Mala Sinha, born Alda Sinha, was a prominent actress in Hindi and Bengali cinema, particularly during the 1960s and early 1970s. Known for her daring and unconventional roles, she starred in over a hundred films, becoming one of the highest-paid actresses of her time. However, her illustrious career faced an abrupt and controversial end due to an incident in 1978.

At the peak of her career, an income tax raid at her Bombay residence uncovered a substantial amount of undeclared cash, reportedly around Rs 12 lakh, hidden in a wall in her bathroom. In current value, Rs 12 lakh in 1978 would be approximately equivalent to Rs 1 crore today. This discovery led to a legal battle that significantly impacted her public image and career.

Initially, it was reported that Sinha told officials that the money was hidden by her father. During the court proceedings, in what was described as a desperate attempt to protect the money from being confiscated, Sinha made a shocking statement. On the advice of her lawyer and father, she claimed that the money was earned through working as an escort. This admission was intended to prove that the funds were acquired through legitimate means, albeit from an unconventional source, to avoid allegations of tax evasion.

The actress's statement sent shockwaves through the film industry and the public. Such an admission from a leading actress was scandalous at the time. Although Sinha was allowed to keep the money, the fallout from her statement was devastating for her career. The incident tarnished her reputation, leading to a significant decline in film offers and effectively ending her run as a leading lady in Bollywood.

Despite the controversy, Mala Sinha's contributions to Indian cinema remain significant. She was known for taking on roles that challenged societal norms. Her filmography includes notable films such as Guru Dutt's "Pyaasa" and Yash Chopra's "Dhool Ka Phool". She starred alongside leading actors including Dev Anand, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna.

While her professional life was marred by the scandal, Sinha also faced personal challenges. She was married to Nepali actor Chidambar Prasad Lohani, and they had a daughter, Pratibha Sinha, who also pursued a career in Bollywood.

In the later years, Mala Sinha maintained a low profile, staying away from the film industry spotlight. She received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, recognizing her contributions to Indian cinema. While the incident involving the hidden money and the subsequent courtroom statement cast a shadow over her career, Mala Sinha's legacy as a talented and daring actress endures.