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{{Short description|Australian actress (born 1992)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Pallavi Sharda
| name              = Pallavi Sharda
| image              = Pallavi Sharda (cropped).jpg
| image              = File:Pallavi Sharda Rooftop Portrait 2025 (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Pallavi in 2017
| caption            = Sharda in 2025
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1988|3|5|df=y}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1992|3|5|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]], [[Australia]]
| birth_place        = [[Perth]], Western Australia, Australia
| occupation        = [[Actress]]
| occupation        = [[Actress]]
| nationality        = [[Australia]]n
| years_active      = 2008–present
| years_active      = 2010–present
| website           =  
| parents           = Hema Sharda<br/>Nalin Sharda
| title              = Miss India Australia 2010
| website            = {{URL|http://www.pallavisharda.com}}
| children          =  
| children          =  
}}
}}


'''Pallavi Sharda''' (born 5 March 1988)<ref name="age1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pallavisharda.com/about|title = About}}</ref> is an Australian actress of [[Indian people|Indian]] ancestry,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/building-on-bollywood/699315/|title= Building on Bollywood|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> and a classical Indian [[Bharatha Natyam]] dancer. Her film credits include Oscar nominated film ''[[Lion (2016 film)|Lion]]'' (2016), Bollywood films ''[[Begum Jaan]]'' (2017) and ''[[Hawaizaada]]'' (2015), and comedy Australian film ''[[Save Your Legs!]]'' (2012). She has worked in Hindi films like ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'', ''[[Dus Tola]]'', ''[[Besharam (2013 film)|Besharam]]'', ''[[Hawaizaada]]'', and ''[[Begum Jaan]]''. In 2021, Sharda starred in ''[[Tom & Jerry (2021 film)|Tom & Jerry]].''
'''Pallavi Sharda''' (born 5 March 1992 in Perth, Western Australia)<ref name="officialDOB4">{{cite web |title=Pallavi Sharda – Age |url=https://pallavisharda.com.au/age |access-date=10 September 2025 |website=Pallavi Sharda Official Website}}</ref> is an Australian actress and [[Bharathanatyam]] dancer of [[Indian people|Indian]] descent. She is best known for her role in the Netflix Rom-Com ''[[Wedding Season]]'' (2022).<ref>{{cite web |last=Ravindran |first=Manori |title='Wedding Season' Star Pallavi Sharda on Smashing Stereotypes in Netflix Rom-Com |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/columns/wedding-season-pallavi-sharda-netflix-1235334860/ |website=Variety |date=5 August 2022 |access-date=10 October 2025}}</ref> She has also starred in [[Hindi-language]] films ''[[Besharam (2013 film)|Besharam]]'' (2013), ''[[Hawaizaada]]'' (2015), and ''[[Begum Jaan (2017 film)|Begum Jaan]]'' (2017). She starred in the 2012 Australian film ''[[Save Your Legs!]]'' and the 2019 TV series [[Les Norton (TV series)|''Les Norton'']]. Sharda starred in ''[[Tom & Jerry (2021 American film)|Tom & Jerry]]'', [[The Twelve (Australian TV series)|''The Twelve'']], and the Academy Award-nominated film ''[[Lion (2016 film)|Lion]]'' (2016).


==Early life==
Beyond acting, Sharda has been involved in philanthropy and cultural advocacy, serving on the board of [[Screen Australia]],<ref name=":1" /> acting as an ambassador for organisations such as [[World Vision Australia]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Vision partners with notable Australian females ahead of International Day of the Girl - AdNews |url=https://www.adnews.com.au/campaigns/world-vision-partners-with-notable-australian-females-ahead-of-international-day-of-the-girl
Sharda was born in Perth, Western Australia<ref name="age1"/><ref name="age2">{{Cite web|title=Pallavi Sharda|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3354963/}}</ref> to Hema Sharda, and Nalin Kant Sharda.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uwa.edu.au/people/hema.sharda |title=UWA Staff Profile : The University of Western Australia : The University of Western Australia |publisher=Uwa.edu.au |access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Nalin Kant Sharda |url=http://nalinsharda.com |title=Dr.Nalin Kant Sharda |publisher=Nalinsharda.com |access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> Both her parents are [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IIT]] alumni and have PhDs in science and engineering.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-always-regretted-not-being-born-in-India-Pallavi-Sharda/articleshow/22117248.cms? | work=The Times of India | title=I always regretted not being born in India: Pallavi Sharda|access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> They migrated to Australia in the 1980s before she was born.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-07/news-interviews/36174218_1_pallavi-sharda-australian-cricket-team-australian-film | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928094247/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-07/news-interviews/36174218_1_pallavi-sharda-australian-cricket-team-australian-film | url-status=dead | archive-date=2013-09-28 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Pallavi Sharda - Ranbir's new leading lady|access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> Sharda came to Melbourne as a toddler where she grew up in the outer north-western suburbs.<ref name=BWeekly/> She went to school at [[Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School|Lowther Hall]] in Essendon where she obtained an academic scholarship<ref name=BWeekly>{{cite web|title=PROFILE: Pallavi Sharda living Bollywood dream|url=http://www.brimbankweekly.com.au/story/1792850/profile-pallavi-sharda-living-bollywood-dream/|work=Brimbank Weekly|access-date=19 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217205856/http://www.brimbankweekly.com.au/story/1792850/profile-pallavi-sharda-living-bollywood-dream/|archive-date=17 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and commenced her LLB and BA (Media & Communications) & Diploma in Modern Languages (French) at the [[University of Melbourne]], at the age of 16 and graduated with honours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3354963/bio|title=Pallavi Sharda : Biography|publisher=IMD.com|access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> Sharda shifted base from [[Melbourne]] to [[Mumbai]] in 2010.<ref>[http://www.indusage.com.au/movie-magic/music/16553-pallavi-sharda-to-star-in-save-your-legs.html ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517210913/http://www.indusage.com.au/movie-magic/music/16553-pallavi-sharda-to-star-in-save-your-legs.html |date=17 May 2013 }}</ref>
|access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.adnews.com.au
|language=en}}</ref> and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation<ref name="Gordon">{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Georgie |date=2024-04-20 |title='Baggy jeans, a classic shirt and an oversized jacket': Pallavi Sharda's daily style |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/baggy-jeans-a-classic-shirt-and-an-oversized-jacket-pallavi-sharda-s-daily-style-20240404-p5fhct.html |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> through the [[Witchery (company)|Witchery]] White Shirt campaign,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Georgie |date=2024-04-20 |title='Baggy jeans, a classic shirt and an oversized jacket': Pallavi Sharda's daily style |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/baggy-jeans-a-classic-shirt-and-an-oversized-jacket-pallavi-sharda-s-daily-style-20240404-p5fhct.html
|access-date=2024-12-03 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> and partnering with social enterprises like Dharma Life and E-Kutir to support women in rural India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pallavi Sharda: Humanitarian Work |url=https://www.pallavisharda.com.au/speak |website=Pallavi Sharda Official Website |access-date=15 October 2025}}</ref>


