Sidharth Malhotra was born on 16 January 1985 in Delhi, India, into a Punjabi family. His father, Sunil Malhotra, was in the Merchant Navy, while his mother, Rimma Malhotra, was a homemaker. He grew up in Delhi and attended Don Bosco School and later Naval Public School, before graduating from Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi.
Though he was academically inclined, Sidharth had a keen interest in fashion and modeling from a young age. By the time he was 18, he had already begun working as a model, which opened doors to the entertainment industry.
Modeling Career and Transition to Films
Sidharth enjoyed early success as a model and became a recognizable face in the fashion world. However, he soon realized that modeling did not fully satisfy his creative aspirations. Driven by his passion for acting, he decided to switch careers and pursue opportunities in Bollywood.
He initially worked behind the camera to gain experience in the industry. Notably, he assisted Karan Johar on the film My Name Is Khan (2010), which gave him valuable insights into filmmaking. This period of learning became the foundation for his acting journey.
Bollywood Debut and Breakthrough
Sidharth Malhotra made his acting debut with Karan Johar’s 2012 film Student of the Year, alongside Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan. His role as Abhimanyu Singh, a middle-class boy competing in a high-society environment, earned him critical praise and made him a youth icon. The film was a commercial success and gave Sidharth instant recognition as one of Bollywood’s most promising newcomers.
Career Growth and Notable Films
After his successful debut, Sidharth chose a variety of roles to showcase his versatility:
- Hasee Toh Phasee (2014): A romantic comedy opposite Parineeti Chopra, where his subtle performance was well-received.
- Ek Villain (2014): This action-thriller opposite Shraddha Kapoor was a turning point in his career. His intense performance as Guru, a gangster with a tragic past, made the film a blockbuster.
- Kapoor & Sons (2016): A family drama directed by Shakun Batra, where Sidharth starred alongside Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan. The film was praised for its realism, and his role added depth to the narrative.
- Baar Baar Dekho (2016), A Gentleman (2017), and Jabariya Jodi (2019): While some of these films underperformed, they reflected his willingness to experiment with genres.
- Shershaah (2021): His career-defining performance came with this biographical war film, where he portrayed Captain Vikram Batra, a Kargil War hero. Sidharth’s portrayal won immense critical acclaim and widespread love from audiences. The film’s success revived his career, making him one of Bollywood’s most respected actors.
Recent Work and Upcoming Projects
Following Shershaah, Sidharth continued to build on his momentum with projects like Mission Majnu (2023), a spy thriller, and Thank God (2022), where he starred alongside Ajay Devgn. He also entered the OTT space with the web series Indian Police Force (2024), directed by Rohit Shetty, further expanding his career prospects.
Awards and Achievements
- Stardust Award for Most Promising Debut Male (2012) for Student of the Year.
- Massive critical and audience acclaim for Shershaah (2021), often considered his best work.
- Recognized as one of the most stylish and charming actors in Bollywood, frequently featured in Times of India’s 50 Most Desirable Men list.
Personal Life
Sidharth Malhotra has often been in the spotlight for his personal life. After years of speculation about his relationships, he married Bollywood actress Kiara Advani in February 2023. The wedding, held in Rajasthan, was a grand yet intimate affair attended by close friends and family from the film industry. The couple’s pairing, both on-screen (Shershaah) and off-screen, has been adored by fans.
Personality and Public Image
Known for his good looks, disciplined lifestyle, and grounded personality, Sidharth has maintained a balance between stardom and simplicity. Despite facing ups and downs in his career, he has shown resilience and a willingness to reinvent himself. His journey from a Delhi boy with no film background to a successful Bollywood actor continues to inspire many aspiring talents.
Legacy and Impact
Sidharth Malhotra’s story is one of perseverance and determination. From modeling to assisting on films and finally becoming a mainstream Bollywood star, his journey is proof that talent combined with hard work can break barriers. With Shershaah, he has already etched his name in Bollywood’s hall of memorable performances. Going forward, his blend of charisma and acting depth ensures that he will remain a key figure in Indian cinema for years to come.
