Malishka Mendonsa, popularly known as RJ Malishka, is an Indian radio jockey, actor, speaker, and social change advocate. With decades-long resonance behind the mic and a penchant for candid commentary, she’s carved a unique niche in India’s entertainment landscape.
🎤 Early Life & Education
Born and raised in Mumbai, Malishka Mendonsa attended St. Charles High School. She lost her father young, and was lovingly raised by her mother, Lily Mendesonsa (en.wikipedia.org). A performer at heart, she honed her flair through school plays and training in Bharatanatyam.
She pursued a BA in Political Science from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, followed by an MA in Mass Communication at Sophia College. Her academic background provided the perfect foundation for her radio career (scroll.in, en.wikipedia.org).
🎙️ Rise to Fame: Radio Career
Malishka’s foray into radio began with Win 94.6 and Rediff Radio, before she found her voice on Red FM 93.5 as the host of Morning No. 1 with Malishka. Recognized for her authenticity and sharp wit, she won the “Best Breakfast Programme/Show (Hindi)” at the Indian Excellence in Radio Awards in 2010 (en.wikipedia.org).
Her shows became synonymous with energy, transparency, and a strong dose of Mumbai’s spirit. She launched campaigns such as Bajao for a Cause, Don’t be Horny, and Mama Ko Pani Peelao, championing social issues with fun, accessibility, and impact (adgully.com).
🎬 Beyond Radio: TV, Film & Digital
Film: Debuted as an RJ in Tumhari Sulu (2017) alongside Vidya Balan.
Television::
It Happens Only in India – Fox Traveller host (2010)
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7 – wild card contestant (2014)
Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 10 – contestant (2020) (en.wikipedia.org)
Web & Voice:
Dubbed Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok (Hindi)
Voice artist in The Incredibles
Starred as Sarojini Naidu in the 2024 web series Freedom at Midnight on SonyLIV (en.wikipedia.org, indiatoday.in)
Featured in the YouTube Originals show Pretty Fit by Prajakta Koli (en.wikipedia.org)
🌍 International Speaker & Radio Advocate
A global radio ambassador, Malishka has represented India at the International Radio Festival and Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX) in Riyadh. She has attended similar events in Switzerland and Milan, standing as a vocal advocate for radio’s evolving future and storytelling power, especially for women in media (adgully.com).
📰 Notable Controversies & News
1. Pothole Parody & BMC Feud (2017)
Malishka released a witty song mocking Mumbai’s endless potholes and questioned public trust in BMC. It went viral—setting off political pushback from Shiv Sena and Yuva Sena leaders, including threats of defamation. In response, BMC issued her a notice over dengue mosquitoes found in her apartment—a move widely seen as retaliatory. The backlash sparked public support for her satire and allegations of civic intolerance (hindustantimes.com).
2. Neeraj Chopra Dance Backlash (2021)
During an interview with Olympian Neeraj Chopra, Malishka and her team broke into a dance routine. The gesture, though meant to express celebration, was labelled “cringe” by many viewers online, and Chopra’s discomfort sparked criticism. Malishka’s “virtual hug” drew further rebuke for being awkward—seen by some as overstepping professional boundaries (opindia.com).
3. Sarojini Naidu Role & Historical Debate (2024)
Her portrayal of freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu in Freedom at Midnight coincided with controversy over historical representation—particularly regarding the Partition's religious dimension. Malishka addressed the debate graciously, embracing diverse interpretations of history and highlighting the importance of dialogue (indiatoday.in).
🏆 Awards & Achievements
Multiple recognitions as India’s top FM RJ.
Winner of Indian Excellence in Radio Award (2010).
Honoured as Red FM’s face and voice for over a decade.
International speaking engagements in media festivals.
Featured on IMPACT’s “50 Most Influential Women” list.
Acting & dubbing credits in Bollywood & web shows.
Voice-artist for major international franchises in Hindi.
📝 Personal Profile
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | Malishka Mendonsa |
Born | Mumbai, India |
Education | St. Xavier’s (BA); Sophia College (MA) |
Radio | Red FM 93.5 – Morning No. 1 |
Film/TV | Tumhari Sulu, Jhalak, Khatron Ke Khiladi |
Voice Roles | Hindi – Valkyrie (Thor), Mirage (Incredibles) |
Web | Freedom at Midnight as Sarojini Naidu |
Personal Traits | Outspoken, socially conscious, dynamic |
⚡ 10 Top Interesting Facts
Nickname: “Mumbai Ki Rani,” reflecting her bold and Mumbai-rooted persona.
Early Tragedy: Lost her father at a young age—motivating her deep family bonds.
Academic Prowess: Holds a Master’s in Mass Communication.
Trailblazer: One of India’s first-generation private FM radio icons.
Voice-over Artist: Dubbed for major Hollywood films in Hindi.
Reality TV: Contestant in dance and stunt-based shows.
Global RJ Ambassador: Represented India internationally in radio conferences.
Social Campaigner: Known for impactful activism through radio.
Versatile Performer: Delved into acting, voice work, and public speaking.
Resilient & Fearless: Confronted controversies head-on and remained unapologetically herself.
❓ FAQs – Quick Answers
1. What is RJ Malishka’s real name? Her birth name is Malishka Mendonsa, tied to her Goan heritage (en.wikipedia.org, designdekko.com, ndtv.com).
2. Which FM show made her famous? Morning No. 1 with Malishka on Red FM 93.5 catapulted her to fame.
3. Has she won major awards? Yes, she won a prestigious Indian Excellence in Radio Award for Best Hindi Breakfast Show in 2010, plus numerous accolades thereafter (en.wikipedia.org).
4. What controversies has she faced? Her comedic digs at the BMC over potholes led to political backlash and civic notices in 2017. In 2021, a celebratory dance during a Neeraj Chopra interview stirred debate. In 2024, her historical drama role sparked dialogue about narration and representation (hindustantimes.com).
5. Where else can you see her? She’s appeared in Tumhari Sulu, Freedom at Midnight, reality TV (Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Khatron Ke Khiladi), voice dubbing, and YouTube Olympics content (en.wikipedia.org).
6. Is she active internationally? Absolutely. She’s represented India at global radio festivals and championed the medium at conferences in Riyadh, Milan, and Switzerland (adgully.com).
🧭 Final Word
RJ Malishka is more than a radio voice—she’s a movement. With authenticity, courage, and compassion, she challenges norms while sparking joy, advocacy, and solidarity. Whether on-air, on-screen, or online, she remains unapologetically true to herself and her city.
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