When it comes to Juhi Chawla, the name that instantly screams Bollywood is grace, charm, and talent all rolled into one. Since her breakthrough in the late ’80s to one of the most popular actress of ’90s, she has ruled Indian cinema. Juhi is best known for her bubbly on-screen presence, perfect comic timing and an effortless shift between genres and has many memorable performances in her filmography.
1Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
Directed by: Mansoor Khan
Co-star: Aamir Khan
Juhi Chawla made her foray into stardom with the iconic romantic drama Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. This film, which made Juhi the first actress to be paired opposite Aamir Khan redefined the genre of youthful romance in Bollywood. That film went on to become a huge box office success making Juhi and Aamir overnight stars. As a woman trapped in a tragic love story, her performance as Rashmi was full of heart. The melodious songs in the film, from ‘Papa Kehte Hain’ to ‘Ae Mere Humsafar’, never cease to feel fresh in your ears which makes this a must watch classic.
2Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)
Directed by: Mahesh Bhatt
Co-star: Aamir Khan
Well this family comedy-drama proved that Juhi was a versatile actress. Juhi’s role of Vaijanti, a free-spirited girl who brings chaos and happiness in the middle of Aamir Khan’s character and the children he takes care of is remembered till now from Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. For her effortless comic timing and endearing screen presence, Juhi bagged the Filmfare for Best Actress. The Khushboo story is a feel good one, and even today the soundtrack still has many catch songs — like Ghunghat Ki Aad Se.
3Darr (1993)
Directed by: Yash Chopra
Co Stars : SRK, Sunny deol
Kiran in Darr Juhi Chawla starred as Kiran, a woman who finds herself torn between a lover-turned-stalker and her more grounded fiancé, in the 1993 psychological thriller Darr. While Shah Rukh Khan’s obsessive lover stole the show, Juhi played a complimenting role of showing weakness but also great strength. Canon has a deep bore well and provides water to nearby movie theatres for drinking, preparation of the famous acrylic film Canon and commercial post-production. The film, which revolves around the theme of obsession and fear, was an unforgettable Kiran-based character played by Juhi.
4Yes Boss (1997)
Directed by: Aziz Mirza
Co-star: Shah Rukh Khan
Yes Boss is a breezy rom-com that captured the sizzling chemistry that Juhi Chawla and Shah Rukh Khan shared. Juhi played the character of Seema, a determined but warm-hearted girl who won hearts with her endearing smile and childhood charm. Add in its hit soundtrack which includes songs such as “Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon,” and the movie’s youthful idealism and you have a film that was easily embraced by the general public. Juhi completely charmed us in her role and the film is Close to Juhi’s heart.
5Ishq (1997)
Directed by: Indra Kumar
Co-stars: Aamir Khan, Kajol, Ajay Devgn
If there is a film which actually proves the comic timing of Juhi Chawla, then it will be Ishq. A montage of slapstick, melodrama and mistaken identities unfold in this romantic comedy. Juhi from her side too sill create laugher and drama, along with Aamir Khan Kajol And Ajay Devgan. She gets featured in this run of film which unified bad is Madhu, a firebrand and free-spirited woman. It went on to become a box office hit and still remains as one of a successful comedy in the archives of Bollywood.
6Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000)
Directed by: Aziz Mirza
Co-star: Shah Rukh Khan
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani was portentous in exposing both the ethical issues and sensationalism surrounding news media even before the concept of 24-hour news became mainstream. Juhi Chawla as Ria Banerjee, a fiery journalist who is trying to get to the bottom of things She was the perfect blend and her on-screen chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan brought in a lot of energy. The film opened to a mixed reception in its initial run, but has since cultivated a cult following due to its social themes and lively cast performances.
7My Brother… Nikhil (2005)
Directed by: Onir
Co-star: Sanjay Suri
My Brother… Nikhil is a classic and an important film in Juhi Chawla’s career. In an important yet supporting role, Juhi plays Anamika, the sister of Nikhil, a HIV positive man. She received critical acclaim for her mature and sensitive portrayal. The film addressed LGBTQ+ issues and HIV awareness in India through its compassionate narrative, thereby making it an important film for Indian cinema.
8Jhankaar Beats (2003)
Directed by: Sujoy Ghosh
Co-star: Sanjay Suri
This friendship, music, and love-infused musical comedy-drama features Juhi Chawla as Shanti who plays a supportive wife and friend in the film. Not just for its fresh perspective on relationships, but also for paying ode to the master R.D. Burman through some splendid tracks in the album such as Mera Joota Hai Japani and Piya Tu Ab To Aaja. So, if you want an enjoyable movie experience that radiates warmth and sincerity with her performance then do watch this film as well.
9Gulaab Gang (2014)
Directed by: Soumik Sen
Co-star: Madhuri Dixit
Juhi, who plays the role of the shrewd and corrupt politician Sumitra Devi in Gulaab Gang is seen in a rare negative avatar. This marked a diversion from her regular types of roles and highlighted her range as an actress. Juhi’s role as the antagonist opposite Madhuri Dixit was powerful, earning her praise and cementing her ability to play diverse roles. It a story of women empowerment and fight for social justice.
10Swarg (1990)
Directed by: David Dhawan
Co-star: Rajesh Khanna
Swarg is one of Juhi Chawla’s career successes, a family based drama on themes of fidelity, treachery and redemption. In this rollercoaster of emotions with Rajesh Khanna and Govinda, Juhi played the character of a supportive friend, Jyoti. The film was a blockbuster and this earned Juhi the recognition as a new class actress in the industry.
