# Mahek Chahal

Mahek Chahal (born 1 February 1979) is a Norwegian actress and model who works in Hindi films and television. She is known for her participation in the Colors TV reality show Bigg Boss 5 and emerged as the runner-up. She also participated in stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 11. Chahal is best known for portraying the role of Naagin Mahek in Colors TV's supernatural franchise Naagin 6.
She began her acting career in 2002 with Telugu film Neetho and later made her Hindi debut with Nayee Padosan in 2003. She was also seen in several songs appearances for Hindi, Telugu, Punjabi and Tamil films. In 2011, Chahal participated in Colors TV reality show Bigg Boss 5 and emerged as the runner-up.
In 2021, she participated in stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 11. Chahal is best known for portraying the role of Mahek in Colors TV's supernatural franchise Naagin 6.

## Personal life

Chahal got engaged to actor Ashmit Patel in August 2017, but they called off their engagement in 2020.

## Career
### Early work (2002–2011)

She made her film debut in 2002 with the Telugu film Neetho playing Shalini and later made Hindi debut with romantic-comedy Nayee Padosan playing Pooja Iyengar (A south Indian girl) the film was a moderate success at the box office. She also did item number in the film Chameli (2004). Chahal next performed in a Punjabi movie Dil Apna Punjabi playing Lisa Kaur.
In 2008, she was seen in supporting roles in Hindi films Wanted playing Shaina and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna playing Tia Roberts. She did several appearances in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. Chahal made her television debut with C.I.D. in 2009.

### Bigg Boss and more (2011–2018)

In 2011, she was participated in Colors TV's reality show Bigg Boss in its 5th season where she survived fifteen weeks and emerged as the runner-up. Chahal was also featured in Norwegian reality show Fristet in same year.
She then did an item number in the comedy film Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011). She also starred in Karar: The Deal (2014). Chahal launched her clothing line Mahek Chahal clothing in Norway. She again appeared in Colors TV's reality show Bigg Boss Halla Bol in 2015 where she came as a Challenger. She stayed there three weeks until got evicted by facing public votes.
Chahal was also seen as contestant in Power couple along with Ashmit Patel. She then did item number in Tamil film Gethu and later appeared as guest in comedy show Comedy Nights Bachao.
In 2016, she was seen portraying Manjulika an antagonist in Colors TV's supernatural thriller Kavach. In 2018 she was appererad in Hindi film Nirdosh. It was reported that she would appear as the dancer in Ek Thi Rani Ek Tha Raavan, but Sara Khan was cast for the cameo appearance.

### Television comeback 2021–present

She was seen as contestant in stunt-based reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 which is film in Cape Town, South Africa where she finished at 11th place.
Recently, she was seen portraying Shesh Naagin Mahek Gujral the antagonist in Ekta Kapoor's popular supernatural thriller franchise Naagin 6 on Colors TV. Naagin 6 turned out to be the longest running season of the popular franchise. For portraying Mahek Gujral in Naagin 6, Chahal earned widespread acclaim and recognition. Her fierce looks and dialogue delivery made her character very popular among the audiences. For which she received numerous accolades including Indian Telly Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role Popular.

## Filmography
### Films

| Year | Title | Role | Language |
| 2002 | Neetho | Shalini | Telugu |
| 2003 | Nayee Padosan | Pooja Iyengar | Hindi |
| 2005 | Anjaan | Meneka | Hindi |
| 2006 | Dil Apna Punjabi | Lisa Kaur | Punjabi |
| 2009 | Wanted | Shaina | Hindi |
| 2009 | Main Aurr Mrs Khanna | Tia Roberts | Hindi |
| 2009 | Marega Salaa | Pooja | Hindi |
| 2010 | Mumbai Cutting | Nisha | Hindi |
| 2014 | Karar: The Deal | Nikita | Hindi |
| 2018 | Nirdosh | Adaa | Hindi |

#### As dancer

| Year | Title | Language | Notes |
| 2004 | Chameli | Hindi | Song: "Sajna Ve Sajna" |
| 2007 | Chhodon Naa Yaar | Hindi | Song: "Talwar Re" |
| 2009 | Jai Veeru | Hindi | Song: "Agre Ka Ghagra" |
| 2010 | Kedi | Telugu | Song: "Mu Mu Mudhante" |
| 2011 | Yamla Pagla Deewana | Hindi | Song: "Chamki Mast Jawaani" |
| 2012 | Bikram Singha: The Lion Is Back | Bengali | Song: "Na Champa Na Chameli" |
| 2013 | Jatt Airways | Punjabi | Song: "Ok Report" |
| 2015 | Mr. Airavata | Kannada | Song: "Ka Thalkattu" |
| 2016 | Gethu | Tamil | Song: "Mutta Bajji" |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2009 | C.I.D. | Herself | Guest |
| 2011–2012 | Bigg Boss 5 | Contestant | 1st runner-up |
| 2015 | Bigg Boss Halla Bol | Contestant | 8th place |
| 2015–2016 | Power Couple | Contestant | 6th place |
| 2016 | Darr Sabko Lagta Hai | Sukanya | |
| 2016 | Kavach | Manjulika Shah | Main role |
| 2021 | Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 | Contestant | 11th place |
| 2022–2023 | Naagin 6 | Mahek | Main role |
| 2023 | Bekaboo | Mahek | |

## Awards

| Year | Award | Category | Show | Result |
| 2022 | Indian Television Academy Awards | ITA Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role | Naagin 6 | Nominated |
| 2023 | Indian Telly Awards | Best Actress in a Negative Role | Naagin 6 | Won |