==Career==
== Early life and education ==
[[File:Pallavi Sharda - Cannes 2017.jpg|alt=Pallavi Sharda in Cannes for MipCom 2017|thumb|Pallavi Sharda in Cannes for MipCom 2017]]
Pallavi Sharda was born on 5 March 1992 in [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]].<ref name=elle2021>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-18 |title=Meet Pallavi Sharda, The Indian-Australian Actress From Netflix's 'The One' To Keep On Your Radar|first=Diandra |last=Malivindi |url=https://www.elle.com.au/culture/celebrity/the-one-pallavi-sharda-megan-24857/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]] |language=en-AU|quote=Pallavi Sharda is a 31-year-old Indian-Australian actress. Standing at 5″3′, she was born in Perth on March 5, 1988}} <!---NOTE: Not sure about the reliability of this source, which also claims that she had earned her LLB by the age of 16.---></ref><ref name=harris2013 /> Her mother, Hema Sharda, has a PhD in [[microelectronics]], and her father, Nalin Sharda has a PhD in [[information technology]], and both are professors.<ref name=harris2013/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uwa.edu.au/people/hema.sharda |title=UWA Staff Profile : W/Prof Hema Sharda |website=[[University of Western Australia]] |access-date=27 February 2015 |archive-date=29 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929015746/http://www.uwa.edu.au/people/hema.sharda |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Nalin Kant Sharda |url=http://nalinsharda.com |title=Dr.Nalin Kant Sharda |publisher=Nalinsharda.com |access-date=27 February 2015 |archive-date=9 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009085643/http://nalinsharda.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> They migrated to Australia in the early 1980s, soon after the birth of Pallavi's elder brother.<ref name=harris2013/><ref name="age3">{{Cite news |title=I always regretted not being born in India: Pallavi Sharda |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pallavi-sharda-talks-to-toi-about-her-indian-australian-upbringing-her-observation-on-her-co-star-ranbir-kapoor-and-how-the-indian-australian-issues-were-sensationalised-by-the-indian-medi/articleshow/22117248.cms |access-date=17 June 2022 |website=The Times of India |date=29 August 2013 |language=en| quote=Pallavi Sharda, 25, is an Australia-born Indian... She is extremely close to her academic and independent family...}}</ref>
Sharda started her [[Bollywood]] career by playing a cameo in [[Karan Johar]]'s ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'' (2010). In March 2010 Sharda was crowned Miss India Australia in [[Sydney]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.missindia.com.au/pallavi-sharda-miss-india-australia-2010-photo-gallery/|title=Pallavi Sharda, Miss India Australia 2010, Photo Gallery - Official Miss India Australia Site - Est. 2001|date=18 November 2013|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Pallavi Sharda Interview {{!}} On Making It in Bollywood, Besharam, and Her Big Hollywood Plans Ep. 44|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCgkhuz6ujI|language=en|access-date=2021-04-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/I-always-wanted-to-dance-in-Bollywood/Article1-616299.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125134713/http://www.hindustantimes.com/I-always-wanted-to-dance-in-Bollywood/Article1-616299.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2013 |title=I always wanted to dance in Bollywood |publisher=Hindustantimes.com |date=2010-10-22 |access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/who-is-pallavi-sharda-/1176812/ |title=Who is Pallavi Sharda? |work=The Indian Express|date=2013-10-01 |access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> She next starred in the comedic-drama film, ''[[Dus Tola]]'' (2010) opposite acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, in which she played the role of Geeta, a village dance teacher.  Sharda's performance was identified as the best element of the film by ''The Times of India''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Dus-Tola/moviereview/6787838.cms |title=Dus Tola Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> In 2011 and 2012 Sharda was the lead actress of the theatrical musical, ''Taj Express'' directed by Shruti Merchant and choreographed by [[Vaibhavi Merchant]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/aboard-the-taj-express/808745/|title= Aboard the Taj Express|work= [[The Indian Express]]|date= 27 June 2011|access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref>


Sharda made her Australian film debut with comedy film ''[[Save Your Legs]]'', which released on 28 February 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/pallavi-sharda-spreads-her-wings-back-home/story-e6frf96x-1226229701896 |title=Pallavi Sharda spreads her wings back home |publisher=Heraldsun.com.au |access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> She then appeared in [[Abhinav Kashyap]]'s Bollywood film ''[[Besharam (2013 film)|Besharam]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thakkar|first=Mehul|title=Ranbir Kapoor juggling between the Kashyap brothers|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-16/news-interviews/41417354_1_besharam-bombay-velvet-abhinav|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819042936/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-16/news-interviews/41417354_1_besharam-bombay-velvet-abhinav|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 August 2013|date=16 August 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2015-02-27}}</ref> in which she portrayed a woman whose car is stolen by a petty thief. Sharda's next Bollywood venture, ''[[Hawaizaada]]'', was released worldwide on 30 January 2015. Directed by [[Vibhu Puri]] and co-starring [[Ayushmann Khurrana]] and [[Mithun Chakraborty]], the film is inspired by the true events of [[Shivkar Bapuji Talpade]], who is believed to have flown an unmanned aircraft in 1895 Bombay. Sharda received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a courtesan dancer during the British Raj era in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/hawaizaada-a-dreamlike-masterpiece-about-a-dreamer/articleshow/46052979.cms|title='Hawaizaada': A dreamlike masterpiece about a dreamer|date=4 February 2015|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref>
Sharda moved to [[Melbourne]] as a toddler, where she grew up in the outer north-western suburbs.<ref name=harris2013/>


Sharda joined [[Sony ESPN]]'s team as their new face for the IPL 2016 [[Indian Premier League|Indian Premier League (IPL)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ipl-2016-rochelle-rao-pallavi-sharda-anchor-extraaa-innings-t20|title=IPL 2016: Rochelle Rao and Pallavi Sharda to anchor 'Extraaa Innings T20|website=Sportskeeda.com|date=5 April 2016|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref>
She went to school at [[Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School|Lowther Hall]] in [[Essendon, Victoria|Essendon]], where she obtained an academic scholarship<ref name=harris2013>{{cite web |title=Profile: Pallavi Sharda living Bollywood dream|first=  Sarah |last=Harris  |url=http://www.brimbankweekly.com.au/story/1792850/profile-pallavi-sharda-living-bollywood-dream/ |work=Brimbank Weekly |access-date=19 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217205856/http://www.brimbankweekly.com.au/story/1792850/profile-pallavi-sharda-living-bollywood-dream/ |archive-date=17 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and at the age of 16 commenced her LLB and BA (Media & Communications) and Diploma in Modern Languages (French) at the [[University of Melbourne]], graduating with honours at 21.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-25 |title=Pallavi Sharda - Australian South Asian Centre |url=https://australiansouthasiancentre.com/blogs/pallavi-sharda/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=harris2013 /> the title of her dissertation was "Representation of cross-cultural communities in Australian media", in which she looked at the work of the British Indian film director [[Gurinder Chadha]], "one of the pioneering women of colour in the 1990s in Britain".<ref name=int2020>{{cite interview|first= Pallavi| last=Sharda | interviewer-last=Singh | interviewer-first=Manpreet K | title='I suddenly became visible' says Pallavi Sharda, the Australian-Indian actress of Hollywood and Bollywood fame | website=SBS Punjabi | date=24 August 2020 | url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/punjabi/en/podcast-episode/i-suddenly-became-visible-says-pallavi-sharda-the-australian-indian-actress-of-hollywood-and-bollywood-fame/y46p0ki8s | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref>


