Sometimes, destiny scripts the best stories and for &TV’s young and talented actor Sonal Panwar, it could not be truer. Today, she is winning hearts as Inspector Malaika in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, a tough, disciplined, and level-headed police officer who is known for her values and serves as the rare voice of reason in the quirky Singh household. Looking back at how her acting journey began, Sonal Panwar aka Malaika shares,“Acting, quite literally, happened to me by chance. A few years ago, a friend who was directing an episode for a crime show called me last minute to fill in for a role. At that point, becoming an actor was not even on my radar. I was just helping out. But the moment I stepped onto the set, something clicked. The buzz of the camera, the lights, the team working coordinated, it all felt surreal. People are getting your makeup done, offering you water, and everyone is so focused. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this is what being an actor feels like?’ That spontaneous moment changed everything for me.” But the road ahead was not all glamorous. She adds, “Of course, the journey was not as dreamy as that first day. I had to audition relentlessly before anything substantial came my way. Eventually, I landed a role in a web series alongside one of my favourite actors, Richa Chadha. I will be honest—I was more of a fangirl on set than a co-actor! But those early experiences taught me a lot and gave me the confidence I needed to take on bigger roles.
Speaking about her experience joining Happu Ki Ultan Paltan and stepping into the shoes of Malaika, Sonal recalls, “My journey to this show was extremely smooth. It genuinely wanted to come home. I already knew most of the cast and crew because I had worked with them on another show from the same production house. Although I joined the show later and replaced another actor in the role, the transition was seamless thanks to the support and guidance of my director and co-actors.” For Sonal, Inspector Malaika is more than just a character, “I love being part of this show and playing Inspector Malaika. For me, she is not just another role, she reflects grit, groundedness, and girl power. Playing Malaika is empowering. She is bold, fair, speaks her mind, and knows how to stand tall in the middle of household madness.”
