Shikha Malhotra is an Indian actress and a trained nurse who became known for her unique journey from medicine to movies. Born on July 9, 1995, in New Delhi, she studied nursing before stepping into the world of acting. She has appeared in films like Fan, Running Shaadi, and Kaanchli: Life in a Slough, where she played strong and emotional roles.
What makes Shikha’s story special is her decision to volunteer as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many stayed home, she worked in a government hospital in Mumbai, helping patients and saving lives. Her courage and kindness earned her praise from across the country.
Early Life & Background
Shikha was born on July 9, 1995, in New Delhi, India. She grew up in a middle-class household that valued education, discipline, and kindness. Her mother, Shobha Devi, worked as a nurse and played a major role in shaping Shikha’s values. Watching her mother care for patients with dedication and empathy left a lasting impression on young Shikha. Her father’s name is not publicly known, but her family’s support has always been a strong foundation in her life.
From a young age, Shikha showed signs of being both creative and caring. She loved dancing and acting, often performing in school functions and local events. Her first stage performance happened when she was just three and a half years old. She was a trained Kathak dancer and also enjoyed painting and writing poems. These early interests hinted at the artistic path she would later follow.
Family Background
Shikha was born and raised in New Delhi. Her mother, Shobha Devi, is a retired nurse who inspired Shikha to pursue a degree in nursing. Her father’s name is not publicly known, but her family has always supported her career choices. She has one brother, Ravi Malhotra, who shares a close bond with her.
Her family values have shaped her personality. Shikha often speaks about how her mother’s dedication to healthcare influenced her decision to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her brother has also been a source of strength, encouraging her through both her medical and acting journeys.
Despite her busy schedule, Shikha remains close to her family. She visits them regularly and shares moments from her personal life on social media. Her family’s support has been a constant in her life, helping her stay grounded in the face of fame.
Shikha Malhotra – Wiki Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shikha Malhotra |
| Date of Birth | 9 July 1995 (Sunday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 30 Years |
| Birthplace | New Delhi, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hometown | New Delhi |
| Height | 170 cm / 1.70 m / 5’ 7” |
| Weight | 55 kg / 121 lbs |
| Figure Measurements | 32-28-38 |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
| School | N.P. Bengali Girls Sr. Sec. School, Gole Market, New Delhi |
| College/University | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University & VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital |
| Educational Qualification | B.Sc. Honours in Nursing |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Mother | Shobha Devi |
| Brother | Ravi Malhotra |
| Debut Movie | Runningshaadi.com (2016) |
| Famous Movies | Kaanchli: Life in a Slough (2020), Fan (2016), Senthanal (Tamil, 2016) |
| Volunteer Work | COVID-19 frontline nurse at BMC-run hospital in Jogeshwari, Mumbai |
| Net Worth (approx.) | ₹5 crore INR |
| @shikhamalhotraofficial/ |
Physical Appearance & Style
Shikha stands tall at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). Her weight is around 55 kilograms (121 lbs), and her figure measurements are 32-28-38. She has black eyes and brown hair, which she often styles in soft waves or elegant buns depending on the occasion. Her skin tone is fair, and she carries herself with grace and confidence.
Her physical appearance reflects her disciplined lifestyle. As a trained dancer and fitness enthusiast, Shikha maintains a healthy routine. She practices yoga and enjoys swimming, which helps her stay fit and relaxed. Her background in nursing also taught her the importance of physical health and hygiene, which she continues to follow.
Education & Academic Journey
Malhotra’s academic journey began in the heart of New Delhi. She attended N.P. Bengali Girls Senior Secondary School, located in Gole Market. This school is known for its focus on discipline and academics, and Shikha was a standout student. Teachers remember her as someone who was always eager to learn and participate.
After finishing school, Shikha took a bold step by enrolling in two different colleges. She first joined Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in New Delhi. This university is known for its wide range of courses and strong academic standards. Shikha studied here for a short time before moving on to Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, also in New Delhi.
From Nurse to Actress
Malhotra’s career path is unlike most in Bollywood. After earning her B.Sc. Honours in Nursing from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, she could have settled into a stable job in healthcare. But Shikha had another dream—acting. She didn’t abandon her medical background; she simply chose to explore her creative side. This decision wasn’t easy. The entertainment industry is competitive, and breaking in without connections is tough. But Shikha was determined.