Sharda joined [[Dev Patel]] and [[Nicole Kidman]] in the Hollywood film ''[[Lion (2016 film)|Lion]]'' in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3741834/|title=Lion (2016)|website=IMDb.com|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref> Her next Bollywood film, Begum Jaan, released in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/news/Srijit-shares-picture-of-his-Begum-Jaan-brigade/articleshow/53189802.cms|title=Srijit shares picture of his Begum Jaan brigade |website=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> Sharda received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Gulabo, a sex worker in rural Punjab, at the time of Pakistan's partition from India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/begum-jaan-movie-review-live-all-bow-down-to-vidya-balan-the-begum-who-means-business-3382782.html|title=Begum Jaan movie review LIVE: All bow down to Vidya Balan, the begum who means business|date=13 April 2017|website=Firstpost.com|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref>
She trained for many years in [[Bharatanatyam]], a classical Indian dance form,<ref name=banerjee2010>{{Cite web |last=Banerjee |first=Debesh |date=19 October 2010 |title=Building on Bollywood |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/building-on-bollywood/699315/ |access-date=6 January 2022 |website=[[The Indian Express]]  |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140219055055/https://archive.indianexpress.com/news/building-on-bollywood/699315/ |archive-date =19 Feb 2014 }}</ref> and also learnt some [[Odissi]] dance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140508/jsp/odisha/story_18319621.jsp |title=Bollywood dreams |website=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=8 May 2014|access-date=5 September 2016 |archive-date=17 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917141216/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140508/jsp/odisha/story_18319621.jsp#.V816YDYkyRs |url-status=dead}}</ref>


Sharda played a leading role in ABC Australia's medical drama ''[[Pulse (Australian TV series)|Pulse]],'' her performance awarded her the "Rising Star" award by the Casting Guild of Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://if.com.au/|title=Home|website=If.com.au|access-date=2017-08-19}}</ref> Pallavi is currently starring in ''[[Beecham House]]'', ITV's historical drama series directed by [[Gurinder Chadha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pallavi-sharda-plays-a-princess-in-gurinder-chadhas-period-drama/articleshow/66120698.cms|title=Pallavi Sharda plays a princess in Gurinder Chadha's period drama}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pallavi-sharda-happy-to-work-with-gurinder-chadha/articleshow/66133051.cms|title=Pallavi Sharda happy to work with Gurinder Chadha}}</ref> and ABC comedy ''[[Retrograde (TV series)|Retrograde]]''.
== Career ==
===Screen===
Sharda moved from Melbourne to [[Mumbai]] around 2008-2010 to follow a career in film.<ref name=harris2013 /><ref name=banerjee2010/><ref name=elle2021/><ref name=forever>{{cite web | title=Pallavi Sharda | website= Screen Forever  | url=https://2017.screenforever.org.au/speakers/pallavi-sharda/ | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref> She started her career by playing a cameo in [[Karan Johar]]'s ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'', released in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-03-01 |title=2010-03 Sydney (2) by Indian Link - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/indianlink/docs/2010-03_sydney_2_ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=issuu.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=banerjee2010/>


Sharda is working on her first book, currently untitled, that explores her identity struggles as an Indian girl living in Australia. The book is set to be released next year.<ref name=":0" />
She next starred in the [[comedy drama]] film, ''[[Dus Tola]]'' (2010) opposite acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, in which she played the role of Geeta, a village dance teacher. Sharda's performance was considered the best element of the film by ''The Times of India''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Dus-Tola/moviereview/6787838.cms |title=Dus Tola Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |work=The Times of India |access-date=27 February 2015 |archive-date=6 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106112944/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Dus-Tola/moviereview/6787838.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011 and 2012 Sharda was the lead actress of the theatrical musical, ''Taj Express'' directed by Shruti Merchant and choreographed by [[Vaibhavi Merchant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/aboard-the-taj-express/808745/ |title=Aboard the Taj Express |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=27 June 2011 |access-date=27 February 2015 |archive-date=16 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916135857/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/aboard-the-taj-express/808745/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Advocacy==
Sharda made her Australian film debut with comedy film ''[[Save Your Legs]]'', which released on 28 February 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/pallavi-sharda-spreads-her-wings-back-home/story-e6frf96x-1226229701896 |title=Pallavi Sharda spreads her wings back home |work=Herald Sun |access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref> She was selected through an audition process in India when producers travelled there to find an Indian actress who could convincingly play an Australian.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pallavi Sharda on the brink of Bollywood mega stardom |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-02/pallavi-sharda-on-the-brink-of-bollywood-mega-stardom/4994584 |website=ABC News |date=2 October 2013 |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>
Sharda is on the board of advisers for e-Kutir, a social entrepreneurship company focused on improving the lives of Indians using the 'base of pyramid' model. Her focus areas are Sanitation and Mother and Child.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140508/jsp/odisha/story_18319621.jsp#.V816YDYkyRs|title=Bollywood dreams|website=Telegraphindia.com}}</ref> Sharda is a regular keynote speaker on Asia Literacy in Australia, cross-cultural relations between India and Australia and women's empowerment in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indusage.com.au/law-graduate-turned-bollywood-actress-pallavi-sharda-addresses-aala-diwali-dinner/|title=Law graduate turned Bollywood Actress Pallavi Sharda addresses AALA Diwali Dinner|date=29 November 2014|website=Indusage.com.au}}</ref> In 2015 she was appointed the "[[Moomba#Moomba monarchs|Queen of Moomba]]", Melbourne's largest community festival, alongside retired Australian cricketer [[Shane Warne]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cricketer-shane-warne-and-bollywood-star-pallavi-sharda-named-king-and-queen-of-moomba-20150211-13bsiw.html|title=Cricketer Shane Warne and Bollywood star Pallavi Sharda named king and queen of Moomba|last=Schetzer|first=Alana|date=11 February 2015|publisher=[[The Age]]}}</ref>
She then appeared in [[Abhinav Kashyap]]'s Bollywood film ''[[Besharam (2013 film)|Besharam]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Thakkar |first=Mehul |title=Ranbir Kapoor juggling between the Kashyap brothers |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ranbir-Kapoor-juggling-between-the-Kashyap-brothers/articleshow/21853917.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819042936/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-16/news-interviews/41417354_1_besharam-bombay-velvet-abhinav |url-status=live |archive-date=19 August 2013 |date=16 August 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref> a breakthrough performance opposite [[Ranbir Kapoor]],<ref name=forever/> in which she portrayed a woman whose car is stolen by a petty thief.


