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Shikha Malhotra is an Indian actress, host, and nurse. She received the moniker of corona warrior from several media houses for her continuous service at a hospital in Mumbai for about 100 days during Covid-19. She is best known for playing the role of ‘Kajri’ in the Indian period drama film ‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough.’
Wiki/Biography
Shikha Malhotra was born on Sunday, 9 July 1995 (age 28 years; as of 2023) in New Delhi. Her zodiac sign is Cancer. She did her schooling at N.P. Bengali Girls Sr. Sec. School, Gole Market, New Delhi. She attended the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi. She pursued B.Sc. Honours in Nursing at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. She later took formal training in acting from Barry John Acting Studio in Mumbai.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
Weight (approx.): 55 kg
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Black
Figure Measurements (approx.): 32-28-38
Family
Parents & Siblings
Her mother’s name is Shobha Devi. She is a retired nurse. She has a brother.
Shikha Malhotra with her parents
Husband
She is unmarried.
Career
Actor
Shikha Malhotra made her debut as an actor with the Bollywood film ‘Fan’ (2016) in which she appeared as a TV news anchor.
Poster of the film ‘Fan’
In the same year, she appeared in a Tamil film titled ‘Senthanal.’ She was featured in a Hindi video song ‘Yaari’ (2016) sung by Kirni Kaler.
Shikha Malhotra in a still from the music video ‘Yaari’
In 2017, she appeared in a supporting role in the film ‘Running Shadi,’ starring Taapsee Pannu. She played her first lead role as Kajri in the film ‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough’ (2020), starring Sanjay Mishra.
Poster of the film ‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough’
In 2021, she appeared in the short film ‘Mrigtrishna.’
Shikha Malhotra in a still from the short film ‘Mrigtrishna’
Host
She has hosted various film festivals and award shows. In 2018, she hosted the Jharkhand International Film Festival & Awards (JIFFA).
Shikha Malhotra hosting the JIFFA 2018
In May 2023, she started hosting her own talk show ‘Baatein Shaatein with Shikha Malhotra,’ on her YouTube channel ‘Shikha Malhotra Official.’
Shikha Malhotra’s chat show – Baatein Shaatein with Shikha Malhotra
In the same year, she hosted another chat show titled ‘Bol BakLoL,’ on the YouTube channel Bol BakLoL.
Nurse
In 2020, when COVID-19 outspread in India, Shikha voluntarily served as a nurse at the BMC Hospital in Mumbai. Soon, she was promoted to patient councillor as well after which she started counselling patients who are nervous. While talking about it in an interview, she said,
When I heard PM Narendra Modi’s address to the nation about the 21-day lockdown, I couldn’t sit at home. As someone with a medical background, I realised the situation was serious. I started visiting hospitals in Mumbai from the very next day until I found a government hospital. I was directed to the medical superintendent, who then placed me in the isolation ward for Covid-19 as they were in need of staff.”
Shikha Malhotra (centre) while serving as nurse
Health Deterioration
While serving as a nurse during COVID-19, Shikha got herself infected by the virus and tested positive on 2 October 2020. It took her more than a month to recover from it. While she was recovering from COVID, she suffered a stroke on 10 December 2020, which resulted in paralysis of the right side of her body. Initially, she was admitted to Cooper Hospital, but when no improvement was seen in her health, she was shifted to KEM Hospital. In an interview, she talked about it and said,
My right side was paralysed. I thought I would never be able to walk again or die, but my spirit made me overcome it.”
Shikha Malhotra during her treatment
Later, she started gaining weight due to excessive steroid intake during her treatment. It took her more than two years to fully recover from the disease. After recovering from the illness, she shared her pictures on the internet showcasing her physical transformation.
Before and after picture of Shikha Malhotra’s physical transformation
Awards, Honours, Achievements
- She received the Best Actress Award at the JIFFA 2022 for her performance in the film ‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough’ (2020).
- In 2022, she was honoured with the Corona Warrior Award at the NGO Vishwas Awards.
Shikha Malhotra receiving the Corona Warrior Award
- In March 2023, she won the Best Actress Award at the 6th Haryana International Film Festival for her performance in the film ‘Kaanchli: Life in a Slough’ (2020).
Shikha Malhotra after receiving an award at the 6th Haryana International Film Festival
- She received the “Social Conscience Personality of the Year” award at the Tycoon Global Award 2023.
- She has also received the ‘Best Humanitarian Actress’ award for her services during the COVID-19 period.
Tattoo
She got a tattoo inked on her shoulder.
Shikha Malhotra’s tattoo
Facts/Trivia
- In an interview, she revealed that she gave her first dance performance on stage when she was three and a half years old.
- She is a trained classical singer from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in New Delhi.
- She is also a trained Kathak dancer and has given dance performances at various events. In 2016, she performed at the Hyderabad Talwar Celebrity Cricket Team Launch event.
- Her hobbies are writing poems and painting.
- She follows a vegetarian diet.
Shikha Malhotra’s Instagram post
- In August 2023, she became the brand ambassador of the Indian Nursing Council.
Shikha Malhotra as the brand ambassador of the Indian Nursing Council