
February 3, 2026 — In the glitzy world of Bollywood, where star kids often dominate the headlines, a new sensation has captured the internet’s heart. Ariana Mukherjee, the daughter of Pardes actress Mahima Chaudhry, has been making waves with her recent star-studded appearances in Mumbai. From high-profile premieres to casual city outings, the 18-year-old is being hailed as the “spitting image” of her mother, sparking a wave of nostalgia across social media.
Just this week, Ariana accompanied her mother to the prestigious launch of Variety Magazine India in Mumbai. While the event was packed with industry stalwarts like Sidharth Malhotra and Arjun Kapoor, it was the mother-daughter duo that became the most talked-about moment of the night.
Dressed in a graceful ethnic outfit with her signature soft bangs, Ariana’s poise and understated elegance drew immediate comparisons to Mahima’s early days in cinema. A video of the duo pausing for the paparazzi quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section.
“She is literally a carbon copy of Mahima from the ’90s,” wrote one user. Another added, “The grace, the smile—it’s like seeing the Pardes girl all over again.”
Interestingly, the internet hasn’t just limited Ariana’s resemblance to her mother. For months, netizens have pointed out her striking likeness to international pop icon Selena Gomez. Whether it’s her youthful glow or her face-framing fringe, the “Selena vibes” have made her a favorite among Gen-Z fans.
This isn’t the first time Ariana has trended. Last year, at the screening of the film Nadaaniyan—which marked the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor—Ariana managed to steal the spotlight despite not being in the film herself. Her humble nature also won hearts when she was spotted touching the feet of veteran actor Raj Babbar at a separate event, proving that she carries her mother’s values alongside her looks.
Mahima Chaudhry, who raised Ariana as a single mother following her divorce from Bobby Mukherjee in 2013, has often spoken about her daughter being her “biggest strength.” During Ariana’s school graduation late last year, Mahima shared an emotional post:
While the internet is already calling her a “future superstar,” Mahima remains protective of her daughter’s choices. In recent interviews, the actress clarified that while she would love for Ariana to join the industry eventually, education remains the current priority.
However, with her natural screen presence and the “Mahima 2.0” tag firmly attached, it seems only a matter of time before the big screen comes calling for Ariana Mukherjee.