.) |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Figure Measurements | 34-28-36 |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Distinctive Features | Graceful smile and expressive eyes |
Interesting Facts About Mahima Chaudhry
- Her real name is Ritu Chaudhry, later changed by Subhash Ghai to “Mahima.”
- She was chosen for Pardes after hundreds of auditions.
- Featured in a Pepsi ad with Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai before entering films.
- Won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut in 1997.
- She took a career break to focus on motherhood.
- Bravely fought and recovered from breast cancer in 2022.
- Is a strong advocate for women’s health awareness.
- She continues to inspire fans with her positive attitude and resilience.
FAQs About Mahima Chaudhry
Q1. What is Mahima Chaudhry’s real name?
Her real name is Ritu Chaudhry.
Q2. When was Mahima Chaudhry born?
She was born on 13 September 1973 in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
Q3. Who is Mahima Chaudhry’s husband?
She was married to Bobby Mukherjee, a businessman, but they later divorced.
Q4. Who is Mahima Chaudhry’s daughter?
Her daughter’s name is Ariana Mukherjee.
Q5. What was Mahima Chaudhry’s debut film?
Her debut film was Pardes (1997) opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
Q6. What is Mahima Chaudhry’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is ₹15–20 Crore (as of 2025).
Q7. Did Mahima Chaudhry have cancer?
Yes, she battled breast cancer and has fully recovered.
Q8. Is Mahima Chaudhry still acting?
Yes, she continues to appear in select films and public projects.
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