Model turned actress, Mahima Chaudhary started modeling since her college days. Born as Ritu Chaudhary, this beauty from Darjeeling debuted with Subhash Ghai's 'Pardes' (1997). Her performance won rave reviews and bagged awards like Lux face of the year, Lux Zee Cine Best Female Debutant and Filmfare Best Female Debutant for the year 1997. Before getting into films, this ramp model did a short stint as a VJ for Channel V and has appeared in various commercials including Pepsi ad along with Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Though Mahima won many hearts with her bubbly presence and beautiful smile, her film career did not have a very smooth sail. But her initial performances were appreciated in movies like 'Daag-The Fire', 'Dil Kya Kare' (1999)etc.