Born on March 26, 1972, Madhoo's full name is Madhoobama Raghunath Malini. She was born into a Tamil-speaking family and did her schooling from St. Joseph's High School in Juhu, Mumbai. (All photos/Instagram and mid-day archives)

Madhoo had starred as a child artiste with the name 'Baby Madhu Malini'. She was taught Bharat Natyam by her mom - Renuka, who passed away due to Cancer when the actress was just 13.

Madhoo rose to fame across the country with Mani Ratnam's 1992 romantic thriller Roja. The film won three National Film Awards and also gained international acclaim with its nomination for Best Film at the 18th Moscow International Film Festival.

In picture: Madhoo and Arvind Swamy from the sets from Roja.

Though Madhoo became a household name after Roja, she actually made her debut in Hindi film industry in 1991, a year before Roja hit screens. Her Hindi debut was Phool Aur Kaante, opposite Ajay Devgn.

Phool Aur Kaante marked the debut of Ajay Devgn, who was then introduced as the son of stunt and action choreographer Veeru Devgan, while Madhoo was introduced as the cousin of Hema Malini. Yes, Madhoo's father Raghunath is Hema Malini's uncle.

Phool Aur Kaante was noted for its soundtrack and action sequences. Its music album included songs like 'Tumse Milne Ko Dil Karta Hai', 'Dheere Dheere Pyar Ko Badhana Hai', 'Maine Pyar Tumhi Se Kiya Hai' that are still very popular.

Very few know that Madhoo had even hosted the famous show Chitrahaar, a television program on DD National channel featuring song clips from Bollywood films.

As an actress, Madhoo has worked predominantly in Tamil and Hindi cinema. But she has also worked in a few Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada language films too.

Madhoo's acting career spanned from 1991 through on to 2002, with around 30 movies in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu.

In 2013, Madhoo Shah along with actress Tanishaa Mukerji light up the stage with Divya Palat's play The Verdict. The play, that also starred Dalip Tahil, Vivaan Bhatena and Aditya Hitkari, was a courtroom drama.

Madhoo, in 2017, made her Television debut with Goldie Bahl's Aarambh.

On the personal front, Madhoo married Anand Shah, an industrialist, on February 19, 1999. The couple relocated to the U.S.A after the marriage and has two daughters Ameyaa Shah and Keia Shah.

While many know that Madhoo is Hema Malini's cousin, quite a few are aware that Juhi Chawla is her sister-in-law. Her husband Anand Shah is the first cousin of Jay Mehta. (Juhi Chawla's husband)

Here's taking a look at some more candid pictures of Madhoo with her friends and family!

Madhoo with her husband Anand Shah and daughters Ameyaa and Keia.

Madhoo keeps sharings pictures with her husband and daughters on Instagram.

Madhoo clicked with her cousin Hema Malini and her husband-actor Dharmendra.

Madhoo is very close to actress Ramya Krishnan. They are the best of friends.

Madhoo with her niece-actress Esha Deol and her husband Bharat Takhtani.

Madhoo in a traditional look from one of her films.

A rare, candid picture of Madhoo with Sanjeet Kumar.

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Madhoo!