Aishwarya Rai's 47th birthday: Here's how she made India proud

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai is celebrating her 47th birthday today 

As an ode to her big day, here are some fun facts about the beauty queen, which has made the nation proud:

Before entering the world of modelling and showbiz, she did her first TV commercial for Camlin pencils when she was nine.

The actress wanted to pursue a career in the field of medicine and zoology was her favourite subject, but now the actress has her eyes on directing movies.

Aishwarya became the first Indian actress to be a jury member of the Cannes Film Festival in 2003.

She met South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela in 1994, during the Miss World pageant, which was held at South Africa that year. "And what more could one ask for than an audience with President Mandela himself, a man deservedly admired and respected the world over for his contributions towards humanity." wrote Aishwarya in a special article about her Miss World experience for Non-profit organization, Beauty With a Purpose.

She has also appeared on the world-famous show of Oprah Winfrey.

Aishwarya has recently dubbed in Hindi for Angelina Jolie's Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is the first Indian Bollywood actress to have her wax statue at Madame Tussauds.

She is the only actress, who was invited by former US President George W Bush when he visited India in 2006.