Alka Kaushal is a renowned Indian television and film actress, celebrated for her versatility, strong screen presence, and significant contributions to the Hindi and Marathi entertainment industries.
Early Life and Family
Alka Kaushal, born Alka Badola on September 2, 1969, hails from Delhi, India, and belongs to a family deeply rooted in the creative arts. Her father, Vishwa Mohan Badola, was a celebrated stage and television artist, while her mother, Susheela Badola, was also respected in theatre. Her upbringing in this artistic environment instilled in her a love for performing at a young age, setting the foundation for her future success.
She is the eldest of three siblings. Her younger brother, Varun Badola, is a well-known actor on Indian television, and her sister, Kalindi Badola, is a prominent radio jockey at Radio Mirchi. Alka attended the National School of Drama Repertory in Delhi, which further fueled her passion for the dramatic arts. Her move to Mumbai was a turning point, opening doors to Bollywood and television.
Physical Attributes and Personal Details
- Height: Approximately 5’6” (167 cm)
- Weight: 75 kg
- Eye Colour: Hazel
- Hair Colour: Black
- Religion: Hinduism (Brahmin)
- Zodiac: Virgo
Key Details:
Acting Career
Alka Kaushal’s television debut was with Ramesh Sippy’s “Gathaand,” followed by roles in “Tum Pukar Lo,” “Manzilein Apni Apni,” and “Prratima”. She quickly became one of the most recognised faces in Indian television, admired for her versatility and ability to bring powerful, layered characters to life.
Notable Television Serials
| Serial Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan | Sukanya Wadhwa |
| Qubool Hai | Razia Gafoor Ahmed Siddiqui |
| Swaragini | Parvati Gadodia |
| Sarojini | Tarkeshwari Singh |
| Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai | Sita Choudhary |
| Barrister Babu | Tara Bai |
| Mose Chhal Kiye Jaaye | Sushma Oberoi |
| Anupamaa (2025–present) | Vasundhara Kothari |
Her serial work includes memorable performances in “Faasle,” “Sansar,” “Kartavya,” “Kammal,” and “9 Malabar Hill,” further showcasing her range on-screen.
Bollywood and Regional Cinema
- Queen (2014, Mrs Mehra)
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015, Saraswati, Kareena Kapoor’s mother)
- Dharam Sankat Mein (2015, Paresh Rawal’s wife)
- Veere Di Wedding (2018)
- Badhaai Ho (2018, Guddan)
- Haseen Dillruba (2021, Mrs Kashyap)
- Soorma (2018)
- Double XL (2022, Rajshree’s Mother)
- Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahaani (2021, Devi Tej Sabherwal)
- Indoo Ki Jawani (2020, Mrs Gupta)
Her film credits continue to grow, with impactful appearances in Hindi, Marathi, and other regional movies.
Achievements and Awards
Alka Kaushal’s dedication is reflected in a career spanning three decades. She’s acted in over thirty TV serials, produced content, and left her mark on several hit films. As a producer, her work includes “Meet Mila De Rabba” (2008–2009). Her nuanced, complex characters, often negative or vampish, have earned her critical acclaim and audience popularity.
Noteworthy Milestones
- Founder of Mangalam Arts, her production house, with husband Ravi G. Kaushal.
- Earned two professional award nominations, highlighting her skill at portraying negative roles.
- Known for contributing to the enduring appeal of many shows, helping establish new narrative styles in Indian TV.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Alka Kaushal’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated between ₹15–20 crore (approx. USD $2–2.5 million). Income sources include acting, production, and endorsements. Her successful career in cinema and television has secured her financial stability, allowing her to invest in new creative projects.
Personal Relationships
Alka Kaushal is married to television producer and director Ravi G. Kaushal. Together, they share their lives and run their production company, Mangalam Arts. Their partnership is well-known in industry circles. The couple has a daughter and maintains strong family connections, particularly with siblings Varun and Kalindi.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite professional success, Alka Kaushal faced a major controversy in 2017 when she and her mother were convicted in a cheque-bounce case, involving ₹50 lakh. They were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in Punjab’s Sangrur district jail, with Alka released in 2018. The incident made headlines and affected her career briefly, but she returned to acting and regained industry respect.
Her resilience in the face of adversity is noteworthy, as she continues to work in high-profile television and film projects.
Latest News and Projects
Alka Kaushal remains active in the entertainment world. In 2025, she joined the hit series “Anupamaa” as Vasundhara Kothari. Her recent projects also include movies like “Haseen Dillruba” and “Badhaai Ho,” as well as serials on major networks. She continues to express admiration for the industry and is known for positive interviews, such as her appreciation for Salman Khan.
Distinctive Work Ethic and Industry Impact
Alka Kaushal’s role in shaping Indian television is significant. As one of the few actresses able to sustain a career almost exclusively portraying strong, negative roles, she sets standards for the genre. Her ability to blend intensity with nuanced emotion in villainous parts is often cited as inspirational by peers and critics.
She also takes pride in mentoring younger actors, bringing practical, real-world lessons from her family’s legacy in theatre to modern television sets.
Facts and Trivia
- Alka Badola is her birth name; she uses Kaushal professionally following her marriage.
- Favourite actors include Lata Mangeshkar and Salman Khan.
- Known for wearing red on-screen, which is her favourite colour.
- She works in Hindi, Marathi, and Punjabi cinema, making her one of the most versatile faces across Indian entertainment.
- She occasionally partakes in social work and industry outreach programs, supporting up-and-coming artists.
FAQs About Alka Kaushal
Who are Alka Kaushal’s parents and siblings?
Alka Kaushal’s father, Vishwa Mohan Badola, was an acclaimed stage and TV artist, while her mother, Susheela Badola, inspired her love for theatre. Her brother, Varun Badola, is a popular TV actor, and her sister, Kalindi Badola, is a radio jockey.
What are Alka Kaushal’s most famous roles?
Her best-known roles are in “Kumkum,” “Qubool Hai,” “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” “Queen,” “Badhaai Ho,” and “Haseen Dillruba”, where she portrayed diverse characters.
What is Alka Kaushal’s net worth?
In 2025, her net worth is estimated to be between ₹15–20 crore (approx. USD $2–2.5 million).
Has Alka Kaushal produced any TV shows?
Yes, she produced “Meet Mila De Rabba” and is the founder of Mangalam Arts with her husband.
How did Alka Kaushal overcome controversy?
After serving two years for a cheque-bounce case with her mother, Alka resumed her career and remains a respected figure in the industry.
What makes Alka Kaushal unique in entertainment?
Her signature negative roles, consistent industry presence, and versatility across genres distinguish her in Indian television and film.
Is Alka Kaushal married?
She is married to Ravi G. Kaushal, a television producer and director. They have a daughter together.
What are her latest works?
She joined “Anupamaa” in 2025 and continues to act in movies and TV, including “Mere Husband Ki Biwi” (2025), “Double XL” (2022), and more.
Which awards and nominations has she received?
She has received two professional nominations for her work in antagonistic roles and has earned appreciation for over thirty TV serials.
Does Alka Kaushal do social work?
Yes, she occasionally engages in social work, focusing on helping newcomers navigate the entertainment industry.
