Samantha Akkineni was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and made her acting debut with Telugu film Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010. She won the Filmfare Award for the "Best Debut Actress" in 2010. She also bagged Nandi award for the same film.

Here are some lesser known facts about this actress who is celebrating her birthday today (April 28).

Samantha became an actress by need and not by her choice

In Samantha's early life, financially she was going through a bad time. To make ends meets, along with modelling, she took up part-time jobs. The well-known director-cinematographer MR Ravi Varman introduced her to the film industry.

Apart from acting, Samantha runs a health-care NGO

Samantha's NGO "Pratyusha Support" provides healthcare support and medical treatment to help deprived children and women in specific regions.

Samantha is also known as Yashoda

While the country calls her Samantha, Sam and other lovely names, her parents and her close ones call her as Yashoda.

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa is not her debut film

No, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa was not Samantha's debut film. The actress’s first film was Moscowin Kavery (2010) directed by Ravi Varman, who introduced her to acting.

Audrey Hepburn inspired Samantha

Do you know whom Samantha turns to, for inspiration? Well, Audrey Hepburn, the famous Hollywood star is known for his excellent acting skills. He later turned out to be Samantha's inspiration.

Samantha was a top-scorer in her academics

Samantha was a brilliant student and used to top the class all the time. Samantha would work hard to score well in all her academic years