Malvika Raaj rose to fame as the child who played young “Poo” in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. She later pursued modelling and acting across languages, returned to films as an adult, and built a strong social media presence
Malvika Raaj is an Indian actress and model who first reached millions as the young version of Kareena Kapoor’s character Pooja in Karan Johar’s blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).
After her childhood film success she focused on studies and modelling. As an adult she re-entered cinema and modelling work, appearing in regional films and continuing to work in fashion and media. Malvika is also active on social media and has a large following on Instagram.
This biography covers her early life, filmography, comeback, personal milestones, a tidy stats table, FAQs, and sources.
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Table of Contents
Malvika Raaj’s Biography
Early life and background
Malvika Raaj was born and raised in Mumbai, India. She began her career as a child actor, gaining national recognition with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), in which she played the younger version of Kareena Kapoor’s Pooja.
After early exposure to film she stepped back from full-time acting to focus on education and modelling work in her teens and early adulthood.
qaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazqs21etails about her formal education are limited in public sources, but interviews and profiles describe an upbringing in Mumbai with family ties to the film and creative world.1
Married !!!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UKzXzTOoVi
— Malvika Raaj (@raajmalvika) December 20, 2023
From Child Star to Model
After her breakout child role, Malvika transitioned into modelling. She participated in pageant circuits and fashion events.
Notably she was involved with Femina Miss India-related events and later walked fashion shows and featured in editorial shoots.
Her modelling work helped her maintain visibility and build a portfolio that bridged mainstream entertainment and fashion. Over time she pivoted between modelling assignments and selectively returning to acting projects.
The comeback: Films and Notable Projects
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Malvika’s role as young Pooja introduced her to wide audiences. The film, directed by Karan Johar, remains one of Bollywood’s most widely watched family dramas and is often the first credit cited when tracing Malvika’s early career.
Jayadev (2017)
After a long break, Malvika returned to on-screen acting with the Telugu film Jayadev in 2017. Directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee, the film cast her opposite Ganta Ravi.
The film marked her re-entry into features and signaled a willingness to work in regional cinema as an adult actor.
Reviews and cast lists confirm her role and the film’s 2017 release. 2
Other credits and mentions
Over the years Malvika has been linked to several projects, including smaller roles and items listed in aggregator filmographies.
Some listings show credits or attachments to titles such as Squad and other projects, though these vary across databases and some projects were reportedly shelved or under production at times.
Industry listings and film trackers provide an overview of titles associated with her career.3
Modelling, Endorsements and Public Persona
Malvika leveraged her early film fame to build a career in modelling and brand work. She has participated in fashion weeks, magazine shoots, and brand collaborations.
Her disciplined fitness routine and dance background often feature in her public posts and interviews. Over time her social media channels became key platforms for sharing lifestyle, fashion, and personal moments.
Personal Life
Relationships and Milestones
Malvika Raaj married businessman Pranav Bagga in late 2024. Their relationship and wedding received attention across entertainment news outlets.
In 2025 the couple announced they were expecting their first child, and later publicly shared that they had welcomed a baby girl.
Malvika shared maternity and family updates on social media, where fans followed the journey closely. Major Indian entertainment outlets covered the pregnancy announcement, the baby shower (Godh Bharai), and the newborn reveal.4
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Social Media
Malvika is highly active on social media. Her Instagram account has a substantial following, which she uses to post fashion shoots, personal photos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Her presence on digital platforms reinforces her role as a model-influencer who blends nostalgic fame with contemporary lifestyle content.
As of the latest public counts her Instagram follower numbers are in the high hundreds of thousands.5
Style and Off-screen Interests
Malvika’s public posts and interviews highlight interests in fitness, dance (including classical forms like Kathak at times), and travel.
She often shares fitness routines and behind-the-scenes moments from shoots. Her fashion choices show a mix of classic Indian wear and contemporary western looks.
She also participates in social events and charity or family ceremonies that get media attention.
