POOJA BHATT

Pooja was born on February 24, 1972 in the Gujarati-speaking Bhatt family. Her dad's name is Mahesh, and her mom's maiden name was Loraine Bright. After the marriage, her mother changed her name to Kiran Bhatt. Mahesh separated from Loraine and re-married Soni Razdan, an actress in her own right. The Bhatts live in Bandra, Bombay. She'd dreamt of reaching the stars some day. While still a child, Pooja Bhatt wanted to become an astronaut.

She has two step-sisters Alia and Shaheen; and one biological brother Rahul. Noted Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi and Film Director, Mohit Suri, are her cousins.

Her uncle, late Balwant Bhatt, and grandfather, late Nanabhai Bhatt, both on the paternal side, were popular Bollywood movie directors.

Pooja made a debut with her dad's production 'Daddy' when she was just 17 years old. She plays the estranged daughter of an alcoholic father, played by Anupam Kher.

She got famous when she was casted against Aamir khan in “ dil hai ki manta nahi” . In this movie too she plays the daughter of Anupam Kher. The movie, along with most of its songs, did well at the box office. She was also appreciated in 'Zakhm' and 'Sadak'. Her acting career spanned from 1989 through to the year 2001.

Her body paint pictures, which were inspired by the work of Demi Moore, made Pooja a controversial name in the traditional Indian media.

She married her long-time boyfriend, Munish Makhija on august 24, who is also known as Udham Singh, a host of Channel V and owner of a restaurant in Goa, during the year 2003.

Slender and good-looking, this Piscean has launched her very own production company 'Pooja Bhatt Productions' during 1996 and released 'Tamanna' under its banner. The off-beat story is about an orphan brought up by an eunuch. Unfortunately, this movie did not too well at the box office.

She has also appeared in a documentary titled 'Sunset Bollywood (2005)' in which she talks about yesteryear heart-throb Rahul Roy.

Pooja continues to produce and direct movies as well as make appearances on the small screen, especially Zee TV's 'Anthakshari', with hopes of encouraging talented youngsters.

Awards and nominations:

1991-Filmfare Award for Lux Face of the Year

2005-Popular Award for Best debuting Director for Paap (2003)

Films produced: Tamanna, dushman, zakhm, sur:the melody of life, jism, paap, vaada, rog , holiday.

Films directed: paap, holiday, dhokha, kajraare

As production designer: jism, paap, rog.