When Priya Malik appeared on Bigg Boss, she was known for her fiery presence and outspoken personality. But beyond the reality television spotlight, she is an artist, a poet, and a woman on a journey of self-discovery.
“Bigg Boss was a transformative experience,” she reflects. “I was an angry soul back then, but the show made me look at myself differently. Watching those episodes later, I understood why I reacted the way I did. I was true to myself, and that’s what mattered.”
Few could have predicted what came next. “Nobody expected that after Bigg Boss, I would become a full-time poet. But that’s what life had in store for me,” she says with a smile.
Today, Priya Malik is a well-known voice in spoken-word poetry, recognised for her deeply personal performances on themes of love, identity, and social justice.
A poet with a cause
For Priya, poetry is more than just an art form—it is a medium of change. “I write to express, to heal, and to challenge perspectives,” she says.
Her spoken-word pieces on gender equality and empowerment have amassed a dedicated following. But despite the growing popularity, she remains grounded. “I don’t write for numbers or validation. I write because words have power, and I want to use mine responsibly.”
Even as an actor, poetry remains her first love. “I always call myself a poet first,” she says. “While I enjoy acting, I am more interested in getting behind the camera. I enjoy the internal process of creation far more than being in front of the camera.”
She is currently working on two books—Ishq Ke Saat Padav and Love Too Much—while also exploring scriptwriting and music.
Delhi: The city that shaped her identity
Priya’s deep connection with Delhi is unmistakable. “Delhi is very close to my heart,” she says. “I call it my school city. It was the first big city I saw as a child, and it became my dream city. I moved here right after Class 12 because I felt I had to do big things in life. Delhi was my gateway to ambition and opportunity.”
She fondly recalls her college years at Venkateshwara College, where she studied English honours. “My most beautiful memories are from South Delhi. I lived in Satya Niketan, right in front of the Venkateshwara Gate. It’s a place I know like the back of my hand,” she shares.
Beyond academics, Delhi has played a significant role in her personal life. “Life always comes full circle. I got married in Delhi, and my in-laws are from here too. Delhi has been a part of every significant chapter of my life,” she reflects.
A love affair with Delhi’s food and culture
For Priya, no conversation about Delhi is complete without mentioning its food. “Delhi’s chaat is famous all over the world,” she says with enthusiasm. “I’m a big foodie, and Delhi’s food culture is something I deeply cherish. While Bombay is famous for vada pav, Delhi’s chaat is in a league of its own. It’s iconic.”
But beyond its culinary delights, it is the city’s spiritual energy that resonates with her. “Delhi is a deeply spiritual place. Whether it’s Nizamuddin or Bangla Sahib, you feel the energy everywhere. It’s in the air, it’s in the vibe,” she says.
If she were to dedicate a poem to a monument, she would choose Nizamuddin Dargah. “It had a profound impact on me. Delhi has done more for spirituality than religion ever could.”
Delhi vs Mumbai: A tale of two artistic cities
Having lived in both Delhi and Mumbai, Priya has observed how the two cities shape their artistic landscapes. “Delhi’s theatre and art culture is very different. There’s still a lot of pure art here, especially in poetry,” she explains. “In Delhi, people take art seriously. It’s almost an obligation, but it’s beautiful. You’ll find Urdu language, original poems, mushaira, and drama thriving here. It’s in a very pure form, and I truly appreciate that.”
While Mumbai has become a hub for spoken-word poetry, Priya believes Delhi remains the heart of traditional art forms. “Bombay is special in its own way, but Delhi has a rawness and authenticity that’s hard to replicate. It’s a city that celebrates art in its truest form,” she says.
A voice for women’s empowerment
As a strong advocate for gender equality, Priya believes that real change must begin at home. “When we start treating our daughters the same way we treat our sons, that’s when real change will happen,” she asserts.
Now, as a mother, her perspective has deepened. “Now that I’m a mother, I’ve realised how neglected mothers are. Women need support at every stage—whether it’s at home, in school, or in the workplace,” she says.
She is committed to advocating for women’s rights, not just as a mother but as someone who has personally experienced gender biases. “I’ve lived through those differences myself—whether it’s at home, in school, or even in public spaces. Change has to start at home, and then it will ripple out into society.”
Celebrating Delhi’s Sufi heritage
Priya is especially excited about her participation in the upcoming Sufi Heritage Festival, which celebrates Delhi’s rich spiritual history. “It’s beautiful that the festival is honouring Sufi heritage because Delhi is a symbol of Sufism in India,” she says.
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Her fascination with Delhi’s Sufi traditions runs deep. “Did you know Delhi is home to 22 Sufi saints? The city has always been about history, culture, and art. The spirit of Sufism is all about love and service, and I’m honoured to be part of this celebration.”
Looking ahead
Priya Malik’s journey—from reality TV star to acclaimed poet, from self-exploration to social consciousness—has been nothing short of remarkable. Through her poetry, activism, and artistic ventures, she has established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
As she continues to push creative boundaries, she remains guided by a simple philosophy: “Life has to offer what you enjoy the most.”
With her upcoming books, screenplays, and music, Priya is set to take her artistry to new heights—while staying true to her identity as a poet and a voice for change.