Filmography
| Year | Film / Project | Role / Note | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Hindi) | Young Pooja (child role) | IMDb / Film records. |
| 2017 | Jayadev (Telugu) | Lead / Prominent role | Filmibeat / BookMyShow. |
| 2017–2022 | Various listings | Reported involvement in other film projects and regional works; some projects shelved or under production in trackers | Bollywood Hungama / IMDb. |
Stats Table
| Item | Data |
|---|---|
| Full name | Malvika Raaj |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Birthdate | Listed on some databases as 18 September 1990 (different public pages vary; many profiles do not emphasize exact date) — check primary sources for confirmation. |
| Breakthrough role | Young Pooja in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). |
| Notable adult films | Jayadev (2017) — Telugu. |
| Modelling / Pageants | Associated with Femina Miss India related events and fashion shows. |
| Spouse | Pranav Bagga |
| Children | Announced birth of a daughter, name and details shared on social media. |
| Social media | Instagram account @malvikaraaj with followers in the high hundreds of thousands. |
What made her role in K3G memorable?
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a film that lives on in Bollywood culture. Playing the young Pooja gave Malvika early exposure in a project that featured India’s top stars and a director known for family dramas.
Child actors in ensemble films often become part of the film’s enduring appeal. For Malvika, that role has continued to define much of her public identity, even as she diversified into modelling and adult acting projects.
The combination of a beloved film and a recognizable role produced long-term recognition that supported later opportunities.
How critics and media view her career
Media coverage of Malvika tends to emphasize nostalgia, fashion, and life milestones rather than a long list of blockbuster lead roles.
Critics acknowledge that many child actors either move away from acting or rebrand when returning as adults. Malvika’s trajectory from child actor to model to adult film roles and influencer is often presented as a modern hybrid career where film credits, endorsements, and social engagement combine.
Reviews of Jayadev and subsequent projects discuss the film’s merits rather than singling out one career-defining performance, but they recognize her transition into adult roles. 6
Brand Value
Malvika’s combination of early cinematic recognition and an active lifestyle and fashion persona make her attractive to brands in beauty, fitness, and apparel.
Her Instagram presence makes her an influencer with reach to the youth and fashion-savvy audiences. Fan conversations online reflect a fondness for her childhood role while also appreciating her modern content and fashion sensibilities.
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FAQ’s
Q1: How old is Malvika Raaj?
A: Public databases list her birthdate in some entries. IMDb lists a birthdate as 18 September 1990, but not all outlets emphasize this date. As with many public figures, databases can vary. For the most reliable details consult official interviews or verified profiles.
Q2: What is Malvika Raaj best known for?
A: She is best known for playing young Pooja in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). That role remains the most widely recognized credit of her career.
Q3: Has Malvika Raaj acted as an adult in movies?
A: Yes. Malvika returned to films as an adult. A notable example is the Telugu film Jayadev (2017). She has also been connected to other projects listed in industry trackers.
Q4: Is Malvika Raaj married? Who is her husband?
A: Yes. She married Pranav Bagga. Their wedding was covered by several entertainment outlets and social posts. The couple later announced a child together.
Q5: Does Malvika Raaj have children?
A: Yes. Malvika and Pranav Bagga announced the arrival of their baby girl and later shared the newborn’s name and photos in a social media reveal. Media outlets reported the news.
Q6: Where can I follow Malvika Raaj online?
A: Her most active and official public profile is on Instagram under @malvikaraaj where she posts professional shoots and personal updates.
Q7: Has Malvika won any awards?
A: There are no widely reported major national film awards attributed to her name in public sources. Her recognition is primarily tied to memorable film roles and modelling credentials. Industry databases and media profiles focus on credits, milestones, and public appearances.
Q8: What languages has she worked in?
A: Malvika has worked in Hindi cinema (as a child actor) and in Telugu cinema (as an adult). She has also participated in pan-Indian modelling and fashion circuits.
Closing Thoughts
Malvika Raaj is a good example of how an early, memorable role can shape a career decades later. Her journey blends nostalgia, fashion, and modern media.
She moved from a beloved child role into modelling and selective acting choices. Today she balances family life, fashion, and media work while maintaining a close connection with fans through social channels.
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