Born on August 9, 1991, Hansika Motwani has not even entered her 30s but has already completed 20 years in the showbiz. Hansika's father Pradeep Motwani is a businessman, and mother Mona Motwani is a dermatologist. (All photos/Hansika Motwani's Instagram account and mid-day archives)

Hansika Motwani was just eight when she made her acting debut. She started her career with the Television show - Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand. The show starring Sangeeta Ghosh and Varun Badola had Hansika playing the child artist - Tina Singh Kent.

Later, Hansika Motwani was also seen in other TV shows like Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Son Pari and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Hansika Motwani got her first big break in Bollywood as a child artist with Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta starrer Koi... Mil Gaya. Her performance was considerably good and got noticed by many!

When Hansika Motwani was 16, many said she looked much older. In 2007 (merely two years after her Fame Gurukul stint), Hansika was launched opposite Himesh Reshammiya in Aap Kaa Surroor.

Hansika Motwani's photos where one could see her transforming slowly from a child to a young teenager raised some eyebrows. In the same year, she also made her Telugu debut with Desamuduru, starring Allu Arjun.

Her next Bollywood film was opposite Govinda - Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, which was a flop. However, she attracted the attention of the production houses of the South film industry and went on to act in Tamil and Telugu films delivering several hits.

Hansika Motwani's popularity down South became huge with films such as Oru Kal Oru Kannadi in Tamil which was a super hit.

Highlighting Hansika's Tamil cinema career, the lady has been part of films such as Mappillai (debut) (2011), Engeyum Kadhal (2011), Velayudham (2011), Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012), Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (2013), Maan Karate (2014), Aranmanai (2014), Manithan (2016), Bogan (2017), Gulaebaghavali (2018), 100 (2019).

Talking about Hansika Motwani's Telugu cinema journey, she started off with Desamudduru (2007) and starred in films such as Kantri (2008), Maska (2009), Oh My Friend (2011), Power (2014), Luckunnodu (2017), Goutham Nanda (2017).

Hansika Motwani also tried her hands in the Malayalam film industry. She made her debut in 2017 with Villain alongside Mohanlal, Vishal and Raashi Khanna. Though the film opened to mixed reviews her performance was praised.

Hansika Motwani turned to Buddhism in 2010. In the long list of celebrities who follow this religion, Hansika Motwani too added her name. In an exclusive interview with mid-day, years ago, the actress said, 'The best way to effectively de-stress is to chant 'Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo'. I chant every morning. This practice strengthens compassion in my mind.'

Shedding more light on the same, Hansika added, 'For me, Buddhism aims to awaken people to the limitless potential and value of their own lives. Through chants, one can connect with God and can experience real peace of mind and spiritual well-being. Chanting helps me strike a balance. I am now able to manage stress better and am generally more positive when dealing with people.'

On the work front, Hansika Motwani was seen in Tenali Ramakrishna BA. BL. She will be next seen in Maha, that will mark her 50th film.

Hansika Motwani has truly come a long way. Despite facing criticism at an early age, she remained unaffected and shut mouths of the naysayers by making a mark in the South film industry. Hats off to you girl!

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Hansika Motwani!