Mallika Sherawat reveals she faced discrimination in family as a child as they didn't want a girl child: 'My mother went into depression'

Mallika Sherawat confessed that her family used to discriminate against her as they never wanted a girl child. The actress further recalled her mother dealing with depression due to the family's resistance to having a girl child.
In a chat with Hauterrfly, Mallika opened up about her upbringing and childhood. She highlighted the stark contrast in treatment between herself and her brother. She reflected on the sadness she felt during her growing-up years, questioning why she faced such discrimination.
Although the actress struggled to understand this dynamic as a child, she now recognises the underlying reasons. Mallika quoted her parents' sentiments, expressing that the family prioritises the education and financial investment in their son, believing that all family wealth will eventually pass down to him.
In contrast, she mentions the perception that daughters are seen as liabilities, ultimately destined for marriage, and their futures are deemed less valuable. “Woh ladka hai, usko videsh bhejo, usko padhao, usmein paisa invest karo. Ladkiyon ka kya hai? (What about the girls?) They will get married; they are a liability, ek bojh hai (burden),” she quoted her family's mindset.
Mallika felt sad and frustrated regarding the discrimination faced by girls in her village, revealing that her experiences were not unique to her. While her parents provided her with a good education, she reflected that they failed to foster an open mindset or grant her the freedom to express herself.
Despite her passion for sports, Mallika had to practice secretly due to her family's belief that being athletic would make her too masculine and affect her marriage prospects. She recalled the heavy restrictions imposed on her upbringing, even noting that her birth brought mourning to her family, and she suspects that her mother may have suffered from depression as a result. “I had a lot of restrictions. When I was born, mere pariwaar mein maatam chhaa gaya tha (there was mourning in my family). My mother, I am sure, went into depression, poor thing,” she concluded.
Mallika made her Bollywood debut in the 2003 movie ‘Khwahish’. Mallika's new film ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, hit theaters today (October 11). It features Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Raaz in key roles.