She moved to Mumbai and enrolled at the Barry John Acting Studio, a well-known training ground for aspiring actors. There, she learned the craft of acting, voice modulation, and stage presence. Her nursing background gave her a unique edge—she was disciplined, empathetic, and used to working under pressure. These qualities helped her stand out in auditions and on set.
Film Debut & Early Roles
Malhotra’s first appearance in a Bollywood film was in Fan (2016), starring Shah Rukh Khan. Though her role was small—she played a TV news anchor—it was a big moment for her. She was new to the industry, and sharing screen space with one of India’s biggest stars was a dream come true.
After Fan, Shikha appeared in Running Shaadi (2017), a romantic comedy starring Taapsee Pannu and Amit Sadh. She played the role of Arshi, a supporting character who added depth to the story. The film didn’t become a blockbuster, but it helped Shikha gain visibility. She was slowly building her resume, one role at a time.
In the same year, she starred in Senthanal, a Tamil-language film where she played the lead role. This was a big step for her, as it showed her ability to work in different languages and film industries. She also appeared in The Unseen, an English-language film, and a music video titled Yaari, sung by Kirni Kaler.
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Breakthrough with Kaanchli: Life in a Slough
Shikha’s breakthrough came in 2020 with the film Kaanchli: Life in a Slough, directed by Dedipya Joshii. The movie is based on a story by Rajasthani folklorist Vijaydan Detha and explores the emotional journey of a woman named Kajri. Shikha played the lead role of Kajri, a strong and self-reliant woman who challenges societal norms. The film was released in theaters and later gained popularity online, especially on YouTube.
Kajri’s story is one of heartbreak, rebellion, and self-discovery. When her husband fails to support her after she defends herself against a powerful man in the village, Kajri decides to test his loyalty. She enters into a relationship with another man, Bhoja, played by Sanjay Mishra, to see how her husband reacts. The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and the strength of women in a patriarchal society.
COVID-19 Volunteering & Social Impact
In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit India, Shikha Malhotra made headlines for a different reason. She volunteered to work as a nurse at the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari, Mumbai. She worked in the isolation ward, helping patients with medication, meals, and emotional support.
Her first patient was a seven-month-old baby, and her oldest was a 98-year-old man. Shikha spent nearly 100 days on duty, wearing multiple layers of protective gear and working long shifts. She later became a patient counselor, helping people deal with anxiety and fear. Her work was recognized by the Maharashtra Governor and praised by celebrities like Katrina Kaif and Sonu Sood.
Marital Status and Rumors
As of 2025, Shikha is unmarried. She has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, and there are no known affairs or boyfriends linked to her name. She prefers to keep her personal life private and focuses on her career and humanitarian work.
In interviews, Shikha has mentioned that she values emotional connection and honesty in relationships. She believes in love but is not in a rush to settle down. Her fans respect her decision to maintain privacy and admire her for staying true to herself.
Awards and Honors
- Best Actress Award at the Jharkhand International Film Festival (2022)
- Best Actress Award at the Haryana International Film Festival (2023)
- Vagdhara Nav Ratna Samman (2021)
- Corona Warrior Award (2022)
- Social Conscience Personality of the Year (Tycoon Global Award 2023)
- Best Humanitarian Actress Award (2023)
Net Worth & Lifestyle
As of 2025, Malhotra’s estimated net worth is around 5 crore INR (approx). Her income comes from acting projects, hosting gigs, brand collaborations, and public appearances. While she’s not among the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood, her earnings reflect her growing reputation and versatility.
She’s known to live a modest lifestyle, focusing more on meaningful work than luxury. Her choices show that she values purpose over possessions. She invests in her craft, her health, and her humanitarian efforts.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Shikha is a trained Kathak dancer and classical singer.
- Her first stage performance was at age 3.5.
- She has a tattoo on her left shoulder.
- She hosted the Jharkhand International Film Festival in 2018.
- She launched two talk shows in 2023: Baatein Shaatein and Bol BakLoL.
- She gave a dance performance at the launch of the Celebrity Cricket Team Hyderabad Talwar in 2016.
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