First got noticed as a model for Pepsi, where she was over-shadowed by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Career launched by Subhash Ghai, who also launched Madhuri Dixit, 'Meenakshi Seshadri' and Manisha Koirala. Changed her screen name to Mahima as Subhash Ghai was superstitious about being successful with girls whose names start with M.