Is the first Indian woman to get an offer to pose nude for Playboy magazine. Mallika, however, refused the offer due to her morals and upbringing.

The cost of the diamonds that Mallika wore at the Cannes Film Festival 2005 was Rs 45 million. They were sponsored by Orra Diamonds. Nine sets of jewelery were especially designed for Mallika, including diamond studded necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Changed her name from Reema Lamba to Mallika Sherawat when she did her first film, Khwahish (2003). She claims to have changed it because there were already too many actresses in the industry with similar names like Reema Sen, Raima Sen, and Rimii Sen.

Personal quotes

"I've slogged like crazy to get where I am. And those who think it's just my body that got me where I am, they should take a look at the others who have rushed in after me. They haven't gone beyond their first feverish film".

"I have always looked up to Bipasha and she has certainly opened a lot of doors for many actresses like us. But I don't want to compete against anyone. I think I am one of a kind".

"I have always wanted to be an actress. In spite of strong opposition from my orthodox family, I came to Mumbai in 2002 on completion of my graduation from Delhi University. In fact, I ran off from home to pursue my career. I knew my parents would never let me be an actress, so I had to take the bold step. However, I have a strong support from my kid brother Vikram, whom I love more than anything else in this world."

"I would like to say I handle criticism well. In fact I enjoy reading the comments of the critics. It's great to have critics blasting you all the time. It keeps you on your toes, spurs you, challenges you, makes you want to get better. I take everything positively. There's so much to learn and do." (Movie Mag International, September 2004)

On her film, The Myth (2005): I may not be here to titillate, but I am not sorry if I have that edge. People aren't coming to the theaters to see me in a burqa". (Movie Mag International, September 2004)

"I had a song with Tusshar Kapoor in _Jeena Sirf Merre Liye_(2002) and they cut it. I'm so happy nobody went to the theaters to watch the film. The only people who must have watched the film were Tusshar's family, my family and Kareena's".(Stardust, March 2003)

"I graduated from Delhi, and came down to Bombay to try my hand at films. I always wanted to be an actress. I'd ape all the actresses before the mirror even when it was forbidden in my community. Wide-eyed as I may sound, it's a dream come true, yaar! I remember when I disclosed my career option to my folks, all hell broke loose. My father is a zamindar back home. So you can imagine all the fuss. And my mom, she still wears a ghunghat." (Stardust, March 2003)