Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, renowned for her audacious and glamorous persona, has remained a prominent figure in the film industry for over two decades. Known for pushing boundaries and embracing bold roles, she has often found herself entangled in controversies, which somehow only add to her mystique. As Sherawat turns a year older, we delve into some of the most talked-about incidents that have kept her in the headlines and solidified her reputation as a fearless and unapologetic figure in Indian cinema.
From the onset of her career, Sherawat demonstrated an innate ability to attract both admiration and criticism. Her breakout role in “Murder” (2004) was marked by its provocative scenes, a bold choice that challenged the conservative norms of Indian cinema. This film not only catapulted her to stardom but also earned her the ire of traditionalists who believed she was testing the limits of decency. In numerous interviews, Sherawat has defended her choices, emphasizing that she was, in fact, ahead of her time and that her contemporaries often looked down upon her path to success.
In 2013, Mallika made headlines again on an international platform during an interview at the Cannes Film Festival. By labeling India as a “regressive” and “depressing” environment for women, she stirred discontent among the patriotic citizens back home. Critics accused her of tarnishing the country’s image, but Mallika stood her ground, asserting that she merely intended to highlight the glaring gender inequalities and societal conservatisms persisting in India. Her unapologetic stand was later validated by many when she reiterated her views in light of the Kolkata rape and murder case, garnering a wave of praise for her bravery in speaking up for women’s rights.
Another storm of controversy erupted in 2012 when Sherawat shared a kiss with Hollywood star Antonio Banderas at a Cannes party. The tabloids were quick to sensationalize the incident, especially since it reportedly upset Banderas’ then-wife, Melanie Griffith. Mallika brushed off the scandal, pointing out that the reaction was exaggerated given the casual nature of the encounter.
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In 2015, Mallika was embroiled in yet another controversy, this time concerning the poster for her film “Dirty Politics.” The artwork depicted her sitting on a car draped with the Indian national flag, sparking outrage among patriotic circles. Accused of disrespect and faced with legal complaints, Sherawat and the filmmakers were targeted by outraged right-wing groups. The controversy highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the national flag and further entrenched Mallika’s status as a polarizing figure in Indian cinema.
Beyond her professional life, Mallika Sherawat found herself in the news for personal reasons as well. In 2016, she and her then-boyfriend Cyrille Auxenfans were reportedly attacked outside her Paris apartment. While initial reports cast her as a victim, later scrutiny by French media suggested that the assault claims might have been fabricated to delay her eviction, an allegation Sharawat’s representatives staunchly denied.
Adding to her enigmatic public persona was the revelation of her marriage to Karan Singh Gill, a pilot, in the late 1990s—a union that remained a secret until much later. The marriage ended as Sherawat chose to pursue her career in Bollywood, a decision she attributes to the clashing expectations of a conservative lifestyle from her husband’s family with her own professional aspirations. The uncovering of her secret marital past captured media attention and fueled public intrigue about her off-screen life.
Throughout her career, Mallika Sherawat has embraced her bold choices and remained undeterred by the controversies they sparked. Her journey is a testament to her unapologetic stance on life, both personally and professionally. As she celebrates another year, she continues to captivate audiences and spark conversations, unwavering in her pursuit of authenticity and expression.
