Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, renowned for her daring and glamorous image, has been a significant figure in the Indian film industry for over two decades. Well-known for her bold roles, Mallika has found herself at the heart of multiple controversies that have defined much of her public persona. Despite facing backlash, she has remained unapologetic and candid about her life choices and experiences. As she celebrates her birthday, it’s timely to revisit some of the landmark controversies that have surrounded her career.
Right from the onset of her career, Mallika Sherawat captured attention with her provocative roles. Her performance in the 2004 film “Murder” was particularly noted for its intimate scenes and bold content. The film was considered scandalous and led to a swirling debate in conservative circles of Indian society about the boundaries of decency in cinema. Mallika became a subject of criticism for challenging traditional norms, to which she repeatedly responded by defending her creative choices and the film’s narrative, insisting they were ahead of their time.
In 2013, Mallika found herself in the international spotlight again when she made candid remarks about the state of women’s rights in India. During an interview at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, she described India as a “regressive” and “depressing” place for women, citing pervasive gender inequality and societal rigidity. Her comments drew ire from many in India, accusing her of tarnishing the nation’s reputation on the world stage. Despite the backlash, Mallika stood firm, explaining that she meant to raise awareness about the genuine challenges women face in India. Interestingly, her stance was revisited in a different light when she spoke out again in response to a high-profile case of assault in Kolkata. This time, her statements were praised online for their courage in championing the plight of Indian women.
Adding to her list of publicized moments was her unexpected kiss with Antonio Banderas at a Cannes party in 2012. The incident became a tabloid sensation, especially with reports emerging that Banderas’ then-wife, Melanie Griffith, was allegedly upset by the incident.
. Mallika, however, maintained that the incident was nothing more than a casual exchange, blown out of proportion by the media.
In 2015, yet another storm was brewed over the release of the poster for her film “Dirty Politics.” The poster depicted Mallika sitting atop a car draped with the Indian national flag while wearing a politician’s turban, which many found disrespectful. The controversy escalated to legal complaints and protests from right-wing groups accusing the actress and the filmmakers of dishonoring national symbols. The film, which also featured celebrated actors such as Anupam Kher and Om Puri, sparked a nationwide debate on artistic expression versus national pride.
In 2016, reports surfaced about an alleged assault involving Mallika and her French boyfriend, Cyrille Auxenfans, outside her Paris apartment. Initially reported as an attack, subsequent local media reports called into question the credibility of the incident, suggesting it might have been fabricated to forestall an eviction from the apartment over rental payment issues—allegations adamantly denied by Sherawat’s representatives.
Away from the cameras, Mallika’s personal life also sparked intrigue and controversy. For a significant part of her career, she was known as an independent, single woman. Surprising many, it was later revealed that she had been married to a pilot, Karan Singh Gill, in the late 1990s before entering the film industry. This marriage ended as her aspirations to pursue a cinematic career clashed with the conservative values expected by her then-husband and family. This revelation brought to light a personal aspect of Mallika’s journey, highlighting the societal pressures on women, even as they seek independence and success.
Mallika Sherawat’s journey through the Indian film industry has been as vibrant and controversial as her roles. Fearless in expression both on and off screen, she continues to challenge the status quo, asserting her identity and views with fortitude. As she steps into another year, her career trajectory reminds both fans and critics alike of the transformative force that she continues to embody.