Considered a distinguished alumnus of the University of Melbourne, Pallavi has emerged as a multi-faceted leader in the conversation around Australian Arts and Culture. Pallavi has curated festivals like Melbourne’s White Night, been the Queen of Moomba with Spin King  Shane Warne and in 2019 Pallavi was named on the list of forty most influential Asian Australians at the inaugural Asian-Australian Leadership Summit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asianaustralianleadership.com.au/40-under-40-awards-winners|title=40 Under 40 Awards Winners|publisher=[[Asian Australian Leaders]]}}</ref>
Sharda's next Bollywood venture, ''[[Hawaizaada]]'', was released worldwide on 30 January 2015. Directed by [[Vibhu Puri]] and co-starring [[Ayushmann Khurrana]] and [[Mithun Chakraborty]], the film is inspired by the true events of [[Shivkar Bapuji Talpade]], who is believed to have flown an unmanned aircraft in 1895 Bombay. Sharda received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a courtesan dancer during the [[British Raj]] era in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/hawaizaada-a-dreamlike-masterpiece-about-a-dreamer/articleshow/46052979.cms |title='Hawaizaada': A dreamlike masterpiece about a dreamer |date=4 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=19 July 2016 |archive-date=31 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031062342/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/hawaizaada-a-dreamlike-masterpiece-about-a-dreamer/articleshow/46052979.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Filmography==
Sharda joined [[Dev Patel]] and [[Nicole Kidman]] in the Hollywood film ''[[Lion (2016 film)|Lion]]'' in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-23 |title=Pallavi Sharda on working in Oscar-nominated film Lion: I connected with my character |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/hollywood/story/pallavi-sharda-lion-oscar-nominated-film-dev-patel-bollywood-962317-2017-02-23 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The film premiered at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]], where she played the role of Prama.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Lion' to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival |url=https://www.filmink.com.au/lion-to-premiere-at-toronto-international-film-festival/ |website=FilmInk |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref> Her next Bollywood film, ''Begum Jaan'', released in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/news/Srijit-shares-picture-of-his-Begum-Jaan-brigade/articleshow/53189802.cms |title=Srijit shares picture of his Begum Jaan brigade |website=The Times of India |access-date=19 August 2017 |archive-date=24 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724011918/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/news/Srijit-shares-picture-of-his-Begum-Jaan-brigade/articleshow/53189802.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> Sharda received critical acclaim for her authenticity in the portrayal of Gulabo, a sex worker in rural Punjab, at the time of Pakistan's partition from India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/begum-jaan-movie-review-live-all-bow-down-to-vidya-balan-the-begum-who-means-business-382782.html |title=Begum Jaan movie review LIVE: All bow down to Vidya Balan, the begum who means business |date=13 April 2017 |website=Firstpost.com |access-date=19 August 2017 |archive-date=26 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626062615/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/begum-jaan-movie-review-live-all-bow-down-to-vidya-balan-the-begum-who-means-business-3382782.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
 
Sharda played a leading role in [[ABC Television (Australian TV network)|ABC Television]]'s medical drama ''[[Pulse (Australian TV series)|Pulse]]'' (2017), which earned her the [[Casting Guild of Australia]]'s "Rising Star" award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://if.com.au/ |title=Home |website=If.com.au |access-date=19 August 2017 |archive-date=10 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710120246/http://if.com.au/ |url-status=live}}</ref> She played in the ABC-TV series ''[[Les Norton (TV series)|Les Norton]]'' in 2019, performing opposite [[David Wenham]] as Georgie Burman, a spunky and pragmatic casino manager.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ABC drama Les Norton to air this August – You wouldn't want to miss it |url=https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/publicity-media-room/abc-drama-les-norton-to-air-this-august-you-wouldnt-want-to-miss/103725902 |website=ABC |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>
 
In 2020, she starred in ''[[Beecham House]]'', [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s historical drama series directed by [[Gurinder Chadha]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pallavi-sharda-plays-a-princess-in-gurinder-chadhas-period-drama/articleshow/66120698.cms |title=Pallavi Sharda plays a princess in Gurinder Chadha's period drama |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=9 October 2018 |access-date=10 October 2018 |archive-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009015444/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pallavi-sharda-plays-a-princess-in-gurinder-chadhas-period-drama/articleshow/66120698.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pallavi-sharda-happy-to-work-with-gurinder-chadha/articleshow/66133051.cms |title=Pallavi Sharda happy to work with Gurinder Chadha |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 October 2018 |archive-date=10 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010062732/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/pallavi-sharda-happy-to-work-with-gurinder-chadha/articleshow/66133051.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> the British Indian director whose work she wrote about in her dissertation at university.<ref name=int2020/> In July of the same year, she starred in ABC TV's ''[[Retrograde (TV series)|Retrograde]]'', a six-part dramedy about life for a group of young people during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Australia]].<ref>{{cite web | title=ABC series Retrograde launches in July | website=Screen Australia | date=10 June 2020  | url=https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/sa/media-centre/news/2020/06-10-abc-series-retrograde-launches-july | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Donoughue | first=Paul | title=Retrograde, ABC TV's new show, pulls apart life under coronavirus lockdown | website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] | date=11 July 2020 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-12/retrograde-abc-tv-are-you-ready-to-laugh-at-coronavirus-lockdown/12433680 | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref>
 
In 2021, Sharda appeared as Megan Chapman in the British [[Netflix]] drama ''[[The One (TV series)|The One]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet the cast of Netflix's The One |url=https://www.elle.com.au/culture/news/the-one-netflix-cast-24848/ |website=Elle Australia |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref> That same year, she featured in the live-action film ''[[Tom and Jerry (2021 American film)|Tom & Jerry]]'', alongside [[Chloë Grace Moretz]], [[Michael Peña]], and [[Colin Jost]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pallavi Sharda is on a roll with Tom & Jerry and more |url=https://if.com.au/pallavi-sharda-is-on-a-roll-with-tom-and-jerry-and-more/ |website=IF Magazine |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>
 
In 2022, Sharda starred as Asha in the Netflix romantic comedy ''[[Wedding Season]]'', opposite [[Suraj Sharma]]. Directed by [[Tom Dey]] and produced by [[Imagine Entertainment]], [[Jax Media]], and Swati Shetty, the film follows two Indian-Americans who pretend to date during wedding season before developing a genuine relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pallavi Sharda on bringing heart and humour to Netflix's Wedding Season |url=https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/features/pallavi-sharda-wedding-season/news-story/70c6713103385f360d7047cb0fc2ed6a |website=Vogue Australia |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>
 
In 2022 she starred in the Australian award-winning drama ''[[The Twelve (Australian TV series)|The Twelve]]'' opposite [[Sam Neill|Sam Neil]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Twelve, starring Pallavi Sharda, to stream on Lionsgate Play |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/countdown-begins-451484 |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> this garnered her a [[Logie Awards|Logie]] nomination for [[Logie Award for Most Outstanding Supporting Actress|Most outstanding supporting actress]] for her portrayal of 24 year old Corrie D'Souza – a head juror marred by her own story of [[PTSD]] in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-06 |title=The highlights from all The Twelve Logies winners |url=https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/tv/the-twelve-tv-week-logies-2023-78472/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Now To Love |language=en-AU}}</ref>
 
