Mallika Sherwat: Sherawat’s birth name is Reema Lamba; she says that she adopted the screen name of “Mallika”, meaning “empress” to avoid confusion with other actresses named Reema. “Sherawat” is her mother’s maiden name. She has stated that she uses her mother’s maiden name because of all the support her mother has provided for her. She has obtained a degree in Indian philosophy from Miranda House, Delhi University.

Mallika Sherawat ga ga over Oliver Stone at 3:20 PM

New Delhi, The sassy Mallika Sherawat can't stop raving about American filmmaker Oliver Stone with whom she shared the stage at the Global Brand Forum 2008 held in Malaysia.

"It was a huge surprise for me to be invited to the global forum along with Oliver Stone. And to share the same stage with someone who's made great films like 'JFK' and 'Platoon' - all I can say is wow," said Mallika in a press statement.

The actress, who was invited last week to speak about the challenges and opportunities facing the movie business as well as about the impact of Indian films in brands and business, feels she shares something in common with Stone.

"I guess for better or for worse both of us have our own brands. And as Oliver says - people either love or hate his films. I feel it's the same for me.

"On one hand young people have embraced me, on the other hand there are lots of people in the country, film industry and in advertising, who think I'm too controversial and radical for their liking", she added.

Mallika, who has been seen in films like "Khwahish", "Murder" and "Pyaar Ke Side Effects" apart from a small role in a Jackie Chan's movie "The Myth", recently won the 2008 Renaissance Artist Award at the 16th Annual Diversity Awards held in California. 

The actress is currently working in Hollywood-Bollywood project titled "Hisss". She plays a snake woman in the fictional-fantasy which is being directed by well-known Hollywood director Jennifer Lynch.