Name: Mallika Sherawat

Designation: Actor

Sun Sign: Scorpio, 24 October

Educational Experience
I studied in Jindal public school Rohtak, Haryana till standard eight. Then, I joined Delhi Public School where I completed my schooling. I graduated from Miranda House, Delhi with Philosophy honours.

Professional Experience

After graduation, I came down to Mumbai to become an an actress. While waiting for film offers, I was approached to do a BPL advertisement. The ad that featured me with the living legend Amitabh Bachchan, gave me instant recognition. Then, came a Hyundai Santro advertisement with Sharukh Khan. I have also endorsed Roohafza sherbat and Elle 18 eyeliner. Currently, you can also see me on the television in the Amul ads.

Luckily for me, Govind Menon who was scouting for talents happen to notice me and signed me for Khwahish alongside Himanshu Mallik.

Media as career choice
Since the time I was a little kid, I have nurtured the dream to make it big in Bollywood. I actively participated in the theater during my school as well as college days. While my parents always encouraged me to participate in extra-curricular activities, they threw a fit when I told them that I wanted to be an actress. Being a small town girl, all my life, they wanted me to fit into the 'normal daughter' category- one with decent profession and plans to get married and have kids. Bollywood is a big bad world for them.

It is not as if I am a rebel but I want to act more then anything else. Getting into the industry minus a god father and family connection has been a miracle. To add to the thrill, Khwahish has been rated quite well and is doing quite well too. The recognition that this movie has given me is good enough reason for me to want to stay here for good.

Current Television scenario
Though I would love to I am not watching much television these days. But whenever I get the chance, I do catch a movie on Star, Zee MGM and HBO. Strangely enough, I also love watching Hindi movie promos. Just like the urbane, young viewer I guess, whenever I have the time I watch Friends. So for me the television scenario is hunky-dory as I get to see what I want to.

Right and wrong about current Television scenario
While I am not an ideal viewer, I do feel that there is a lack of meaningful shows on the mainstream entertainment. I quote Sir Lawrence Oliver 'Television is a writer's medium', so we can have good television only if there are good writers.

We can get good writers, provided the pay is good and the talent is encouraged. I guess with the English medium education being preferred over vernacular, good writing in the regional language from the recent crop is rare.

Five years from now

Well, I would like to own a bungalow in Goa by the seaside and relish fresh sea food. Since I am a health freak and hassled by the gym schedules, I would love to work out in my own gym.

Hobbies
I love working out in the gym. Kathak is another one of my passions. I also love reading and watching movies.

Idea of enjoyment
Reading a complete bound script of a movie with an exciting story and an equally exciting role for me.