In 2024, Sharda was cast in two Australian comedy films. ''[[Spit (2025 film)|SPIT]]'', which released theatrically in March 2025, features Sharda as Aria Sahni, a lawyer known for her unconventional methods.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=SPIT: Pallavi Sharda Interview |url=https://drawyourbox.com/posts/spit-pallavi-sharda-interview/ |website=Draw Your Box |date=March 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |language=en }}</ref> ''[[One More Shot (2025 film)|One More Shot]]'' is due to premiere on [[Stan (streaming service)|Stan]] in October 2025, following screenings at [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Austin, its Australian premiere, and the [[Melbourne International Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clifford |first=Nicholas |title=MIFF Review: One More Shot |url=https://www.thecurb.com.au/miff-review-one-more-shot-nicholas-clifford/ |website=The Curb |date=August 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |language=en }}</ref>
 
===Audio===
Sharda starred in the [[Audible (service)|Audible]] original [[podcast]] ''The Missed'', written by [[Sami Shah]] and released in August 2022.<ref>{{cite web | title=Audible Original podcast series 'The Missed' starring Pallavi Sharda hits Audible this week | website=Screenwest | date=5 August 2022 | url=https://www.screenwest.com.au/news/latest-news/audible-original-podcast-series-the-missed-starring-pallavi-sharda-hits-audible-this-week/ | access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref>
 
==Other activities==
Sharda joined [[Sony ESPN]]'s team as their new face for the IPL 2016 [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ipl-2016-rochelle-rao-pallavi-sharda-anchor-extraaa-innings-t20 |title=IPL 2016: Rochelle Rao and Pallavi Sharda to anchor 'Extraaa Innings T20 |website=Sportskeeda.com |date=5 April 2016 |access-date=19 August 2017 |archive-date=11 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411032930/http://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ipl-2016-rochelle-rao-pallavi-sharda-anchor-extraaa-innings-t20 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
As of 2016 Sharda was on the board of advisers for the [[social enterprise]] eKutir, an organisation focuses on rural development projects across sanitation, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, located in the state of [[Odisha|Odissa]] in eastern India,<ref name=puneet2016/> founded by KC Mishra.<ref name=dharma/> She was the ambassador of a sanitation project called Svadha, and encouraged Australians to donate to the cause.<ref name=puneet2016>{{cite web | last=Anand | first=Puneet | title=An evening with Pallavi Sharda | website=Indian Link | date=7 December 2016 | url=https://www.indianlink.com.au/an-evening-with-pallavi-sharda/ | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref> She worked with eKutir for several years.<ref name=dharma/>
 
In 2017 she was writing a memoir called ''Which Way to Bombay?'',<ref name=forever/> due to be published in 2018.<ref>{{cite web | last=Groves | first=Don | title=Pallavi Sharda advances the cause of on-screen diversity | website=[[IF Magazine]] | date=26 November 2017 | url=https://if.com.au/pallavi-sharda-advances-cause-screen-diversity/ | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref>
In 2023, she was appointed to the [[Screen Australia]] board, becoming the youngest member ever and first of Indian origin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Karl |date=2023-07-24 |title=Bollywood star tapped to turbocharge Australian film and television |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/bollywood-star-tapped-to-turbocharge-australian-film-and-television-20230724-p5dqpa.html |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title='There are no ceilings now': Bollywood star Pallavi Sharda takes key Screen Australia role |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/hindi/en/podcast-episode/bollywood-star-pallavi-sharda-shatters-barriers-with-screen-australia-appointment/swvb4eskl |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=SBS Language |language=en}}</ref> She also partnered with [[World Vision Australia]] alongside other notable Australian women activists to raise her voices to empower 1,000 girls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Vision partners with notable Australian females ahead of International Day of the Girl - AdNews |url=https://www.adnews.com.au/campaigns/world-vision-partners-with-notable-australian-females-ahead-of-international-day-of-the-girl |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=www.adnews.com.au |language=en}}</ref>
 
In 2024 she became an ambassador of the [[Witchery (company)|Witchery]] White Shirt campaign, to help raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research.<ref name="Gordon"/>
 
In 2024, Sharda founded Bodhini Studios, a production initiative focused on intercultural storytelling, with an emphasis on cultural safety and addressing barriers within mainstream screen culture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In her 20s, Pallavi Sharda conquered Bollywood. Now she's home and on a mission |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/in-her-20s-pallavi-sharda-conquered-bollywood-now-she-s-home-and-on-a-mission-20250908-p5mtdy.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=8 September 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pallavi Sharda – Australian Indian Actress |url=https://www.bodhinistudios.com/blog/pallavi-sharda-australian-indian-actress |website=Bodhini Studios |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>
 
In 2025, Sharda began working with Dharma Life, a social enterprise based in India, talking with women social entrepreneurs in the mountainous state of [[Uttarakhand]] in northern India.<ref name=dharma>{{cite web | title=Social Enterprise | website=Pallavi Sharda | date=22 April 2025 | url=https://www.pallavisharda.com.au/speak | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref>
 
She has been a regular keynote speaker on Asia Literacy in Australia, cross-cultural relations between India and Australia, and women's empowerment in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indusage.com.au/law-graduate-turned-bollywood-actress-pallavi-sharda-addresses-aala-diwali-dinner/ |title=Law graduate turned Bollywood Actress Pallavi Sharda addresses AALA Diwali Dinner |date=29 November 2014 |website=Indusage.com.au |access-date=5 September 2016 |archive-date=14 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914004540/http://www.indusage.com.au/law-graduate-turned-bollywood-actress-pallavi-sharda-addresses-aala-diwali-dinner/ |url-status=live}}</ref> 
She has delivered talks at forums including the Australia India Leadership Dialogue (AILD) in Melbourne, where she spoke about the role of culture and technology in strengthening bilateral ties and highlighted cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australia–India Leadership Dialogue: On Culture & Geopolitics |url=https://www.pallavisharda.com.au/speak#:~:text=AUSTRALIA%2DINDIA%20LEADERSHIP%20DIALOGUE%3A%20ON%20CULTURE%20%26%20GEOPOLITICS |website=Pallavi Sharda Official Website |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>
 
==Recognition and honours==
Sharda was crowned Miss India Australia in [[Sydney]] in 2010.<ref name=banerjee2010/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/I-always-wanted-to-dance-in-Bollywood/Article1-616299.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125134713/http://www.hindustantimes.com/I-always-wanted-to-dance-in-Bollywood/Article1-616299.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2013 |title=I always wanted to dance in Bollywood |work=Hindustan Times |date=22 October 2010 |access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/who-is-pallavi-sharda-/1176812/ |title=Who is Pallavi Sharda? |work=The Indian Express |date=1 October 2013 |access-date=27 February 2015 |archive-date=5 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105231826/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/who-is-pallavi-sharda-/1176812 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2015 she was appointed the "[[Moomba Festival#Moomba monarchs|Queen of Moomba]]", Melbourne's largest community festival, alongside retired Australian cricketer [[Shane Warne]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cricketer-shane-warne-and-bollywood-star-pallavi-sharda-named-king-and-queen-of-moomba-20150211-13bsiw.html |title=Cricketer Shane Warne and Bollywood star Pallavi Sharda named king and queen of Moomba |last=Schetzer |first=Alana |date=11 February 2015 |work=[[The Age]] |access-date=19 July 2016 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505041617/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cricketer-shane-warne-and-bollywood-star-pallavi-sharda-named-king-and-queen-of-moomba-20150211-13bsiw.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=forever/>
 
