Mallika Sherawat, born Reema Lamba on October 24, 1976, is an Indian actress known for films such as Murder, Khwahish, and Welcome. As of August 2026, she is 49 years old (she will turn 50 on October 24, 2026). She has also worked in international cinema and continues to appear in television and reality projects.
What makes Mallika Sherawat’s story truly remarkable is the personal journey behind her public persona. From a conservative Jat family in Haryana to Bollywood stardom and a reported ₹160–170 crore net worth, her life reflects ambition, resilience, and the courage to forge her own path.
Quick Info Table
Who Is Mallika Sherawat?
Mallika Sherawat, born Reema Lamba on October 24, 1976, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Hindi-language films. Known for her bold on-screen persona in films like Khwahish (2003) and Murder (2004), she has established herself as one of Bollywood’s most recognizable celebrities.
She is also one of the few Bollywood stars who actively attempted to cross over to Hollywood, with films like Hisss (2010) and Politics of Love (2011). In 2026, she is making headlines as a contestant on Amazon Prime Video’s reality show The Traitors 2.
Mallika Sherawat Age & Birthday
Mallika Sherawat was born on October 24, 1976. As of August 31, 2026, she is 49 years old and will turn 50 on October 24, 2026.
Mallika Sherawat Real Name
Her birth name is Reema Lamba. She changed it on a director’s advice because “Reema is not glamorous enough”. “Mallika” (meaning “queen”) was suggested by her team. “Sherawat” is her mother’s maiden name, which she adopted after her father’s side of the family reportedly disowned her over her decision to pursue acting.
Early Life & Family
Mallika Sherawat was born as Reema Lamba in Moth, a small village in the Hisar district of Haryana, to a conservative Jat family. Her father is Mukesh Kumar Lamba, and she was born into the family of Seth Chhaju Ram, a leading Jat philanthropist.
| Family Member | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Mukesh Kumar Lamba | Belongs to the family of Seth Chhaju Ram |
| Mother | Not publicly disclosed | – |
| Spouse (Ex) | Karan Singh Gill | Jet Airways pilot; married in 1997, divorced in 2001 |
Mallika has spoken publicly about losing her family’s support after choosing an acting career. Her father’s side of the family reportedly disowned her over the decision to pursue acting, prompting her to adopt her mother’s maiden name. In an interview, she disclosed that her father had thrown her out of the house. Over the years, her family has reportedly reconciled and accepted her career choice.
Education
Mallika completed her schooling at Delhi Public School on Mathura Road in New Delhi. She then pursued higher education at Miranda House, Delhi University, where she earned a degree in philosophy.
Read Also: Rupali Barua/Lana Rhoades
Mallika Sherawat Career
Bollywood Debut
Mallika made her Bollywood debut in 2002 with Jeena Sirf Merre Liye, where she had a supporting role alongside Kareena Kapoor and Tusshar Kapoor. She was credited as Reema Lamba in the film.
Khwahish (2003)
Her second film, Khwahish, directed by Govind Menon, became notorious for featuring 17 kissing scenes. This bold choice immediately set her apart from the conventional heroines of that era and established her as a fearless performer.
Murder (2004) — The Breakthrough
Murder, directed by Anurag Basu, changed everything. Made on a budget of around ₹5 crore, the film earned approximately ₹22.50 crore at the box office. The film’s success established Mallika as one of the most talked-about actresses of her time.
Commercial Successes
Following Murder, Mallika appeared in several successful films:
- Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006) — romantic comedy that won her critical acclaim
- Welcome (2007) — her biggest commercial success, featuring an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Nana Patekar, and Anil Kapoor
- Double Dhamaal (2011)
International Career
Mallika is one of the few Bollywood stars who attempted a crossover to Hollywood:
Recent Work
Mallika Sherawat on The Traitors 2 in 2026
Mallika Sherawat is currently stealing the spotlight on The Traitors 2, the popular reality show hosted by Karan Johar, streaming on Amazon Prime Video from August 13, 2026. The star-studded lineup includes Mallika Sherawat, Munawar Faruqui, Shweta Tiwari, Rhea Chakraborty, Abhishek Malhan, Krystle D’Souza, and many others.
Initially apprehensive about joining the show, Mallika was convinced by her manager. On the show, she made headlines by claiming that Tom Cruise has a crush on her, telling fellow contestants: “Everyone has had a crush on me. Tom Cruise has had a crush on me recently”. There is no independent confirmation from Tom Cruise or his representatives regarding this claim.
The show also sparked controversy when Mallika brought up co-contestant Rhea Chakraborty’s jail time, saying: “Is this game about comebacks? I would also say, ‘Oh Rhea, you were in jail. This is a big comeback for you?'” Fellow contestant Sahil Salathia slammed the comment as “obnoxious” and “ridiculous”.
