Born on October 4, 1980, Paoli Dam was born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal. A bright student right from her school days, Paoli pursued education from Vidyasagar College in Kolkata and graduated in chemistry with honours. She even opted for a postgraduate degree in chemistry from Rajabazar Science College of the University of Calcutta. (All photos/Paoli Dam`s official Instagram account)

Paoli Dam aspired to be a pilot as a kid. But never in her dreams, did Paoli thought of becoming an actor. She is also a trained classical dancer.

At age 23, Paoli Dam began her career as an actor. She made her acting debut with Television show Jibon Niye Khela, for Zee Bangla.

Other Bengali TV shows that Paoli Dam has been part of in her early stage of career were Tithir Atithi, Tarpor Chand Uthlo, Sonar Harin, Jaya, Scandal and Mahanayak.

Paoli Dam came into prominence with her 2009 Bengali film - Kaalbela. She made her playback debut with the film.

But before Kaalbela, Paoli Dam made her debut in the Bengali film industry (Tollywood) with Agnipariksha (2006). She went on to star in films such as Tulkalam, I Love You, Aamar Pratigya, Hochchheta ki.

Paoli Dam soon became one of the well-known actresses in Bengali film industry.

In 2012, Paoli Dam made her Bollywood debut with Vivek Agnihotri`s Hate Story, which also starred Gulshan Devaiah and Nikkhil Dwivedi.

Paoli Dam created ripples with a bare-back shot in Hate Story. To her credit, the film emerged as a box office winner. `I had a fantastic welcome in Bollywood. It is a brand in itself. I want to do more films here. If I get good and interesting projects in Bengali then I would definitely do. The Hindi film industry has been accommodating. I had a fantastic experience,` Paoli had said back then.

After working in Bengali and Hindi cinema, Paoli Dam felt that Bollywood is more glamorous while Bengali cinema is culturally rooted. `Bollywood is more stylised and glamorise. Whereas Bengali cinema is more rooted in their culture and tradition. Bollywood is a brand itself because it is an amalgamation of all the cultures in our country,` she said.

However, Paoli Dam, an established actress in Tollywood, couldn`t make a mark in Bollywood. After Hate Story, Paoli made a comeback of sorts, three years later with Bollywood film Yaara Silly Silly. The film bombed at the Box Office.

Paoli Dam, nevertheless, continued to display her amazing potential in the Bengali film industry, where she made is renowned for her acting chops.

On the personal front, tied the knot with longtime beau, businessman Arjun Deb on December 2017. The wedding ceremony was held in Kolkata.

Paoli Dam`s husband Arjun Deb is a restaurateur from Guwahati. The actress met Arjun at a common friend`s party after the release of her film Parapaar in 2014. They hit it off instantly, however, both - Paoli and Arjun - took time to open up on the relationship!

On the work front, Paoli Dam`s recent work in web-series Kaali 2 and Bollywood movie Bulbbul was appreciated by critics and audience.

Here`s wishing a very happy birthday to Paoli Dam!