Shikha Malhotra | |
|---|---|
 Malhotra in 2025 | |
| Born | 9 July 1995 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital |
| Occupation | Actress, Host, Nurse |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Known for | ‘‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough’’ |
Shikha Malhotra (born 9 July 1995) is an Indian actress. She is known for her work in Hindi-language films, particularly for playing Kajri in the 2020 period drama film ‘‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough’’. She also appeared in the films ‘‘Fan’’ (2016) and ‘‘Running Shaadi’’ (2017).She received wider public attention in 2020 when she volunteered as a nurse at a Mumbai hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several media outlets subsequently referred to her as a “corona warrior”.[1]
Early life and education[edit | edit source]
Shikha Malhotra was born on 9 July 1995 in New Delhi, India. She attended N.P. Bengali Girls Senior Secondary School in Gole Market, New Delhi. She subsequently studied nursing at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, completing a B.Sc. (Honours) in Nursing. She later received acting training at Barry John Acting Studio in Mumbai.[2]
Acting Career[edit | edit source]
2010s[edit | edit source]
Malhotra began pursuing acting professionally in the 2010s after completing her nursing education and receiving formal acting training.
Her Bollywood debut came with the 2016 film ‘‘Fan’’, starring Shah Rukh Khan, in which she appeared as a television news reporter/anchor.
She subsequently appeared in ‘‘Running Shaadi’’ (2017), in which she played Aarshi. She also worked as a host at film and award events, including the Jharkhand International Film Festival & Awards in 2018.[3][4]
2020s[edit | edit source]
In 2020, Malhotra played Kajri, the central female character, in ‘‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough’’, directed by Dedipya Joshii and co-starring Sanjay Mishra. The film was released on 7 February 2020 and was based on a story by Rajasthani writer Vijaydan Detha.
The same year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Malhotra volunteered as a nurse at a Mumbai hospital, drawing media attention because of her decision to return to healthcare work during the pandemic.
She subsequently appeared in the short film ‘‘Mrigtrishna’’ (2021). In 2023, she began hosting the online talk show ‘‘Baatein Shaatein with Shikha Malhotra’’ and also hosted ‘‘Bol BakLoL’’. [5][6]
Nursing career[edit | edit source]
Malhotra is trained in nursing and has worked in healthcare alongside her entertainment career. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she volunteered at a Mumbai hospital caring for patients during the outbreak. Her decision to work as a nurse while being active in the film industry received considerable media coverage. [7][8]
Hosting[edit | edit source]
In addition to acting, Malhotra has worked as a host for film festivals, award ceremonies and online programs. She hosted the Jharkhand International Film Festival & Awards in 2018. In 2023, she launched the talk show ‘‘Baatein Shaatein with Shikha Malhotra’’ and later hosted ‘‘Bol BakLoL’’.
Filmography[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Fan actor Shikha Malhotra on life after suffering a stroke". Hindustan Times. 2020.
- ↑ "Actress-turned-nurse Shikha Malhotra: We take pain to protect ourselves so that we can serve others". India Today. 8 April 2020.
- ↑ "Coronavirus Outbreak: Actor Shikha Malhotra Turns Nurse To Fight COVID-19". NDTV. 2020.
- ↑ "This Actress Volunteering As A Nurse At Mumbai Hospital Amid Coronavirus Outbreak". NDTV. 2020.
- ↑ "Coronavirus Outbreak: Actor Shikha Malhotra Turns Nurse To Fight COVID-19". NDTV. 2020.
- ↑ "This Actress Volunteering As A Nurse At Mumbai Hospital Amid Coronavirus Outbreak". NDTV. 2020.
- ↑ "Coronavirus Outbreak: Actor Shikha Malhotra Turns Nurse To Fight COVID-19". NDTV. 2020.
- ↑ "This Actress Volunteering As A Nurse At Mumbai Hospital Amid Coronavirus Outbreak". NDTV. 2020.