Mallika is from the Sanskrit mallikā (मल्लिका — jasmine flower). A modern American baby name in the broader Sanskrit heritage aesthetic. Mallika Sarabhai (born 1954) is an Indian classical Bharatanatyam + Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, actress, publisher, and activist — daughter of legendary dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai and physicist Vikram Sarabhai (father of the Indian space program). Co-directs the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad (founded by her mother in 1949). Played Draupadi in Peter Brook's Mahabharata (1985, theatre and 1989 film) — a foundational adaptation that toured for three years and reached global audiences. Padma Bhushan (2010), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Palme d'Or at Théâtre des Nations for her Mahabharata role. Founded the social-activism dance production Shakti: The Power of Women (1989) and over 30 original choreographic works. Indian National Congress member; ran for Lok Sabha (2009 from Gandhinagar against L.K. Advani).
Featured throughout Indian classical dance heritage.
Mallika reduces to two.