Pooja Bedi, who is best known for her act in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, was born on May 11, 1970. Pooja's mother late Protima Gauri Bedi, was an acclaimed Odissi dancer and her father Kabir Bedi, well, he needs no introduction. After receiving her basic education at Besant Montessori in Mumbai, Pooja was sent to Lawrence School, Sanawar - a private boarding school in Himachal Pradesh, whose history, influence and wealth have made it one of the most prestigious schools in Asia.

Pooja Bedi completed high-school in LA. Her film Vishkanya (1991), where she played the lead, was her ticket to India.

While Pooja Bedi's mother opposed her joining films as she believed her daughter was made for more intellectually-challenging things, her father, actor Kabir Bedi said that if she was making a film debut, she should be launched on a bigger platform.

In picture: Pooja Bedi with son Omar and daughter Alaya

After Vishkanya, Pooja Bedi appeared in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992) with Aamir Khan. Her character as Devika is still remembered and she was also nominated in the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1993.

Very few know that Pooja Bedi is the 18th descendant of Guru Nanak from her father Kabir Bedi's side. Her British grandmother converted to Buddhism and was associated with the Karmapa.

Pooja Bedi's Buddhist name is Karma Saraswati. When she married Farhan Furniturewalla - a Parsi Muslim - in 1994, she changed her name to Noorjahan.

In picture: Pooja Bedi with father Kabir Bedi

However, Pooja and Farhan divorced in 2003, but continue being friends. The couple has two children - daughter Alaya, who made her Bollywood debut in 2019 with Jawaani Jaaneman and son Omar.

In picture: Farhan Furniturewalla, Pooja Bedi and Alaya Furniturewala.

Very few know that Pooja's brother Siddharth, who was a computer programmer in the US, was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He committed suicide on July 19, 1997. Bedi was six months pregnant with Alaya then and stayed on in the US to bear her. In picture: Pooja Bedi with her daughter Alaya.

In the meanwhile, Pooja Bedi turned a columnist. She wrote for mid-day, Times of India, the Hindustan Times and has written articles for numerous publications, including L'officiel, Femina and The Week.

Ironically, Pooja Bedi started actively giving out relationship tips through various columns and was even called the agony aunt of the country. 'I have become this country's agony aunt as I am doling out relationship tips through various publications. I spotlight the problems and give solutions. It's wonderful to know that so many people respond, it's a responsibility. I have seven columns a month,' Pooja was quoted saying, during her 'columnist' phase.

In pic: Pooja Bedi with Rekha.

Pooja Bedi also tried her hands in Television, by appearing in reality shows like 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa', 'Nach Baliye', 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' and 'Maa Exchange'.

In pic: Shekhar Sumar, Pooja Bedi and Karan Johar.

In 2019, Pooja Bedi got engaged to her boyfriend Maneck Contractor on February 14, 2019, Valentine's Day.

Speaking further about Maneck and his family, Pooja said, "I got divorced on February 14, 2003, and got engaged on February 14, 2019. I have had relationships in between and my kids have liked every person that I have been with. But it is very different with Maneck - they adore him and want him in our lives forever. Our families have merged beautifully. He has a wonderful open-hearted, jovial, Parsi family, who welcomed me."

Narrating how she met Maneck, the columnist revealed that they both were school mates and he was three years senior to her and had a few common friends. "Last year, he posted about his new venture in Goa on a chat group, and I went there to review it. That was how we reconnected."

Pooja Bedi has seen lots of ups and downs in her life. All we wish is a happy life ahead for this strong woman!

P.S: Happy birthday, Pooja!