Where Are the 'Mohabbatein' Students Now? Jugal Hansraj Turns 53, Here's What He's Doing in New York Today

Shah Rukh Khan’s 2000 blockbuster Mohabbatein wasn’t just a romantic saga led by superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai—it was also the launchpad for six newcomers who quickly became audience favorites. Among them, the most memorable “chocolate boy” was Jugal Hansraj, who celebrates his 53rd birthday today.

Jugal Hansraj’s Early Start in Bollywood

Born on 26 July 1972 in Mumbai, Jugal is the younger son of former Indian cricketer Praveen Hansraj. He began his acting career as a child artist, debuting in the 1983 classic Masoom alongside Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. He followed this with appearances in films like Karma and Sultanat in the late '80s.

As an adult, he debuted in Aa Gale Lag Ja (1994) with Urmila Matondkar, followed by Papa Kehte Hain (1995) opposite Mayuri Kango. The song Ghar Se Nikalte Hi from this film became iconic. However, it was Mohabbatein (2000) that became the only blockbuster of his career.

Post-Mohabbatein Career & Creative Shift

Although Mohabbatein was a massive success, Jugal struggled to replicate its success in later films. He acted in Salaam Namaste, Aaja Nachle, and Kahaani 2, but none made a significant impact. Eventually, he shifted focus to behind-the-camera roles, trying his hand at directing and writing—but with limited success.

In 2017, he returned to the spotlight briefly with his children's novel Cross Connection: The Big Circus Adventure, which he promoted on The Kapil Sharma Show.

Where Is He Now?

In 2014, Jugal married Jasmine Dhillon, an NRI investment banker based in New York. The couple has a son named Sidak. Since marriage, Jugal has settled in New York and stepped away from Bollywood. He’s now a successful businessman and remains active on Instagram, where he shares updates from his life abroad and occasionally reflects on his film journey.

Though no longer in the limelight, Jugal Hansraj remains a nostalgic name for fans of early 2000s Bollywood. His innocent charm and iconic roles ensure he won’t be forgotten anytime soon.