Remember Malini Sharma from Raaz? He quietly disappeared from Bollywood years ago; now runs a farm in Sahyadris, growing vegetables and cooking for guests |
Remember Malini Sharma, who appeared in Vikram Bhatt’s Raaz in 2002 alongside Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea? At a time when her career seemed to be gaining momentum, Malini decided to step away from the film industry.His decision made him little by little disappear from the public eye. But while Bollywood audiences stopped seeing her on screen, Malini was busy building a completely different life.Today, she is associated with The Slow Local and lives on a farm in Sahyadri Hills, where she has embraced farming, local food and a slower pace of life.
Released in 2002, Raaz became a huge box office hit and remains one of the most popular Hindi horror films of its time.While Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea played the lead roles, Malini Sharma also caught the attention of the audience, especially with her appearance in the popular song Aapke Pyaar Mein.He had already become recognizable through music videos, including Kya Soorat Hai by Bombay Vikings. He later appeared in Mika Singh’s Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag.Malini also worked in television and appeared in CATS, alongside Nafisa Joseph and Kuljeet Randhawa.
Why Malini Sharma left Bollywood?
Malini did not make a dramatic public announcement about her exit from the industry. Instead, it gradually became less visible.In 2002, he reportedly left the film Encounter just 48 hours before filming was to begin. According to India Today, she had started considering working behind the camera after spending years as a model and actress.Around the same period, she married actor Priyanshu Chatterjee, known for his debut in Tum Bin.
The marriage ended in divorce a few years later.Finally, Malini left the Bollywood limelight behind.
She founded The Slow Local.
His next chapter had little to do with movies.Malini eventually launched The Slow Local, a business based on local food, crafts and workshops. It started with pop-ups and events at Versova and featured homemade bread, granola, jams, peanut butter, coffee and South Indian oils, along with storytelling and other activities.The adventure finally brought her closer to nature.He now runs a farm in Sahyadris, about two hours from Pune. There she grows her own vegetables and uses the farm’s produce to prepare meals for guests.
Malini Sharma returns to camera after 23 years
After staying out of the public eye for years, Malini has recently returned to the camera through The Slow Local Diaries, a video diary documenting her life on the farm.But this comeback looks very different from his days in Bollywood.Sharing the first video, he wrote: “Looking at the camera again after a long time… this time it’s the real me, no makeup, no dialogue, shooting from the heart.”Malini also addressed the question fans have been asking for years: where did he disappear?“Hi, I’m Malini, in front of the camera again after 23 years of Raaz. For those of you wondering where I disappeared to, well, I’m alive. I’m here to host The Slow Local Diaries,” she said.
From Bollywood actress to farm owner
For those who remember Malini Sharma from the early 2000s, her current life may come as a surprise.The actress who once appeared in Bollywood films, television shows and popular music videos has swapped the glamor of Mumbai for the tranquil surroundings of the Sahyadris.Today, their days revolve around farming, local food, nature, and welcoming guests to their property.
