After her role in the 2002 horror hit ‘Raaz’, Malini Sharma stepped away from the limelight and now operates a farmstay in the Sahyadri hills, growing organic produce and offering guests a slow‑living experience. The former model and actress has turned her back on Bollywood to embrace nature and sustainable living.
- Malini quit Bollywood and started a farmstay in the Sahyadris
- She runs the venture under the name ‘The Slow Local’
- The farmstay focuses on organic food, eco‑tourism and preserving native forest
In the early 2000s, Malini Sharma rose to fame through the TV series CATS alongside Nafisa Joseph and Kuljeet Randhawa. While her co‑stars faced tragic ends, Sharma gradually retreated from the spotlight.
She first captured public attention as a model in Bombay Vikings’ music video “Kya Soorat Hai” and later in Mika Singh’s “Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag”. Her breakthrough in cinema came with Vikram Bhatt’s horror film Raaz (2002), where she shared screen space with Dino Morea and Bipasha Basu. Though her role was brief, the song “Aapke Pyaar Mein” left a lasting imprint.
In 2002, just before the shoot of the film Encounter, Sharma withdrew, citing a desire to explore work behind the camera. This decision marked the beginning of her gradual exit from mainstream entertainment.
Nearly a decade later she launched The Slow Local, a brand that originally curated locally‑made food, crafts, pop‑up events and workshops in Versova. She sold homemade bread, South Indian coffee, granola, jams, peanut butter, and a variety of artisanal oils, while also hosting storytelling sessions for children.
Eventually, The Slow Local migrated to a farmstay nestled in the Sahyadri hills, about two hours from Pune. The property is dotted with fruit trees—Arjun, Harad, Kokum, Palash, Shikakai—and untouched forest sections that she deliberately preserves. “We have left the jungle be in the mountain; it is our own little forest,” Sharma told her Instagram followers.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that former celebrities like Malini shifting to sustainable living not only fulfills personal well‑being but also amplifies environmental awareness, boosting eco‑tourism and local economies across India.
"Transitioning from stardom to sustainable agriculture reflects a growing trend among former celebrities seeking purpose beyond the screen."
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Malini Sharma start the farmstay? She launched the Sahyadri farmstay in 2020.
What amenities does the farmstay offer to guests? Guests enjoy farm‑to‑table meals, organic gardening workshops, cooking classes, and guided nature walks.
