Khushi Mali Biography: Age, Height, Family, Net Worth & More
Last Updated: October 2026
Written by – Haider Ali (Writer)
Reviewed by – Prem Sharma (Editor)
Khushi Mali is an Indian television actress and model, best known for playing Sonalika “Sonu” Bhide in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah since October 2024. She is the fourth actress to play Sonu. Her birth date is given as 12 March, and most profiles put her age at 26 in 2026. She is based in Mumbai.
This Khushi Mali biography covers her early life, education, career, personal life, net worth, Instagram and the latest updates. It also separates confirmed facts from details that are still not publicly known.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khushi Mali (some profiles list the middle name Vijay) |
| Nickname | Khushi |
| Profession | Actress, model, social media creator |
| Known For | Sonu Bhide in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah |
| Date of Birth | 12 March (According to online Sources 2000) |
| Age (2026) | About 26 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Birthplace | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (as widely reported) |
| Lives In | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | About 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
| Education | Mass communication (BAMMC), Mumbai |
| TV Debut | Saajha Sindoor (Sun Neo), as Rani |
| Breakthrough | Sonu Bhide in TMKOC, October 2024 |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Boyfriend | Not publicly known |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore (estimate) |
| @khushimali_14 |
Early Life and Family
Khushi Mali is widely reported to be from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She later settled in Mumbai, the base for most Hindi television work. A few older profiles list Mumbai as her birthplace, but Bhopal is the more common answer.
She showed an early interest in dance, fashion and the camera. Her Instagram highlights show a love of travel to places like Vrindavan, Shimla, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Her family has supported her career, and she has shared photos with her mother online. She has not given interviews about her parents or siblings. Their names are not publicly known, so none are listed here.
Education
Khushi studied mass communication in Mumbai. Her degree is described as a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication (BAMMC). The course covers media, advertising, film and journalism, which suits her later move into modelling and acting.
Career
Modelling and Social Media (Before 2024)
Khushi started with modelling. She did print shoots, walked the ramp for designers, and appeared in digital ads for brands including GlamBirds. Her Instagram page ran under the name “khushimali | model”, and she posted reels and dance videos.
Before TikTok was banned in India, she had an account under @khushimali14. It reportedly crossed 100,000 followers and 2.7 million likes. After the ban she focused on Instagram. By the time she was announced as Sonu, she had around 54,000 followers there.
TV Debut: Saajha Sindoor (2024)
Her first television role was Rani in Saajha Sindoor, a drama on the Hindi channel Sun Neo. The show ran from 16 June 2024 to 15 February 2025. Her part was small, but it gave her first-hand experience of daily-soap shooting.
Breakthrough: Sonu Bhide in TMKOC (2024)
The makers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah announced her as the new Sonu on 4 October 2024. Her first look came a day later in a Navratri-themed clip, where Sonu gets ready for garba night. Her episodes started airing on 7 October 2024.
She took over from Palak Sindhwani, who had played Sonu for about five years. Before them, Jheel Mehta played the role from 2008 to 2012, followed by Nidhi Bhanushali. That makes Khushi the fourth Sonu.
Producer Asit Kumarr Modi described Sonu as a key part of the Tapu Sena and said the makers picked Khushi after careful thought. Khushi called the role a big opportunity and said she was excited to connect with the audience. She thanked Neela Film Productions and Asit Modi for trusting her. She later thanked Modi on Instagram and called it the start of a new journey.
Fan reaction at the time was mixed. Some viewers missed the earlier actress, which is common when a long-running character is recast. Over time, Khushi settled into the role.
TMKOC premiered on Sony SAB on 28 July 2008 and is filmed at Film City, Mumbai. On screen, Khushi plays the daughter of Aatmaram Bhide (Mandar Chandwadkar) and Madhavi (Sonalika Joshi). She shares scenes with Dilip Joshi (Jethalal) and the Tapu Sena group.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Before 2024 | Modelling, print ads, ramp shows, TikTok and Instagram content |
| 2024 | Plays Rani in Saajha Sindoor on Sun Neo |
| Oct 2024 | Announced as the new Sonu Bhide in TMKOC |
| 2025 | Continues as Sonu while the show tops the TRP charts for several weeks |
| 2026 | Still part of the main TMKOC cast |
Khushi Mali Personal Life: Husband and Boyfriend
Khushi Mali is unmarried. She has no husband and has never announced an engagement or wedding.
Her relationship status is not publicly known. She has not named any partner in interviews or on social media. Some websites publish dating rumours, but none are backed by her or by credible media, so they are not repeated here.
Khushi Mali Height and Physical Stats
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | About 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Black / dark brown |
| Figure Measurements | 34-26-37 |
Hobbies and Lifestyle
Khushi enjoys travelling, dancing and reading. She posts trip photos, behind-the-scenes clips from TMKOC and festive looks. She reportedly likes pink and white and names Deepika Padukone as her favourite actress.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Khushi Mali’s net worth is estimated at around ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore in 2026. No official figure exists. Her contract fee is private, and online estimates differ widely because they are guesses.
Her main income sources are:
- Acting fee from TMKOC, her main source of income
- Brand promotions and paid Instagram posts
- Modelling and print campaigns
- Appearances at events and festive shows
Her income should keep rising as long as she stays on the show and her social media audience grows.
