How Reema Lamba Became Mallika Sherawat Through Her Mother's Name

Few Bollywood actresses have talked as openly about the personal origins of their stage names as Mallika Sherawat. Her transformation from Reema Lamba to Mallika Sherawat followed a painful family moment and a deliberate decision to honor her mother.

Mallika was born in Haryana on October 24, 1976. Her birth name is Reema Lamba. She said in a 2021 interview that her father did not want her to pursue a career in films. He worried that the profession would harm the family's reputation, and he even spoke of cutting her off from the family.

Mallika later called that period a major turning point. Because her father warned that she would bring disrepute to the family name, she decided to drop his surname and adopt her mother's instead.

In a 2005 interview, she explained that several actresses named Reema were working in films at the time, and she wanted a name that would stand apart. She chose 'Mallika', which she said means 'queen'. 'Sherawat' was her mother's surname. She said her mother had always stood by her quietly and supported her through hard times, so using her surname felt like a way to show respect.

Mallika made her debut in 2002 with 'Jeena Sirf Mere Liye' and then played the lead in 'Khwahish' in 2003. Her national recognition came with 'Murder' in 2004, a film opposite Emraan Hashmi in which her bold character drew both praise and criticism.

She later worked on international projects, including 'The Myth' with Jackie Chan. She also appeared in 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects', 'Welcome', and 'Double Dhamaal'. Her career has moved through many phases, but she has consistently maintained a distinct identity on screen.