UBD Birthdays : Amrita Rao

Born 17 June 1981, Amrita started her career as a model and then later debuted with 2002's 'Ab Ke Baras'.

Amrita Rao as Payal in 'Ishq Vishk' (2003)

But her breakthrough role came the following year with 'Ishq Vishk' (2003) - also marking the debut of Shahid Kapoor. Her portrayal of a love-struck teenager named Payal earned her the Best Female Debut Awards at both Filmfare, Stardust, Sansui and IIFA, as well as nominations at Zee Cine and Star Screen.

Amrita Rao as Sanjana in 'Main Hoon Na' (2004)

The following year saw further success with the back-to-back hits 'Main Hoon Na' + 'Masti' as well as the average 'Deewar'. This wasn't to last as her next few flicks didn't do the business at the box office. But this was about to change, as in November 2006 the Rajshri-produced 'Vivah' was released and became a huge success. Her pairing once again with Shahid Kapoor was praised and her performance playing a timid beauty named Poonam was well appreciated.

Amrita Rao as Poonam in 'Vivah' (2006)

2007 saw a special appearance in 'Heyy Baby' as well as a Telugu venture. 2008 also failed to do much for her career with 2 further disappointments, however this was turned around with the release of the critically acclaimed 'Welcome To Sajjanpur' - which also done big numbers at the box office.

Amrita Rao as Kamla in 'Welcome To Sajjanpur' (2007)

Her next releases 'Shortkut', 'Life Partner' + 'Victory' in 2009 and 'Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai' in 2010, well the less said about them the better. Her latest release 'Love U Mr. Kalakaar' bombed too. Amrita really needs to take control of her career now. We have seen her give great performances. We have seen her get critical acclaim, numerous awards and hit films, but she needs to concentrate now.

Today on her birthday let's celebrate by watching a song from her biggest hit 'Main Hoon Na':