Khushi’s Instagram and Social Media
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @khushimali_14 | |
| Threads | @khushimali_14 |
| YouTube | @khushimali_14 (small channel) |
| A fan-style page under the name Khushi Mali Sonu |
Awards and Recognition
No major television award is publicly recorded for Khushi Mali so far. Her biggest recognition is being chosen to play Sonu in one of India’s longest-running sitcoms. Entertainment websites describe her as a rising television actress. Given her short career, more recognition is likely to follow.
Lesser-Known Facts About Khushi Mali
- She started on TikTok as @khushimali14 and had a large following before the ban.
- TMKOC was not her first TV show. She appeared in Saajha Sindoor months earlier.
- She has walked the ramp for fashion designers.
- Her first look as Sonu was in a Navratri garba sequence.
- She had about 54,000 Instagram followers when she was announced as Sonu.
- She has travelled to Vrindavan, Shimla, Haridwar and Rishikesh, and likes London and Goa as destinations.
- She reportedly loves the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and her favourite colours are reportedly pink and white.
Khushi Mali Latest Updates (2026)
- Khushi continues to play Sonu Bhide in TMKOC, which has crossed 4,800 episodes.
- The show topped the TRP charts for four straight weeks in June and July 2025, and a new Rajasthani Binjola family joined the cast in August 2025.
- In 2026, Minal Jadeja took over the role of Rita Reporter, and the producer confirmed a new Dayaben is coming.
- She remains active on Instagram with TMKOC clips, festive posts and brand shoots.
- No new TV show, film or web series has been announced for her outside TMKOC.
Read Also: Bhagyashri Borse / Avantika Bhatt / Munmun Dutta / Kanika Mann / Rupali Barua
FAQs
1. Who is Khushi Mali?
Khushi Mali is an Indian television actress and model. She is best known for playing Sonalika “Sonu” Bhide in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. She joined the show in October 2024 and replaced Palak Sindhwani. Before that, she worked as a model, appeared in digital ads and played Rani in the Sun Neo drama Saajha Sindoor. She is based in Mumbai.
2. What is Khushi Mali’s age?
Khushi Mali’s birth date is given as 12 March. Most profiles list the birth year as 2000, which would make her 26 years old in 2026. Her birth year has not been confirmed by her, and a few websites list a different year. The date of 12 March is the same across most sources.
3. Is Khushi Mali married? Who is her husband?
No, Khushi Mali is not married. She has no husband and has not announced any engagement or wedding. She focuses mainly on her acting career and keeps her personal life private. Any website claiming a husband for her has no confirmed source behind the claim.
4. Who is Khushi Mali’s boyfriend?
Khushi Mali’s boyfriend or relationship status is not publicly known. She has never confirmed a partner in interviews or on Instagram. Dating stories online are rumours that she has not commented on. Until she shares something herself, it is best to treat her as unmarried and keep her private life respected.
5. What is Khushi Mali’s height?
Khushi Mali’s height is about 5 feet 6 inches, which is roughly 167 cm. This figure is widely reported by biography websites. It is approximate, because she has not shared an official measurement. She has black hair and dark eyes and keeps a polished look for her shoots.
6. When did Khushi Mali join TMKOC and who did she replace?
The makers announced Khushi Mali as the new Sonu on 4 October 2024. Her first look aired on 5 October in a Navratri sequence, and her episodes began on 7 October 2024. She replaced Palak Sindhwani, who had played Sonu for about five years. Earlier Sonus were Jheel Mehta and Nidhi Bhanushali.
Conclusion
Khushi Mali’s journey shows a steady climb from modelling and social media to one of India’s most-watched sitcoms. After a small role in Saajha Sindoor, she stepped into Sonu Bhide in October 2024 and has stayed on the show into 2026.
Her age, family and relationship details remain largely private, but her work is public and growing. For the latest on Khushi Mali’s biography, career and net worth, follow her Instagram and watch TMKOC.
Our View on Khushi Mali’s Journey
Khushi Mali’s rise stands out because of how ordinary the start was. She had no famous family or big debut. She built her name through modelling, short videos and one small TV role. When she was announced as Sonu, she had only about 54,000 Instagram followers.
The hard part was taking over a character three actresses had already played, with mixed fan reaction at the start. Staying on the show into 2026 says more about her than the announcement did.
Sources
- Times of India: Taarak Mehta has a new Sonu, Khushi Mali replaces Palak Sindhwani (4 Oct 2024)
- Free Press Journal: Who is Khushi Mali? (4 Oct 2024)
- Koimoi: TMKOC announces new Sonu Bhide
- IndiaForums: Khushi Mali as the new Sonu Bhide
- Bollywood Shaadis: Who is Khushi Mali?
- TechnoSports: Joining date and makers’ announcement
- Republic: Navratri first look
- Republic: Ads, travel and dance reels
- Wikipedia: Saajha Sindoor
- Wikipedia: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
- FamousBirthdays: Khushi Mali
- StarsUnfolded: Khushi Mali
- Navbharat Live: New Dayaben entry (Aug 2026)
About the Author
This article is written and maintained by the editorial team behind this website, which focuses on accurate, well-researched celebrity and spouse biographies. Every detail is cross-checked across multiple sources before publishing, and anything that couldn’t be independently verified is clearly marked as reported or unconfirmed rather than presented as fact. The goal is simple — give readers a trustworthy, up-to-date picture instead of recycled speculation.