Meghna Malik, renowned across Indian television and cinema, is best remembered for her fearless portrayal of Ammaji in “Na Aana Is Des Laado.” Her career encompasses theatre, breakthrough television, notable films, a fresh presence on digital platforms, and influential activism.
Early Life and Family
Born on October 3, 1971, in Sonipat, Haryana, Meghna Malik belonged to a reputable Jat family deeply involved in academics. Her father, Raghuvir Singh Malik, was a respected English professor, and her mother, Kamlesh Malik, served as a college principal. Meghna’s younger sister, Mimansa Malik, is a prominent anchor and media producer with Zee News.
Meghna pursued her academic interests with a master’s degree in English Literature from Kurukshetra University. She further honed her artistic prowess at the National School of Drama (NSD), graduating in 1997, and swiftly became part of the NSD Repertory Company. The passionate environment and mentorship she found at NSD proved decisive in shaping her performance style.
Key Details:
Theatre Beginnings
Before her major television breakthrough, Meghna Malik’s love for acting blossomed through stage plays during her school years. NSD provided her with an immersive education in the craft, and her stage work at NSD Repertory remains foundational. She regularly returns to participate in and organise acting workshops for new talent, continuously maintaining a vibrant connection with theatre.
Television Stardom
Meghna’s TV debut began with significant roles in “Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan” and “Astitva…Ek Prem Kahani.” Her societal impact and popularity skyrocketed when she played Ammaji in “Na Aana Is Des Laado” (2009-2012), a show confronting issues like female infanticide and patriarchal dominance in rural North India. Her nuanced, powerful portrayal transformed how strong female antagonists were depicted on Indian screens, even if it resulted in frequent typecasting in matriarchal or stern roles.
Her television journey includes participation and wins in reality shows such as “Kitchen Champion,” public favourite dramas like “Gustakh Dil” and “Dahleez,” and a memorable turn as a contestant on “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” Season 6 in 2013. The combination of reality TV, seriously dramatic series, and family shows highlights her versatility across genres.
Film Contributions
Meghna Malik’s impact is not confined to TV; her Bollywood and regional film credits reflect a remarkable range:
- “Chalte Chalte” (2003)
- “Kuch Na Kaho” (2003)
- “Taare Zameen Par” (2007) (role as teacher)
- “Angrezi Medium” (2020) (starring Irrfan Khan)
- “Saina” (2021) (Usha Rani Nehwal, mother of Saina Nehwal)
- “Pagglait” (2021), “Selfiee” (2023), “Tumse Na Ho Payega” (2023)
- Latest: “Tera Kya Hoga Lovely” (2024), “Heer Express” (2025), “Uma – Simran”, “Laal Batti” (2025)
Her ability to adapt to diverse characters, from maternal figures to stern principals, cements her value as a film artist who brings authenticity and gravity to every role.
Web Series and New Media
In the streaming era, Malik reinvented her outreach with acclaimed performances in web series:
- “Mirzapur” (2022-2024) (Shakuntala Shukla)
- “Bandish Bandits” (2020, 2024) (Avantika)
- “Aranyak” (2021) (Jagdamba Dhumal)
- “Rangeen” (2025) (Renu)
- “A Legal Affair”, “Brown”, “Suswagatam Khushamadeed” (2025)
- Other anticipated series: “Uma – Simran,” “Laal Batti”
Her presence across digital platforms has gained her younger admirers, illustrating her adaptability and relevance in changing entertainment landscapes.
Major Achievements and Awards
Meghna Malik’s work has been widely recognised:
- Gold Award (2010): Best Actress in a Negative Role (Female) for “Na Aana Is Des Laado”
- Jury Membership: Indian Telly Awards, International Emmy Awards
- Election Commission Brand Icon: Haryana, 2012
- Recipient of 4 wins & 6 nominations, reflecting her stature in Indian entertainment
Her ability to turn social crises into relatable screen drama has frequently influenced discourse on gender equality and women’s rights in India.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2025, Meghna Malik’s estimated net worth is between ₹8–12 crore. This includes earnings from television, film, web series, endorsements, and special events. She is known to command a substantial per-episode fee and enjoys lucrative sponsorships for brand events, reflecting her long-standing value as a recognisable media personality.