In 2020, Sharda was named on the list of 40 forty most influential [[Asian Australians]] at the inaugural Asian-Australian Leadership Summit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.asianaustralianleadership.com.au/40-under-40-awards-winners |title=40 Under 40 Awards Winners |publisher=[[Asian Australian Leaders]] |access-date=8 July 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510170301/https://www.asianaustralianleadership.com.au/40-under-40-awards-winners |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Other notes
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Work
! Result
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|2010 || ''[[My Name Is Khan]]'' || Sajida Khan ||
| 2021
| [[Equity Ensemble Awards]]
| Most Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series <small>(with [[Maria Angelico]], [[Nicholas Boshier]], [[Max Brown (Australian actor)|Max Brown]], [[Esther Hannaford]] & Ilai Swindells)</small>
| ''[[Retrograde (TV series)|Retrograde]]''
| {{win}}<ref>{{cite web | last=Knox | first=David | title=Equity Ensemble Awards 2021: winners | website=TV Tonight | date=7 May 2021 | url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/05/equity-ensemble-awards-2021-winners.html | access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref>
|-
|-
| ''[[Dus Tola]]'' || Geeta (dance teacher) ||  
|}
 
== Filmography ==
=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
|rowspan=1|2011|| ''[[Love Breakups Zindagi]]'' || Radhika||
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Heroine (2012 film)|Heroine]]'' || Gayatri||
| rowspan="3"|2010
| ''[[My Name Is Khan]]''
| Sajida Siddiqi
|
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2013 || ''[[Save Your Legs!]]'' || Anjali ||
| ''[[Dus Tola]]''
| Geeta
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Besharam (2013 film)|Besharam]]'' || Tara Sharma ||
| ''[[Walkaway (film)|Walkaway]]''
| Sia
|
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Hawaizaada]]'' || Sitara ||
| rowspan="2"|2011
| ''The Saviour''
| Pia
| Short film
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''[[UnIndian]]'' || Shanthi || Special appearance
| ''[[Love Breakups Zindagi]]''
| Radhika
|
|-
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Lion (2016 film)|Lion]]'' || Prama ||
| rowspan="2"|2012
| ''[[Save Your Legs!]]''
| Anjali
|
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2017 || ''[[Begum Jaan]]'' ||  Gulabo ||  
| ''[[Heroine (2012 film)|Heroine]]''
| Gayatri
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Pulse (Australian TV series)|Pulse]]'' || Tanya Kalchuri ||
| 2013
| ''[[Besharam (2013 film)|Besharam]]''
| Tara Sharma
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |2019 || ''[[Strike Back (TV series)|Strike Back]]'' || Samira Shah || Episode: "Revolution: Part 3"
| rowspan="2"|2015
| ''[[Hawaizaada]]''
| Sitara
|
|-
|-
| ''Triangle'' || Alex ||
| ''[[UnIndian]]''
| Shanthi
|<ref name=forever/>
|-
|-
|''[[Beecham House]]'' || Chandrika ||  
| 2016
| ''[[Lion (2016 film)|Lion]]''
| Prama
|
|-
|-
|2020
| 2017
|''[[Retrograde (TV series)|Retrograde]]''
| ''[[Begum Jaan (2017 film)|Begum Jaan]]''
|Maddie
| Gulabo
|
|
|-
|-
|2021
| rowspan="2"|2018
|''[[Tom & Jerry (2021 film)|Tom & Jerry]]''
| ''[[Hotel Mumbai]]''
|Preeta
| News Voiceover
| Voice role
|-
| ''Murder''
| Dr. Parvati Agrawal
| TV film
|-
| 2021
| ''[[Tom & Jerry (2021 American film)|Tom & Jerry: The Movie]]''
| Preeta Mehta
|
|
|-
|-
|2021
|2022
|''[[The One (TV series)|The One]]''
|''[[Wedding Season]]''
|Megan Chapman
| Asha
|
|
|-
|-
| TBA
|}
| ''[[Wedding Season]]''
 
=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Comedy Circus Ka Jadoo]]''
|
|
| Filming
| Episode: ''"Uniform Special"''
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Pulse (Australian TV series)|Pulse]]''
| Tanya Kalchuri
| Series regular, 8 episodes
|-
| rowspan="3"|2019
| ''[[Strike Back (TV series)|Strike Back]]''
| Samira Shah
| Episode: ''"[[Strike Back: Revolution|Revolution: Part 3]]"''
|-
| ''[[Beecham House]]''
| Chandrika
| Series regular, 6 episodes
|-
| ''[[Les Norton (TV series)|Les Norton]]''
| Georgie Burman
| Mini-series
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Retrograde (TV series)|Retrograde]]''
| Maddie
| Series regular, 6 episodes
|-
| 2021
| ''[[The One (TV series)|The One]]''
| Megan Chapman
| Series regular, 7 episodes
|-
|2022
|''[[The Twelve (Australian TV series)|The Twelve]]''
|Corrie D'Souza
|TV series: 10 episodes
|-
|2024
|''[[The Office (Australian TV series)|The Office]]''
|Alisha Khanna
|Series regular
|-
|-
|}
|}


==See also==
== See also ==
*[[Zumba Dance Fitness Party]]
*[[Zumba Dance Fitness Party]]
*[[Indian Australians]]
*[[Indian Australians]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* [https://www.pallavisharda.com Official website]
* {{official website|https://pallavisharda.com.au/}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{IMDb name|3354963}}
* {{BH person|pallavi-sharda}}
* {{BH person|pallavi-sharda}}
* "[https://www.sbs.com.au/language/punjabi/en/podcast-episode/i-suddenly-became-visible-says-pallavi-sharda-the-australian-indian-actress-of-hollywood-and-bollywood-fame/y46p0ki8s 'I suddenly became visible' says Pallavi Sharda, the Australian-Indian actress of Hollywood and Bollywood fame]". SBS Punjabi, 24 August 2020. (Audio 22 min. + text)


{{authority control}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharda, Pallavi}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharda, Pallavi}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1988 births]]
[[Category:Actresses from Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Actresses from Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Australian film actresses]]
[[Category:Australian film actresses]]
[[Category:Australian people of Punjabi descent]]
[[Category:Australian people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:Australian people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses of Indian descent]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate actresses in India]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:1990 births]]
[[Category:Melbourne Law School alumni]]
[[Category:Australian emigrants to India]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian actresses]]

Latest revision as of 06:00, 16 February 2026


Pallavi Sharda
Sharda in 2025
Born (1992-03-05) 5 March 1992 (age 34)
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
OccupationActress
Years active2008–present
TitleMiss India Australia 2010

Pallavi Sharda (born 5 March 1992 in Perth, Western Australia)[1] is an Australian actress and Bharathanatyam dancer of Indian descent. She is best known for her role in the Netflix Rom-Com Wedding Season (2022).[2] She has also starred in Hindi-language films Besharam (2013), Hawaizaada (2015), and Begum Jaan (2017). She starred in the 2012 Australian film Save Your Legs! and the 2019 TV series Les Norton. Sharda starred in Tom & Jerry, The Twelve, and the Academy Award-nominated film Lion (2016).

