Mallika Sherawat is one of the most talked-about actresses in Bollywood. Known for her bold choices and fearless personality, she has often been described as a woman who broke barriers in Indian cinema. From her early days in Haryana to becoming a global face at Cannes, Mallika’s journey is filled with glamour, controversies, and achievements.
She rose to fame in the early 2000s with films that challenged traditional ideas of romance and female representation in Bollywood. Her performances in movies like Khwahish and Murder made her a household name, while her appearances at international film festivals gave her recognition beyond India.
Mallika Sherawat Age, Husband, Career, Family, Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Reema Lamba (stage name: Mallika Sherawat) |
| Date of Birth | 24 October 1976 |
| Age (as of July 2026) | 49 years |
| Birthplace | Moth Village, Hisar District, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Television Personality |
| Education | Philosophy degree from Miranda House, Delhi University |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (approx) |
| Parents | Father: Mukesh Kumar Lamba (engineer), Mother: Santosh Sherawat |
| Siblings | One brother (name not widely public) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (married to Karan Singh Gill in 1997, later separated) |
| Notable Relationships | Cyrille Auxenfans (French businessman), rumored link with Antonio Banderas |
| Children | None |
| Debut Film | Jeena Sirf Merre Liye (2002, small role) |
| Breakthrough Film | Khwahish (2003), Murder (2004) |
| Popular Films | Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006), Welcome (2007), Double Dhamaal (2011) |
| International Films | The Myth (2005), Hisss (2010), Politics of Love (2011) |
| Reality Shows | Bachelorette India (2013), The Traitors Season 2 (2026, Amazon Prime Video) |
| Awards | Renaissance Artist Award (2008), Kalaakar Award (2010), Best Actress Gotham Screen (2011), International Youth Icon (2015), Diversity Award (2020) |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹100–110 crore INR (approx) |
| Lifestyle | Vegan, yoga enthusiast, divides time between India and Los Angeles |
| @mallikasherawat/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Mallika_Sherawat |
Early Life and Background
Mallika was born as Reema Lamba on 24 October 1976 in Moth village, Hisar district, Haryana. She belongs to a Jat family. Her father, Mukesh Kumar Lamba, worked as an engineer, while her mother, Santosh Sherawat, was a homemaker. Mallika later adopted her mother’s maiden name “Sherawat” as her screen name, which she felt gave her individuality.
Her family background is rooted in Haryana’s culture, and she is also related to philanthropist Seth Chhaju Ram, who was known for his contributions to education. Growing up in a conservative environment, Mallika faced challenges when she decided to enter the entertainment industry.
Education and Early Career
Mallika studied at Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, and later pursued a degree in philosophy from Miranda House, Delhi University. Before entering films, she briefly worked as an air hostess, which gave her exposure to the world outside Haryana.
Her career began with modeling assignments and television commercials. She appeared in ads with big stars like Amitabh Bachchan (BPL) and Shah Rukh Khan (Hyundai Santro).
Entry into Bollywood
Mallika’s first film appearance was in Jeena Sirf Merre Liye (2002), where she played a small role. Her breakthrough came with Khwahish (2003), a film that made headlines for its bold scenes. She quickly became known as someone who was not afraid to take risks, even if it meant facing criticism.
Her real stardom arrived with Murder (2004), a thriller inspired by Hollywood’s Unfaithful. The film was a huge success and established Mallika as Bollywood’s “sex symbol.” With her glamorous image and fearless attitude, she became one of the most talked-about actresses of her time.
Rise to Fame
After the success of Murder in 2004, Mallika Sherawat became one of the most talked-about stars in Bollywood. The film’s bold storyline and her fearless performance made her stand out in an industry where actresses were often expected to play safe roles. Her image as Bollywood’s “sex symbol” was both celebrated and criticized.
