Last updated: September 2026
Stepping into a character four different actresses have played over 16+ years is one thing. Doing it right after your predecessor’s exit turned into a public legal dispute is another. That’s the situation Khushi Mali walked into when she became the new Sonu Bhide on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in October 2024.
Quick Info:

| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khushi Mali |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 2000 |
| Age (2026) | 26 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Known For | Sonu Bhide in TMKOC |
Not Her First Show, Just Her Biggest
Before TMKOC, Khushi had one television credit — a show called Saajha Sindoor — plus modeling work and brand collaborations on Instagram, where she had a modest following before her big break. That’s a relatively thin résumé for a role this visible, which made the casting itself a bit of a gamble on the production’s part.
Stepping Into a Controversy, Not Just a Role

The context matters here: Khushi didn’t just take over a popular character — she took over one whose previous actress, Palak Sindhwani, left amid genuine conflict. Neela Film Productions had sent Sindhwani a legal notice over an alleged breach of contract; Sindhwani responded publicly, accusing the makers of harassment and defamation. She exited the show in September 2024, and on October 4, 2024, Khushi Mali was announced as her replacement.
Producer Asit Kumarr Modi framed the casting carefully in his announcement, calling Sonu “a vital part of the Tapu Sena” whose “presence has always shown leadership and warmth,” and said the production would fully support Khushi as she took on the role. Khushi herself acknowledged the challenge, noting that portraying Sonu would be interesting precisely because of everything the character carries.
Notably, Khushi is now the fourth actress to play Sonu Bhide, following Jheel Mehta, Nidhi Bhanushali, and Palak Sindhwani — a level of cast turnover that’s become almost routine for TMKOC’s younger characters, but still carries real pressure for whoever steps in next.
The Character She Inherited
Sonu is the daughter of Aatmaram “Bhide Master” Bhide, a strict tuition teacher, and Madhavi Bhide — and a core member of the show’s “Tapu Sena” group of kids. It’s a role with real history behind it, which is part of what made the casting decision so closely watched by longtime fans.
Net Worth

Khushi Mali’s net worth isn’t officially disclosed. Industry reports suggest newer television actors in her position typically earn somewhere between ₹15,000–₹30,000 per episode, depending on the role, plus additional income from brand collaborations and sponsored content — though no specific figure for Khushi has been confirmed.
Personal Life
There’s no publicly confirmed information about Khushi being in a relationship. She’s kept her personal life largely private since joining the show.
Social Media
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @khushimali_14 |
Worth Knowing
- Had only one prior TV credit (Saajha Sindoor) before landing TMKOC
- Is the fourth actress to play Sonu Bhide since the show began
- Took over the role directly amid Palak Sindhwani’s public exit dispute with the production
- Was specifically endorsed by producer Asit Modi as capturing Sonu’s “leadership and warmth”
Read Also: Inbanithi / Aryana Chaudhry / Vini Raman / Nicholai Sachdev / Rupali Barua / Ananthika Sanilkumar
FAQs
Q. What role does Khushi Mali play in TMKOC?
Sonu Bhide, daughter of Aatmaram Bhide — she’s the fourth actress to play the character.
Q. Why did Khushi Mali replace Palak Sindhwani?
Sindhwani exited in 2024 following a legal and harassment dispute with the show’s production house.
Q. What did Khushi Mali do before TMKOC?
Modeling work and one prior television role in Saajha Sindoor.
Q. Is Khushi Mali married?
No, and no relationship has been publicly confirmed.
Conclusion
Khushi Mali’s TMKOC casting wasn’t a quiet handover — it came right in the middle of a genuinely messy production dispute, which makes her early performance under more scrutiny than a typical new cast member would face. How she’s settled into the role since says as much about her as any biographical detail.
This biography is compiled and verified by the TheWifesBio editorial team using publicly available information. Have a correction? Contact us.
Sources:
- https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/khushi-mali-new-sonu-bhide-on-tmkoc-replaces-palak-sindhwani-after-five-years-56739
- https://filmibeat.com/television/news/2024/taarak-mehta-ka-ooltah-chashmah-new-sonu-name-palak-sindhwani-exit-gets-replaced-by-khushi-mali-421365.html
- https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/taarak-mehta-ka-ooltah-chashmah-actress-without-makeup-see-their-real-life-look-qwpoadh