Beyond acting, Sharda has been involved in philanthropy and cultural advocacy, serving on the board of Screen Australia,[3] acting as an ambassador for organisations such as World Vision Australia[4] and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation[5] through the Witchery White Shirt campaign,[6] and partnering with social enterprises like Dharma Life and E-Kutir to support women in rural India.[7]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Pallavi Sharda was born on 5 March 1992 in Perth, Western Australia.[8][9] Her mother, Hema Sharda, has a PhD in microelectronics, and her father, Nalin Sharda has a PhD in information technology, and both are professors.[9][10][11] They migrated to Australia in the early 1980s, soon after the birth of Pallavi's elder brother.[9][12]

Sharda moved to Melbourne as a toddler, where she grew up in the outer north-western suburbs.[9]

She went to school at Lowther Hall in Essendon, where she obtained an academic scholarship[9] and at the age of 16 commenced her LLB and BA (Media & Communications) and Diploma in Modern Languages (French) at the University of Melbourne, graduating with honours at 21.[13][9] the title of her dissertation was "Representation of cross-cultural communities in Australian media", in which she looked at the work of the British Indian film director Gurinder Chadha, "one of the pioneering women of colour in the 1990s in Britain".[14]

She trained for many years in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form,[15] and also learnt some Odissi dance.[16]

Career[edit | edit source]

Screen[edit | edit source]

Sharda moved from Melbourne to Mumbai around 2008-2010 to follow a career in film.[9][15][8][17] She started her career by playing a cameo in Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan, released in 2010.[18][15]

She next starred in the comedy drama film, Dus Tola (2010) opposite acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, in which she played the role of Geeta, a village dance teacher. Sharda's performance was considered the best element of the film by The Times of India.[19] In 2011 and 2012 Sharda was the lead actress of the theatrical musical, Taj Express directed by Shruti Merchant and choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant.[20]

Sharda made her Australian film debut with comedy film Save Your Legs, which released on 28 February 2013.[21] She was selected through an audition process in India when producers travelled there to find an Indian actress who could convincingly play an Australian.[22] She then appeared in Abhinav Kashyap's Bollywood film Besharam,[23] a breakthrough performance opposite Ranbir Kapoor,[17] in which she portrayed a woman whose car is stolen by a petty thief.

Sharda's next Bollywood venture, Hawaizaada, was released worldwide on 30 January 2015. Directed by Vibhu Puri and co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Mithun Chakraborty, the film is inspired by the true events of Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, who is believed to have flown an unmanned aircraft in 1895 Bombay. Sharda received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a courtesan dancer during the British Raj era in Mumbai.[24]

Sharda joined Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman in the Hollywood film Lion in 2016.[25] The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she played the role of Prama.[26] Her next Bollywood film, Begum Jaan, released in April 2017.[27] Sharda received critical acclaim for her authenticity in the portrayal of Gulabo, a sex worker in rural Punjab, at the time of Pakistan's partition from India.[28]

Sharda played a leading role in ABC Television's medical drama Pulse (2017), which earned her the Casting Guild of Australia's "Rising Star" award.[29] She played in the ABC-TV series Les Norton in 2019, performing opposite David Wenham as Georgie Burman, a spunky and pragmatic casino manager.[30]

In 2020, she starred in Beecham House, ITV's historical drama series directed by Gurinder Chadha,[31][32] the British Indian director whose work she wrote about in her dissertation at university.[14] In July of the same year, she starred in ABC TV's Retrograde, a six-part dramedy about life for a group of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.[33][34]

In 2021, Sharda appeared as Megan Chapman in the British Netflix drama The One.[35] That same year, she featured in the live-action film Tom & Jerry, alongside Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, and Colin Jost.[36]

In 2022, Sharda starred as Asha in the Netflix romantic comedy Wedding Season, opposite Suraj Sharma. Directed by Tom Dey and produced by Imagine Entertainment, Jax Media, and Swati Shetty, the film follows two Indian-Americans who pretend to date during wedding season before developing a genuine relationship.[37]

In 2022 she starred in the Australian award-winning drama The Twelve opposite Sam Neil,[38] this garnered her a Logie nomination for Most outstanding supporting actress for her portrayal of 24 year old Corrie D'Souza – a head juror marred by her own story of PTSD in 2023.[39]

In 2024, Sharda was cast in two Australian comedy films. SPIT, which released theatrically in March 2025, features Sharda as Aria Sahni, a lawyer known for her unconventional methods.[40] One More Shot is due to premiere on Stan in October 2025, following screenings at SXSW Austin, its Australian premiere, and the Melbourne International Film Festival.[41]

Audio[edit | edit source]

Sharda starred in the Audible original podcast The Missed, written by Sami Shah and released in August 2022.[42]

Other activities[edit | edit source]

Sharda joined Sony ESPN's team as their new face for the IPL 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL).[43]

As of 2016 Sharda was on the board of advisers for the social enterprise eKutir, an organisation focuses on rural development projects across sanitation, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, located in the state of Odissa in eastern India,[44] founded by KC Mishra.[45] She was the ambassador of a sanitation project called Svadha, and encouraged Australians to donate to the cause.[44] She worked with eKutir for several years.[45]

In 2017 she was writing a memoir called Which Way to Bombay?,[17] due to be published in 2018.[46]

In 2023, she was appointed to the Screen Australia board, becoming the youngest member ever and first of Indian origin.[47][3] She also partnered with World Vision Australia alongside other notable Australian women activists to raise her voices to empower 1,000 girls.[48]

In 2024 she became an ambassador of the Witchery White Shirt campaign, to help raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research.[5]

In 2024, Sharda founded Bodhini Studios, a production initiative focused on intercultural storytelling, with an emphasis on cultural safety and addressing barriers within mainstream screen culture.[49][50]

In 2025, Sharda began working with Dharma Life, a social enterprise based in India, talking with women social entrepreneurs in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand in northern India.[45]

She has been a regular keynote speaker on Asia Literacy in Australia, cross-cultural relations between India and Australia, and women's empowerment in India.[51] She has delivered talks at forums including the Australia India Leadership Dialogue (AILD) in Melbourne, where she spoke about the role of culture and technology in strengthening bilateral ties and highlighted cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power.[52]

Recognition and honours[edit | edit source]

Sharda was crowned Miss India Australia in Sydney in 2010.[15][53][54]

In 2015 she was appointed the "Queen of Moomba", Melbourne's largest community festival, alongside retired Australian cricketer Shane Warne.[55][17]

In 2020, Sharda was named on the list of 40 forty most influential Asian Australians at the inaugural Asian-Australian Leadership Summit.[56]

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Year Award Category Work Result
2021 Equity Ensemble Awards Most Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (with Maria Angelico, Nicholas Boshier, Max Brown, Esther Hannaford & Ilai Swindells) Retrograde Won[57]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Film[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Notes
2010 My Name Is Khan Sajida Siddiqi
Dus Tola Geeta
Walkaway Sia
2011 The Saviour Pia Short film
Love Breakups Zindagi Radhika
2012 Save Your Legs! Anjali
Heroine Gayatri
2013 Besharam Tara Sharma
2015 Hawaizaada Sitara
UnIndian Shanthi [17]
2016 Lion Prama
2017 Begum Jaan Gulabo
2018 Hotel Mumbai News Voiceover Voice role
Murder Dr. Parvati Agrawal TV film
2021 Tom & Jerry: The Movie Preeta Mehta
2022 Wedding Season Asha

