'As Long As I'm Doing Good Work, I'll Always Be Relevant': RJ Malishka

RJ Malishka Mendonsa, widely known for her vivacious energy on air, has ventured into new creative territory with her recent portrayal of Sarojini Naidu in the much-anticipated web series Freedom at Midnight. Inspired by the book Freedom at Midnight, written by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, this historical drama explores the intense political manoeuvres and crucial decisions surrounding India’s 1947 independence, making it a highly anticipated OTT release on SonyLIV.

Produced by Emmay Entertainment in partnership with StudioNext, the series stars Sidhant Gupta as Jawaharlal Nehru, Chirag Vohra as Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Arif Zakaria as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Luke McGibney as Louis Mountbatten and Cordelia Bugeja as Edwina Mountbatten. Seasoned director Nikkhil Advani directs the series as the showrunner.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Malishka discusses what drew her to play Sarojini Naidu, her thoughts on the surge of historical dramas and why she would never get tired of pursuing creative challenges.

Reflecting on an early connection, she shared that she had once portrayed Sarojini Naidu in a school event. “I really loved her even back then,” she says, fondly remembering the fancy dress competition where she dressed as Naidu, who was one of the few female freedom fighters taught about in school. 

Embodying Naidu’s "Chanchal" Spirit

Malishka was drawn to Naidu’s blend of strength and charisma—qualities that made her an unforgettable figure in literary and political circles. “She held her own amongst men, she never took anything lying down,” Malishka explains, admiring Naidu’s wit and lively personality. “She was amazingly ‘chanchal’ (playful),” she adds, describing how Naidu’s humour and charm would light up any room.

When it came time for auditions, Malishka’s confidence in her ability to embody these traits solidified her connection to the role. "I told them, ‘Oh, then you need not look any further—ye toh main hoon!’" she laughs. The team, convinced by her passion and close physical match to Naidu’s petite frame, moved forward with casting.

Playing Naidu required not only acting skills but also physical transformation, as Malishka would portray both a younger and older Sarojini Naidu. This meant hours in prosthetic makeup each day to age into Naidu’s 60s. “Three and a half hours a day, each time that I shot,” she recalled. “Taking off that makeup was another challenge in itself.” 

However, in a landscape crowded with historical dramas, Freedom At Midnight aims to stand out by focusing on the human side of history.

“This isn’t just another rehash of independence-era events,” Malishka explains. “It’s based on Dominic Lapierre and Larry Collins’ detailed accounts, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the people shaping those decisions. You’ll see their motivations, their struggles, and even the conflicts between leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.”

The show, she believes, balances cinematic storytelling with historical authenticity. “What I love is how humane the characters are. It’s not just ‘Gandhi ji said this’—it’s about what he felt when faced with impossible decisions. That’s the kind of depth that makes history come alive.”

Drawing Parallels: Independence and Feminism

For over 15 years, Malishka has been ruling the Mumbai radio scene with her distinctive voice, bringing banter, celebrity interviews, songs and local news to her shows. Back in 2017, she also made her film debut with Suresh Triveni's Tumhari Sulu, starring alongside Vidya Balan. She is also a voiceover artist, a talk show host and a true blue performer. 

Similarly, Sarojini Naidu stood tall despite her small stature, alongside men like Gandhi and Nehru. We asked Malishka if she ever drew parallels with her career, "Yes and no. Sarojini Naidu existed in a pre-independence India where gender roles were more rigid, but she shattered those boundaries. She was ultra-modern, a feminist, and highly educated—qualities that transcended her time," she said. 

In my career, I’ve always believed in standing in my power. Like her (Sarojini Naidu), I refuse to be boxed into societal expectations. I embrace my independence, my free-thinking, and my feminist ideals. But Sarojini’s strength went beyond her identity as a woman; she was a leader whose integrity and intellect defined her. That’s a legacy I hope to embody in my way.

Nevertheless, in the fast-paced world of social media, relevance can feel like a constant race. But Malishka has her own take on the issue.

"The only way I’ve survived 18 years on radio and beyond is by constantly evolving. I never say no to creative dreams. Whether it’s radio, acting, voiceovers, or even Khatron Ke Khiladi, I explore every facet of myself. Acting remains my lifeblood, and that’s where I want to grow. Creative burnout is real, but it’s avoidable if you stay curious. For me, it’s about feeding my soul, not catering to external pressures," she said. 

The pressure exists, but I don’t let it dictate my actions. Social media is fleeting, and catering to it can lead to burnout. I focus on evolving naturally—staying curious and open to new ideas. As long as my work aligns with my inner self, I’m content. 

What’s Next?

Freedom At Midnight marks the beginning of a new chapter for Malishka, and she’s eager for more.

“This project has been years in the making, and I’m so excited to share it with the world. Beyond that, I’ve been dabbling in music, voiceovers, and other creative pursuits. Let’s just say this is only the beginning—you’ll see a lot more of me in the future.”