Many people put aside family expectations to follow their passion, and this is especially true for those entering the film industry. One of the most prominent names on that list is Mallika Sherawat. Hailing from a small village in Haryana, her journey to Bollywood stardom is fascinating. From working as an air hostess after completing her studies, standing up to her father for an acting career, taking risks in her personal life, to redefining ‘boldness’ in Indian cinema—these are the highlights of the career of Bollywood’s hot bomb, Mallika Sherawat. Today, October 24, as she celebrates her 49th birthday, let’s take a look at the secrets of her personal and professional life.

The Real Life of Reema Lamba: Mallika Sherawat’s birth name is Reema Lamba. She hails from a small village called Moth in Hisar district, Haryana. Her father, Mukesh Kumar Lamba, wanted his daughter to pursue a government job. But Mallika was passionate about films. After finishing her studies, she worked as an air hostess and later told her family she wanted to enter the film industry. Her father did not approve. Determined to follow her dream, she defied her parents and moved first to Delhi, then to Mumbai. It was then that she adopted her mother’s maiden name, “Sherawat,” becoming Mallika Sherawat, a tribute to her mother’s support, as she once said. During this period, her father reportedly did not speak to her for many years.

From Modeling to Films: To establish herself in Mumbai’s glamour industry, Mallika Sherawat worked extremely hard. She started her career in modeling and later appeared in advertisements. In 2002, she made her on-screen debut with a small role in Jeena Sirf Mere Liye. However, her big break came in 2003 with the film Khwahish, where her bold scenes created a stir in the Indian film industry. She then became an overnight star with the 2004 film Murder.

The Star Who Hid Her Marriage: Mallika Sherawat’s marriage has long been a topic of industry speculation. In 2000, while working as an air hostess, she married pilot Karan Singh Gill. However, she kept the marriage a secret to focus on her acting career. At the time, Bollywood expectations suggested that a married heroine would get fewer opportunities, and Mallika made the tough choice to prioritise her professional dreams over her personal life. She was married to Karan for only a year. After their divorce, she remained independent and focused fully on her career, entertaining audiences with her comic timing in hit films like Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Welcome, and Double Dhamaal.

Mallika on the Global Stage: Unsatisfied with limiting herself to Bollywood, Mallika Sherawat made her mark in Hollywood as well. She is one of the few Indian actresses to appear on international screens. In The Myth (2005), she played the role of an Indian woman alongside legendary actor Jackie Chan. Her performances in commercial Hollywood films earned her recognition worldwide. She also acted in films like Politics of Love and appeared in the Chinese fantasy movie Time Raiders.