Relationship Status and Family Life
Malik wed fellow actor Riju Bajaj (son of acclaimed theatre director Ram Gopal Bajaj) on November 19, 2000. The pair divorced in December 2011. Malik has kept her private life outside the limelight and has not publicly disclosed any children. Her sister, Mimansa Malik, remains successful in broadcast journalism.
Recent Work and News (2024–2025)
Meghna Malik’s return in “Mirzapur Season 3” generated buzz among followers, thanks to her masterful screen presence and stirring performance with the ensemble cast. Her role in Prime Video’s “Rangeen” further highlights her commitment to experimental storytelling. She continues her film momentum in “Heer Express” (2025), portraying Sunita, while also juggling major projects in production.
Press coverage often spotlights her candid interviews on female empowerment, creative choices, and industry bias, keeping her at the forefront of current entertainment debates.
Controversies
Despite mostly maintaining a positive public image, Meghna Malik has taken strong stands against typecasting, particularly after her run as Ammaji. She speaks openly about gender inequality, stereotyping, and the limited scope for mature actresses in television. Her resignation from “Laado 2” over creative differences led to media speculation but was handled professionally.
No significant scandals have affected her reputation. Occasionally, social media frenzies surround her direct talk about feminism and industry reform, showcasing her as a fearless advocate even beyond the screen.
Philanthropy and Activism
Meghna Malik leverages her visibility to champion causes such as female infanticide prevention and women’s empowerment, deeply echoing her TV legacy. She is an official ambassador for election awareness in Haryana, regularly speaking at cinema panels, social summits, and educational events.
Her outreach extends to guiding theatre and media students, strengthening new generations of actors through workshops and mentorships.
Personal Interests
Her hobbies span travelling abroad, exploring new cultures, and enjoying films during downtime. Though her professional commitments are demanding, Malik consistently finds ways to reconnect with theatre through NSD workshops and performances.
Honouring a Dynamic Legacy
Meghna Malik’s enduring appeal is anchored in her ability to elevate pressing social themes within entertainment, transforming each character with realism and conviction. Her journey as an artist, mentor, and activist remains a beacon for both established actors and fresh talent in Indian media. Through television, films, web series, and philanthropic work, Meghna Malik has built a lasting legacy, one that stands testament to talent, resilience, and the power of purposeful storytelling.
FAQs About Meghna Malik
What is Meghna Malik’s most well-known role?
Meghna Malik is justifiably famous for playing Ammaji in “Na Aana Is Des Laado,” a benchmark in Indian television.
What are Meghna Malik’s awards and accolades?
She has received the Gold Award for Negative Role (2010), served as a judge and jury member for leading television honours, and been recognised as Haryana’s Election Icon.
Who was Meghna Malik’s spouse?
Meghna Malik was married to actor Riju Bajaj from 2000 until their divorce in 2011.
What is Meghna Malik’s net worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated at ₹8–12 crore, stemming from an illustrious media career.
What are her recent films and web series?
Recently, she starred in “Mirzapur Season 3,” “Rangeen,” “Heer Express,” as well as “Bandish Bandits” and “Aranyak”.
Does Meghna Malik participate in social activism?
Yes, she supports women’s rights, is active against gender violence, and promotes voter participation in Haryana.
Did she face controversies in her career?
Minor controversies stemmed from typecasting and creative differences, but she is respected for her advocacy and integrity.
What is her educational qualification?
She holds a master’s in English Literature and is a graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD).
What are Meghna Malik’s favourite ways to relax?
Travelling and watching movies are her chosen leisure activities.
What roles does she have upcoming in 2025?
She stars in “Heer Express” and is featured in a new web series, and continues to expand her digital media presence.
