Former ‘Raaz’ actress Malini Sharma has swapped the glitz of Bollywood for a tranquil farmstay in the Sahyadri hills. She now chronicles her new life through ‘The Slow Local Diaries’.
- Malini Sharma has left Bollywood to launch a farmstay in the Sahyadri region.
- She shares her rural journey via the video series ‘The Slow Local Diaries’.
- Her shift highlights sustainable agriculture and rural tourism as viable alternatives.
Early Career and Bollywood Stint
Malini first appeared on the early‑2000s TV show ‘CATS’, alongside Nafeesa Joseph and Kuljeet Radhava. The exposure led to music‑video appearances in hits like ‘Kya Surat Hai’ and ‘Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag’, cementing her modeling and acting credentials.
In 2002, she played a memorable role in Vikram Bhatt’s horror film ‘Raaz’. The movie’s soundtrack, especially the song ‘Aapke Pyaar Mein’, kept her name alive in households across India.
Marriage, Breakup, and Exit from the Spotlight
During the same period, Malini married actor Priyanshu Chatterjee, but the union dissolved within a few years. Disillusioned with the industry’s relentless pace, she walked away from the set of the film ‘Encounter’ just 48 hours before shooting began, stating she preferred working behind the camera.
New Chapter in the Sahyadri Hills
Located about two hours from Pune, Malini now runs a modest farmstay amidst lush hills. She personally cultivates vegetables, prepares meals for guests, and offers an immersive countryside experience.
Through the Instagram series ‘The Slow Local Diaries’, she documents daily chores, crop challenges, and the simple joys of rural living. What began as a community‑focused project called ‘The Slow Local’—centered on local food, handicrafts, and workshops—has evolved into a full‑scale agritourism venture.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Malini’s transition serves as a powerful case study for sustainable tourism and organic farming in India. Her farmstay generates local employment, preserves biodiversity, and bridges the urban‑rural divide.
"When a celebrity embraces rural life, it sets a replicable model for sustainable tourism," says environmental expert Dr. Archana Joshi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did Malini Sharma decide to start a farmstay?
A: She sought peace, self‑satisfaction, and a sustainable lifestyle away from the high‑pressure film industry.
Q2: What unique experiences do guests get at the farmstay?
A: Guests enjoy fresh farm‑to‑table meals, hands‑on farming activities, and the serene beauty of the Sahyadri hills.