B'day Spotlight: Pooja Bhatt

Her tryst with cinebiz was flagged off with 'Daddy'. At age 17, Pooja Bhatt shared screen space with Anupam Kher in her debut, enacting a soul searching teenage girl in an estranged relationship with her alcoholic father. 'Daddy', incidentally, was directed by her renowned father: Mahesh Bhatt.

Born on February 24, 1972 to Mahesh and Kiran Bhatt, Pooja bagged a modicum of acclaim with 'Daddy', but earned the spotlight majorly with her 1991 movie: 'Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin,' (an "inspired" version of the Hollywood winner: 'It Happened One Night') wherein Pooja shared acting honours with Aamir Khan. The movie soared to turn a stupendous winner and Pooja romped home with the Filmfare 'Best Debut Female' award.

'Sadak','Junoon', 'Tamanna', 'Zakhm', 'Sir' and 'Border' all served to hype up the Pooja magic. Though 'Chaahat', wherein she matched histrionics with Shah Rukh Khan, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, placed her in top form.

'Everybody Says I'm Fine!' showcased Pooja's last portrayal as a performer. Thereafter, the actress decided to devote her time mainly to production and direction.

Her directorial debut: 'Paap' (2004) starring John Abraham and Udita Goswami highlighted her skills and Pooja was hailed for her maiden effort. Thereafter, Pooja went on to helm 'Holiday' (2006) and 'Dhokha' (2007).

'Tamanna', 'Dushman', 'Zakhm', 'Jism' and 'Paap', rank among her more commendable efforts as a producer.

On August 24, 2003, Pooja Bhatt tied the marital knot with Munish Makhija (aka Udham Singh), her long time boyfriend and popular VJ of Channel (V).

Soni Razdan, her step mom too is an actress of repute; besides, Emraan Hashmi happens to be her cousin.

Presently, Pooja Bhatt has her eyes rivetted onto her next directorial effort: 'Kajraare' starring Himesh Reshammiya.

On her b'day, here's wishing Pooja Bhatt, super professional success and many merry twists on the personal front too…

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