She continued to choose films that kept her in the spotlight, such as Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006), where she starred opposite Rahul Bose, and Welcome (2007), a comedy that became a box-office hit. She also became popular for her item songs. “Mayya Mayya” from Guru and “Jalebi Bai” from Double Dhamaal were instant hits, adding to her glamorous image. By the late 2000s, Mallika had firmly established herself as a star who could not be ignored.
See Also:- Sakshi Bhogal
International Career
Mallika’s ambitions were not limited to Bollywood. She wanted to make a mark globally, and she did. In 2005, she starred alongside Jackie Chan in The Myth, which gave her international exposure. She promoted the film at Cannes, where her stylish appearances drew attention from the global media.
Her film Hisss (2010), directed by Jennifer Lynch, was promoted at Cannes with live snakes, making headlines worldwide. She later appeared in Politics of Love (2011), a Hollywood romantic comedy based on Barack Obama’s election campaign. In 2009, she was given honorary citizenship of Los Angeles for her contribution to cinema. She became a regular face at Cannes Film Festival, representing Indian cinema on the global stage.
Reality Shows and Recent Work
Mallika has also explored television and reality shows. In 2013, she appeared in Bachelorette India – Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika, where she searched for a life partner on national television. The show kept her in the headlines and showed another side of her personality.
In recent years, she has returned to acting with films like RK/RKay (2022), Pambattam (2024), and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (2024). In 2026, she joined The Traitors Season 2 on Amazon Prime Video, hosted by Karan Johar. The show was filmed at the grand Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer and brought her back into mainstream discussions.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of July 2026, Sherawat’s estimated net worth is around ₹100–110 crore INR. Her income comes from films, brand endorsements, reality shows, and international appearances. She has invested in luxury properties and owns several high-end cars, including a Mercedes, Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls Royce Dawn, McLaren 720s, and Ferrari 812 Superfast.
Mallika divides her time between India and Los Angeles, where she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle. She is known for her love of yoga, vegan food, and travel. Despite her glamorous image, she often speaks about living a balanced life and focusing on health and wellness.
Personal Life & Spouse
Mallika’s personal life has often been in the news. She married Karan Singh Gill, a Jet Airways pilot, in 1997, but the marriage ended in divorce. Over the years, she has been linked to several personalities, including French businessman Cyrille Auxenfans and Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas.
In 2013, she openly searched for love on Bachelorette India, which showed her willingness to share her personal journey with the public. Mallika has often spoken about her independence and her choice to live life on her own terms.
Awards and Achievements
Mallika Sherawat’s career has been marked not only by bold choices but also by recognition. In 2008, she received the Renaissance Artist Award at the American Academy Awards in recognition of her contribution to cinema. In 2010, she was honoured with the Kalaakar Award for her performance in Hisss.
Her Hollywood film Politics of Love earned her the Best Actress Award at the Gotham Screen Film Festival in 2011. She was also named the International Youth Icon in 2015, showing her influence beyond films. In 2020, she received the Diversity Award in Los Angeles, highlighting her role in representing Indian cinema globally.
Activism and Social Work
Beyond films, Mallika has been active in social causes. She has spoken openly about women’s rights and the need for gender equality. In 2014, she addressed the United Nations DPI/NGO Conference, where she highlighted issues faced by women in India.
In 2018, she supported the Free A Girl India NGO at Cannes, which works to rescue young girls from trafficking. Her involvement in such causes shows that she uses her fame to bring attention to important social issues. Mallika has often said that she wants to inspire women to live freely and without fear.
Controversies
Mallika has never been far from controversy. Her bold posters for Dirty Politics in 2015 created a stir, with many calling them too provocative. During the promotions of Murder, she had a public fallout with co-star Emraan Hashmi, which became a talking point in the media.
She has also faced criticism for her comments on women’s safety in India. While some appreciated her honesty, others felt she exaggerated the situation. Yet, Mallika has always stood by her words, saying that she believes in speaking the truth even if it invites backlash.
Read Also:- Shweta Tiwari
