Koel Mallick

Rukmini Mallick, (born on 28 April 1982) known professionally as Koel Mallick (ⓘ), or mononymously as Koel, is an Indian actress and politician known for her work primarily in Bengali films. Often referred to as the "Tolly-Queen", she is the recipient numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Awards Bangla, two BFJA Awards, and a Anandalok Puraskar. In 2023, she was honoured with the Mahanayak Samman by the Government of West Bengal.

The daughter of Ranjit Mallick, Koel made her acting debut with Nater Guru (2003), which was a box-office success. She rose to fame starring in commercially successful films Shubhodrishti (2005), Mon Mane Na (2008), Premer Kahini (2008), 100% Love (2012) and Rangbaaz (2013). Starring roles in the top-grossing romances Paglu (2011) and Besh Korechi Prem Korechi (2015), established her as a leading star in Bengali cinema. Her performances in the family drama Bandhan (2004), the political thriller MLA Fatakeshto (2006), the drama Dui Prithibi (2010), the black comedy Hemlock Society (2012), the thriller Mitin Mashi (2019) received critical acclaim.

In addition to acting in films, Koel is a social activist and noted for her work with widows and children. Koel has been married to the producer Nispal Singh since 2013, with whom she has two children.

Early life and education

Mallick was born in Kolkata to Bengali film actor Ranjit Mallick and Deepa Mallick, of Kolkata's Mallick Bari of Bhowanipore. Mallick did her schooling at Modern High School for Girls, and completed a BSc (honors) in Psychology from the Gokhale Memorial Girls' College, an affiliated college of the University of Calcutta.

Career

Film

Mallick's screen debut was in Nater Guru – opposite Jeet. Nater Guru was a "runaway success" at the box office. The film, released in 2003, marked Mallick's entry into Tollywood. She also won her first award for Best Actor in a Leading Role Female at the 4th Tele Cine Awards (2004) for Nater Guru. In the film, Mallick plays the role of a 23-year-old girl named Monica opposite Jeet. Since the release of Nater Guru the pair has worked together often, appearing in eleven films.

In 2004, she starred in Debipaksha, Shudhu Tumi, Badsha The King and Bandhan. While the first two performed poorly[clarification needed] at the box office, Bandhan was a huge success in Bengal and was a blockbuster at the box office. It was also the highest grossing Bengali film of 2004.[citation needed]

In 2005, Mallick appeared in Shubhodrishti, Manik, Yuddho and Chore Chore Mastuto Bhai. In 2005, Koel Mallick entered the Odia film industry for the first time. In her first Odia film, Premi No.1, Mallick acted opposite Anubhav Mohanty. She appeared in Yuddho opposite Mithun Chakraborty and Debashree Roy. The film recorded an initial collection of ₹ 12 million (12 million) in its first week. In 2006, she took on a more serious role in MLA Fatakeshto in which she played a reporter. She also starred in the 2008 film Love, the Bengali remake of Love Story.

Television

Mallick made her television debut with Zee Bangla's first Mahalaya in the year 2007 as Devi Mahisasuramardini and her various avatars. She also appeared in Didi No. 1 in 2010 as a celebrity contestant. She also hosted her first talk-show Katha O Kahini. The show went on to air on Star Jalsha.

In 2013 Mallick appeared as a celebrity judge in the Bengali version of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa along with Bollywood choreographer Remo D'Souza. The show aired on ETV Bangla. She also starred in Dance Bangla Dance Junior as a Judge and in Season 11 as a celebrity judge. She was also seen in Zee Bangla's various reality shows like Rannaghor, Dadagiri Unlimited, and Didi No. 1.

Mallick and Jeet were also seen as a guests in the Star Jalsha serial Sansar Sukher Hoy Romonir Gune for the promotion of the movie 100% Love. Mallick has also appeared on the popular soap Bojhena Se Bojhena which is also aired on STAR Jalsha.

Brand endorsements

Mallick has endorsed a variety of multi-national brands and has done television commercials for TVS Motor Company, glow & Lovely, Panasonic, and Vaseline.

Political career

On 27 February 2026, Mallick was announced as the Trinamool Congress party candidate from West Bengal for the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections to be held on 16 March. She was sworn in as the Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha on 6 April 2026.

Personal life

Mallick married Nispal Singh (Rane) on 1 February 2013. They had been in a relationship for seven years before that, but both of them had decided to keep their relationship away from the glamour world of Tollywood. On 1 February 2020 she announced on Instagram that she was expecting her first child. On 5 May 2020, Mallick gave birth to a boy. The couple named their son Kabir Singh. On 3 October she announced the news of her second pregnancy via social media. On 14 December 2024 she gave birth to a baby girl.

Filmography

Films

• All films are in Bengali unless otherwise noted.

Television

Mahalaya

Awards

External links

• Media related to Koel Mullick at Wikimedia Commons
• at IMDb
• on X