Runaway actress is home alone

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">Just in case you thought that the 17 kisses on the <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Khwahish</span> screen was the boldest thing Mallika Sherawat is capable of, it’s time for a double take. For, a talk show last week saw more fiery fiesta from the actress. <br /><br />‘‘If Hindi films need to be banned on grounds of nudity, so should <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Naga sadhus</span> at the <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Kumbh Mela</span>!’’ This is Mallika’s response to a charge that the show of sex in films has reached new heights.<br /><br />Any doubt about the girl’s independence is wiped away the very second Mallika reveals that she ran away from home. ‘‘I was born and brought up in a small town in Haryana called <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Hisaar</span>. I wore nothing but <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">salwar-kameezes</span> till I was 16, when I moved to <br /><br />Delhi,’’ recalls Mallika, ‘‘I might have always wanted to be an actress, but when I told my parents, they were aghast. So, I ran away, sold my earrings and rented a place in Mumbai!’’ <br /><br />When Mallika’s parents took her back to Delhi, she ran away again. ‘‘I am still not on talking terms with my father, though my mother does come and see me now that I am successful,’’ she shares. <br /><br />If Mallika throws controversial quotes, she admits to not speaking English fluently just as easily. ‘‘It’s more important to know Hindi,’’ says Mallika, whose outspokenness has found her a mentor. ‘‘I am doing Murder with Mahesh Bhatt. He got in touch with me as he liked the way I expressed my views.’’ Birds of a feather flock together? <br /><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">delhitimes@indiatimes.com </span></div> </div>