Born on September 27, 1974, into a foreign origin Turko Mongolian Khan Iranian family, Rakshanda Khan is a Mumbai girl! She did her BA in English Literature from St Xavier's College in 1995. Rakshanda is remembered for her negative role as Tanya Virani in the iconic soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. (All photos/ Rakshanda Khan's official Instagram account)

In 2003, Rakshanda Khan made her debut with the TV series Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. She instantly gained popularity for her role as Mallika Seth, a character with grey shades in the show.

After Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, Rakshanda Khan was seen in many popular daily soaps such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kasamh Se, Naaginn, Kitani Mohabbat Hai, Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and Naagin 3.

Rakshanda Khan is also a voice-over artist. She has done dubbing for The Mummy (1999), The Incredibles (2004), Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Total Recall (2012) and Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015).

As a host, Rakshanda Khan has been the face of shows such as Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar, Jodi Kamaal Ki and Indian Idol 2 Taka Tak.

On the personal front, Rakshanda Khan got married to actor Sachin Tyagi in March 2014. The couple met on the sets of the dance reality show 'Kabhi Pyaar Kabhi Yaar' and just like the show's title they became partners in real life! This is Sachin's second marriage. He has two daughters from his first marriage.

Rakshanda Khan and Sachin Tyagi are parents to daughter Inaya Tyagi who was born in December 2014.

Before Sachin Tyagi, Rakshanda Khan dated director and producer, Sajid Khan for almost 10 years. However, even after parting ways, Rakshanda and director-choreographer Farah Khan (Sajid's sister) maintained good relations. Farah Khan had hosted Rakshanda's baby shower in 2014, as well.

Rakshanda Khan had once said she would love to work with her husband and actor Sachin Tyagi, but doesn't see that happening anytime soon as she feels that they will be 'very competitive with each other' while working together.

'It would be great if we get something to work together. But the problem is that we are both very stubborn in the sense of wanting a very good role. So until and unless a show comes up with two good roles, it is not going to be possible,' said Rakshanda Khan in an old interview with IANS.

Rakshanda Khan made her comeback after a maternity break of two years with Brahmarakshas - Jaag Utha Shaitaan (2016).

In 2017, Rakshanda Khan made her debut on the digital platform with Ragini MMS Returns, where she played a paranormal investigator in the show. Keeping the USP of the show intact, Rakshanda played the character of Bharti, a ghostbuster, who helps Ragini (Divya Agarwal) and her friends solve the strange mystery surrounding them.

On playing a similar character in the second part Rakshanda quipped, 'Ragini MMS is not just a show, it's a legacy created by Ekta Kapoor and being a part of something as big as this is a proud moment for me. I believe as an actor, we should not restrict oneself basis the medium and keep moving forward to explore as much as possible. I made my digital debut with Ragini MMS Returns and I am continuing my experiment with its new instalment. I have been associated with Balaji for so long and this is what makes my stint more comfortable.'

When asked Rakshanda Khan if juggling parenting and work is demanding, she said, 'No one has managed to master this art. Raising children is a 24x7 job. You could be awake 23 hours, and you will still have some work pending. I'm still trying to strike a balance.'

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Rakshanda Khan!