Prajakta Mali

Prajaktta Mali (pronounced [prədʒəkt̪aː ˈmaːli]; born 8 August 1989) is an Indian actress, producer, and poet who primarily works in Marathi films and television.

Born in Barshi and raised in Pune, Mali won the dance reality show Kya Masti Kya Dhoom at the age of 14. She had an uncredited role in Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades (2004) and also appeared as a child artist in the Marathi drama film Taandala – Ek Mukhavta (2008). After appearing in several Marathi daily soaps, she gained recognition for her role as Meghana in the romantic drama series Julun Yeti Reshimgathi (2013–2015).

Mali made her lead film debut with Kedar Shinde’s comedy-drama Kho-Kho (2013). She later received critical acclaim for her performances in Hampi (2017), the comedy thriller Dokyala Shot (2019), the comedy Pandu (2021), the family drama Luckdown Be Positive, and the social thriller Y (both 2022). For her role in Pandu, she won the MFK Award for Favourite Villain. Since 2018, she has been hosting the comedy sketch show Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra on Sony Marathi. In 2022, she made her web debut with Abhijit Panse’s thriller drama RaanBaazaar, where she portrayed a prostitute, earning widespread acclaim. This was followed by her title role as a renowned dancer in the epic historical drama Phullwanti (2024), which also marked her debut as a producer.

Beyond acting, Mali founded the Nrityangan Dance Academy in Pune and launched her traditional jewelry brand, PrajaktaRaj. She also published a poetry book titled Prajakta Prabha in 2021.