Malaika Arora gained immense popularity when she danced atop a train to Chaiyya Chaiyya. From being known as a 'hottie' in songs to now a 'fitness freak', Malaika Arora has got a complete image makeover and how. Let's not forget, the diva is paparazzi's favourite too! We look at some candid pictures of Malla clicked by the paps. (All pictures courtesy: Yogen Shah)

We bet you remember the photos of Malaika Arora buying strawberries in Mumbai that went viral! (Click here to view more photos)

Malaika Arora makes her casual appearances look super sexy with shorts, fancy sports bras and comfy yoga pants!

Malaika Arora flaunts her perfect 10 figure as she steps out of her yoga class

Malaika Arora never fails to impress with her fashion statement

Malaika Arora is a Bollywood actress, dancer, former-VJ and now a Yogini.

Malaika Arora is best remembered for her item song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' with Shah Rukh Khan in 'Dil Se'

Malaika Arora has also appeared in songs like 'Gur Naal Ishq Mitha', 'Maahi Ve', 'Kaal Dhamaal' and 'Munni Badnaam Hui'

Malaika Arora turned into a film producer in 2008, with her ex-husband Arbaaz Khan

Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan's production house released films like 'Dabangg' and 'Dabangg 2'

Malaika Arora was born in Thane, Maharashtra

Malaika Arora's parents got divorced when she was 11

Malaika Arora then shifted to Chembur with her mother and sister Amrita Arora Ladak

Malaika Arora's mother, Joyce Polycarp, is a Malayali Catholic and her father, Anil Arora, was a Punjabi native to the Indian border town of Fazilka, who worked in the Merchant Navy

Malaika Arora studied in Swami Vivekanand School in Chembur

Malaika Arora pursued her college education from Jai Hind College, Churchgate, but did not complete it

Malaika Arora in an exclusive interview with mid-day spoke about being single, her ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, and turning entrepreneur

When asked about her current state of mind, Malaika Arora told mid-day, 'I am at peace with myself. I have seen ups and downs and experienced turmoil, but I am at peace now.'

On her separation with Arbaaz Khan, Malaika Arora told mid-day, 'I didn't feel the need to talk about what's happened the last few years because the people who need to know, already do. Life has a way of making things fall into place, teaching you and making you stronger. One day you are sitting in your bed and thinking, sh** man! What am I going to do? Everything is just falling apart! You feel like there is no hope and you've reached the end of the road. But then life challenges you. It pushes and tests you, but also prepares you for whatever lies ahead. I definitely feel stronger.'

Malaika Arora said that speaking to people helped her get through her low phase. 'While I wasn't comfortable with it earlier, talking to people has started helping me. It doesn't matter if you speak to a friend or a therapist. You need to speak to somebody and confront whatever you are going through. Also, my son Arhaan keeps me focused. He is loving and accommodating. So, that has helped me heal. Work has kept me going too,' Malaika told mid-day

When asked how Arhaan coped with his parents' separation, Malaika Arora told mid-day, 'Arbaaz and I think Arhaan is wonderfully special. He has his own way of assessing things and putting them into perspective. That has helped him, and us. He is focused and level-headed and never allows anything to affect him adversely, whether it's at school or elsewhere. Touch wood!'

Post-divorce, for quite some time, Malaika Arora had not even changed her name from 'Malaika Arora Khan' to 'Malaika Arora' on her Instagram account. She spoke about why she used 'Khan' on her Instagram account to mid-day, saying, 'Yes, I do use Khan (laughs). God, I haven't thought it [being single]. Honestly, it hasn't been a conscious decision. What has to happen will happen organically. Let's see where life takes me.'

Malaika Arora later addressed rumours of a reconciliation after she was spotted with Arbaaz Khan and family on several occasions. She told mid-day, 'Arbaaz is a part of my family, the father of my child. Certain equations don't change overnight. The things that happened should remain between us. It's personal. We don't have to prove anything to anybody. [Meeting Arbaaz Khan] makes my son happy, and that makes me happy. Come on! For Amu [sister Amrita Arora Ladak], he's like a brother, and he is a son to my parents. What happened is between us.'

Malaika Arora admitted that separation from Arbaaz Khan was difficult. She told mid-day, 'Yes, of course. Arbaaz and I have known each other all our lives. It was emotionally difficult, but we haven't really talked about it because we are private individuals. He is very important to me. No matter what happens or where life takes us, Arbaaz will always be integral to my life.'

On being asked if she would work with Arbaaz Khan again, Malaika Arora told mid-day, 'You will have to ask Arbaaz in what capacity he'd like me on board. But, I will be involved. I am excited to learn about his future plans. We keep asking him, but he doesn't reveal anything.'

Speaking about her stint as an entrepreneur, Malaika Arora told mid-day, 'It started off as a nerve-wracking job since I didn't know what I was getting into. When they told me what was expected of me, I didn't quite understand it. It sounds interesting when someone gives you an introduction, but there are many aspects to the role, like understanding numbers. I knew none of it, but, with time and a certain level of interest, I am progressing. I can comfortably say that it feels great.'

We can't wait to see how Malaika Arora celebrates her birthday today!

We bet Malaika Arora's fans will be waiting for pictures from her birthday celebration!

What's on your hand, Malla?

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Malaika Arora!