Mallika Sherawat Husband & Relationships
Marriage and Divorce
In 1997, she married Karan Singh Gill, a pilot with Jet Airways. However, marriage wasn’t compatible with her ambitions. When she decided to pursue a career in Bollywood, tensions arose. Her in-laws were reportedly against her entering the film industry.
Current Relationship Status
As of 2026, Mallika Sherawat is not publicly known to be in a relationship. She has chosen not to remarry after her divorce and has often spoken about prioritizing her career and personal freedom.
Mallika Sherawat Net Worth
According to media reports, Mallika Sherawat’s net worth is estimated at around ₹160–170 crore. The Economic Times and News18 have reported her net worth at approximately ₹170 crore. However, it’s important to note that celebrity net worth figures are generally media estimates, not audited financial disclosures.
Mallika Sherawat House, Cars & Lifestyle
The Los Angeles Mansion
Mallika owns a massive mansion in Los Angeles featuring bright, all-white interiors and a swimming pool. The property reflects her sophisticated taste and global lifestyle.
Luxury Cars
In March 2026, she shared a video on Instagram showing herself driving a Lamborghini Aventador.
Fitness
At 49, Mallika continues to maintain a chiseled physique. In May 2026, she posted gym mirror selfies with the caption: “No luck. No shortcuts”. In July 2025, she posted a raw selfie video with the caption “100% real, No filters, No fuss & No Botox.”
Controversies
1. The National Flag Controversy (2015)
The poster of her film Dirty Politics showed her sitting on top of a car outside the Rajasthan State Legislative Assembly, wearing the Indian national flag. She received criticism for allegedly disrespecting the flag.
2. Topless Scene Controversy
Her Hollywood film Hisss featured a scene that appeared to show her topless. Mallika later clarified that she was wearing a body suit.
3. Feud with Emraan Hashmi
During the promotions of Murder, she had a fight with co-star Emraan Hashmi. They didn’t speak for years. Mallika later admitted they were “too young and immature at that time to pick a fight over such petty issues.”
4. The Traitors 2 Jail Comment (2026)
In August 2026, Mallika sparked controversy by bringing up Rhea Chakraborty’s jail time on The Traitors 2. The comment drew criticism from fellow contestants and viewers.
5. Vulgar Dance Complaint (2006)
A complaint was filed against her for wearing a revealing dress and dancing in a vulgar manner at an event.
Read Also: Shura Khan/Shruti Haasan/Shai Fruchter
Awards & Achievements
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Zee Cine Award | Best Actress (Murder) | Nominated |
| 2008 | Renaissance Artist Award | – | Won |
| 2009 | Mayor of Jersey City | Honor for work in the arts | Honored |
| 2011 | Gotham Screen Film Festival | Best Actress (Hisss) | Won |
Lesser-Known Facts
- Name Change: She adopted “Mallika” (meaning “queen”) to avoid confusion with other actresses named Reema. “Sherawat” is her mother’s maiden name.
- Philosophy Graduate: She holds a degree in philosophy from Delhi University’s Miranda House.
- Vegan Lifestyle: Mallika follows a vegan diet.
- Lost 30 Films: She has claimed she lost opportunities in about 30 films because she refused to compromise.
- Early Career: She started her journey with TV advertisements alongside stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
- International Recognition: She was honored by the Mayor of Jersey City in 2009 for her work in the arts.
Social Media
| Platform | Username | Details |
|---|---|---|
| @mallikasherawat | More than 2.9 million followers (as of August 2026) | |
| Mallika Sherawat | Official page | |
| Twitter/X | @mallikasherawat | Official handle |
Mallika is highly active on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her glamorous lifestyle, fitness routines, and candid moments. Her bio reads: “Bollywood Actress. Freedom is my signature.”
FAQs
1. Who is Mallika Sherawat?
2. Why is Mallika Sherawat famous?
3. What is Mallika Sherawat’s net worth?
4. What is Mallika Sherawat’s real name?
5. Is Mallika Sherawat in a relationship?
6. What controversies is Mallika Sherawat involved in?
7. How old is Mallika Sherawat?
Conclusion
Mallika Sherawat’s journey from a small village in Haryana to international recognition reflects remarkable determination. She dared to dream when dreams were discouraged, broke rules when conformity was expected, and built a career on her own terms—though at a significant personal cost, including losing her family’s support.
In 2026, at 49, Mallika Sherawat is still making headlines. Whether she’s driving a Lamborghini in Los Angeles, working out in the gym, or stirring conversation on reality TV, she does it all with an unapologetic confidence that has defined her career.
Mallika Sherawat isn’t just a Bollywood actress—she represents resilience, independence, and the courage to live life on one’s own terms.
About the Author
This article was researched and written by Husbandsbio, an experienced entertainment journalist with expertise in celebrity biographies and cultural analysis. Information is based on publicly available sources, industry reports, and verified podcast interviews.