Television[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Notes
2010 Comedy Circus Ka Jadoo Episode: "Uniform Special"
2017 Pulse Tanya Kalchuri Series regular, 8 episodes
2019 Strike Back Samira Shah Episode: "Revolution: Part 3"
Beecham House Chandrika Series regular, 6 episodes
Les Norton Georgie Burman Mini-series
2020 Retrograde Maddie Series regular, 6 episodes
2021 The One Megan Chapman Series regular, 7 episodes
2022 The Twelve Corrie D'Souza TV series: 10 episodes
2024 The Office Alisha Khanna Series regular

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda – Age". Pallavi Sharda Official Website. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  2. ↑ Ravindran, Manori (5 August 2022). "'Wedding Season' Star Pallavi Sharda on Smashing Stereotypes in Netflix Rom-Com". Variety. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "'There are no ceilings now': Bollywood star Pallavi Sharda takes key Screen Australia role". SBS Language. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  4. ↑ "World Vision partners with notable Australian females ahead of International Day of the Girl - AdNews". www.adnews.com.au. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Gordon, Georgie (20 April 2024). "'Baggy jeans, a classic shirt and an oversized jacket': Pallavi Sharda's daily style". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  6. ↑ Gordon, Georgie (20 April 2024). "'Baggy jeans, a classic shirt and an oversized jacket': Pallavi Sharda's daily style". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  7. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda: Humanitarian Work". Pallavi Sharda Official Website. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Malivindi, Diandra (18 March 2021). "Meet Pallavi Sharda, The Indian-Australian Actress From Netflix's 'The One' To Keep On Your Radar". Elle. Retrieved 10 May 2024. Pallavi Sharda is a 31-year-old Indian-Australian actress. Standing at 5″3′, she was born in Perth on March 5, 1988
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Harris, Sarah. "Profile: Pallavi Sharda living Bollywood dream". Brimbank Weekly. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  10. ↑ "UWA Staff Profile : W/Prof Hema Sharda". University of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 29 September 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  11. ↑ Nalin Kant Sharda. "Dr.Nalin Kant Sharda". Nalinsharda.com. Archived from the original on 9 October 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  12. ↑ "I always regretted not being born in India: Pallavi Sharda". The Times of India. 29 August 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2022. Pallavi Sharda, 25, is an Australia-born Indian... She is extremely close to her academic and independent family...
  13. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda - Australian South Asian Centre". 25 August 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Sharda, Pallavi (24 August 2020). "'I suddenly became visible' says Pallavi Sharda, the Australian-Indian actress of Hollywood and Bollywood fame". SBS Punjabi (Interview). Interviewed by Singh, Manpreet K. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Banerjee, Debesh (19 October 2010). "Building on Bollywood". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  16. ↑ "Bollywood dreams". The Telegraph (India). 8 May 2014. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 "Pallavi Sharda". Screen Forever. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  18. ↑ "2010-03 Sydney (2) by Indian Link - Issuu". issuu.com. 1 March 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  19. ↑ "Dus Tola Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 November 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  20. ↑ "Aboard the Taj Express". The Indian Express. 27 June 2011. Archived from the original on 16 September 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  21. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda spreads her wings back home". Herald Sun. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  22. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda on the brink of Bollywood mega stardom". ABC News. 2 October 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  23. ↑ Thakkar, Mehul (16 August 2013). "Ranbir Kapoor juggling between the Kashyap brothers". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  24. ↑ "'Hawaizaada': A dreamlike masterpiece about a dreamer". The Economic Times. 4 February 2015. Archived from the original on 31 October 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  25. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda on working in Oscar-nominated film Lion: I connected with my character". India Today. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  26. ↑ "'Lion' to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival". FilmInk. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  27. ↑ "Srijit shares picture of his Begum Jaan brigade". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 July 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
  28. ↑ "Begum Jaan movie review LIVE: All bow down to Vidya Balan, the begum who means business". Firstpost.com. 13 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
  29. ↑ "Home". If.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 July 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
  30. ↑ "ABC drama Les Norton to air this August – You wouldn't want to miss it". ABC. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  31. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda plays a princess in Gurinder Chadha's period drama". The Times of India. 9 October 2018. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  32. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda happy to work with Gurinder Chadha". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  33. ↑ "ABC series Retrograde launches in July". Screen Australia. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  34. ↑ Donoughue, Paul (11 July 2020). "Retrograde, ABC TV's new show, pulls apart life under coronavirus lockdown". ABC News. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  35. ↑ "Meet the cast of Netflix's The One". Elle Australia. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  36. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda is on a roll with Tom & Jerry and more". IF Magazine. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  37. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda on bringing heart and humour to Netflix's Wedding Season". Vogue Australia. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  38. ↑ "The Twelve, starring Pallavi Sharda, to stream on Lionsgate Play". The Tribune. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  39. ↑ "The highlights from all The Twelve Logies winners". Now To Love. 6 August 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  40. ↑ "SPIT: Pallavi Sharda Interview". Draw Your Box. March 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  41. ↑ Clifford, Nicholas (August 2025). "MIFF Review: One More Shot". The Curb. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  42. ↑ "Audible Original podcast series 'The Missed' starring Pallavi Sharda hits Audible this week". Screenwest. 5 August 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  43. ↑ "IPL 2016: Rochelle Rao and Pallavi Sharda to anchor 'Extraaa Innings T20". Sportskeeda.com. 5 April 2016. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Anand, Puneet (7 December 2016). "An evening with Pallavi Sharda". Indian Link. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 "Social Enterprise". Pallavi Sharda. 22 April 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  46. ↑ Groves, Don (26 November 2017). "Pallavi Sharda advances the cause of on-screen diversity". IF Magazine. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  47. ↑ Quinn, Karl (24 July 2023). "Bollywood star tapped to turbocharge Australian film and television". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  48. ↑ "World Vision partners with notable Australian females ahead of International Day of the Girl - AdNews". www.adnews.com.au. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  49. ↑ "In her 20s, Pallavi Sharda conquered Bollywood. Now she's home and on a mission". The Sydney Morning Herald. 8 September 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  50. ↑ "Pallavi Sharda – Australian Indian Actress". Bodhini Studios. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  51. ↑ "Law graduate turned Bollywood Actress Pallavi Sharda addresses AALA Diwali Dinner". Indusage.com.au. 29 November 2014. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  52. ↑ "Australia–India Leadership Dialogue: On Culture & Geopolitics". Pallavi Sharda Official Website. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  53. ↑ "I always wanted to dance in Bollywood". Hindustan Times. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  54. ↑ "Who is Pallavi Sharda?". The Indian Express. 1 October 2013. Archived from the original on 5 January 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  55. ↑ Schetzer, Alana (11 February 2015). "Cricketer Shane Warne and Bollywood star Pallavi Sharda named king and queen of Moomba". The Age. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  56. ↑ "40 Under 40 Awards Winners". Asian Australian Leaders. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  57. ↑ Knox, David (7 May 2021). "Equity Ensemble Awards 2021: winners". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 July 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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