Born on June 20, 1972, Rahul is the son of late actor Vinod Khanna and his first wife Gitanjali Talyarkhan Khanna. Actor Akshaye Khanna is three years younger than Rahul (All photos/Rahul Khanna's official Instagram account)

Rahul Khanna studied at the world-famous and prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and the School of Visual Arts in New York City

Rahul Khanna made his debut with the 1999 film Earth. Directed by Deepa Mehta, the film also starred Aamir Khan and Nandita Das and went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year

However, Rahul Khanna was supposed to start his career in 1997, as his father Vinod Khanna was going to produce and direct a film titled Made In India, as a launchpad for his son. The film was said to be made in English and was also the debut of actress Sameera Reddy and Sushama Reddy's model sister Meghana Reddy. However, the film got shelved.

Before making his debut on the big screen as an actor, Rahul Khanna started off as a Video Jockey for the popular youth channel MTV

Unlike his brother Akshaye Khanna and father Vinod Khanna, Rahul chose the arty and offbeat route when it came to choosing films. After 'Earth', Rahul was seen in international films such as '3 am', Hollywood/Bollywood, 'The Emperor's Club' and Television sitcoms - '24' and 'The Americans'

Other Bollywood films, in which Rahul Khanna was part were - 'Elaan' (2005), 'Raqeeb' (2007), 'Tahaan' (2008) and 'Dil Kabaddi' (2008). However, most of them turned out to be commercial failures

Rahul Khanna, nevertheless, had an impactful cameo in hit films such as 'Wake Up Sid!' and 'Love Aaj Kal', both released in 2009. Rahul Khanna was also seen in Netflix original 'Leila', helmed by Deepa Mehta

You may be surprised to know that Rahul Khanna, who seldom has displayed his dancing skills to his fans, was part of Shiamak Davar's dance troop in the 1980s

Those following Rahul Khanna on Instagram are used to his great photography skills. Or, if we are being honest, the subject - him. Not to forget his wry wit is always on display on social media

Rahul Khanna may be missing from the big screen, but lives it up on social media

He is also a freelancing writer who has written for several fashion magazines on male fashion and lifestyle. In fact, Rahul Khanna had even called himself a boutique Bollywood actor on one of his humorous blogs

Such is the shy crossover actor's charm that he has become the thinking Indian woman's sophisticated pin-up he is the son of India's first sex symbol, Vinod Khanna, after all

Rahul Khanna is celebrating his 50th birthday this year and we think like wine, he keeps getting better with age

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Rahul Khanna. Keep spreading sunshine