Entering the film industry alongside Salman Khan is a dream come true for many, but only a select few like Bhumika Chawla have the opportunity to turn that dream into reality. She has graced the screen with stars like Abhishek Bachchan but missed out on iconic roles in films like Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met and Sanjay Dutt’s Munna Bhai MBBS.
Born on August 21, 1978, in New Delhi, Bhumika Chawla made her way to Mumbai in 1997 to kickstart her career. Starting off with advertisement films and Hindi music videos, she made a name for herself in television with roles in the Zee TV series Hip Hip Hurray and Star Best Sellers – Fursat Mein.
After making a successful debut in the Telugu and Tamil film industry, Chawla landed her first Bollywood film, Tere Naam (2003), alongside Salman Khan. Directed by Satish Kaushik, the romantic-drama film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many with its timeless musical album.
In a heartfelt interview with Siddharth Kannan, Bhumika reflected on the big offers that came her way after her debut film. Despite the tempting opportunities, she remained selective and chose her projects carefully. She shared a poignant moment when she had to let go of a film that could have changed her career trajectory. Despite the setbacks, she remained resilient and committed to her craft.
Bhumika’s journey in Bollywood saw her in films like Run (2004), Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa (2004), Silsilay (2005), and Dil Jo Bhi Kahey… (2005), Family – Ties of Blood (2006). After a hiatus from the Hindi film industry, she made a comeback in 2016 with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, portraying the character of the cricketer’s sister. Her selective approach to projects led her to films like Khamoshi (2019) and Operation Romeo (2022).
In a heartwarming reunion, Bhumika shared the screen with Salman Khan once again after two decades in the 2023 film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.
On the personal front, Bhumika found happiness in her marriage to Bharat Thakur, her yoga instructor. After dating for nearly four years, the couple tied the knot on October 21, 2007, at Devlali, Nashik. Their joy expanded with the arrival of their first child, a son named Yash, in February 2014.
Bhumika Chawla’s journey in the film industry is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of following one’s heart in the face of challenges.
