Mala Sinha was a well-known Hindi film actress of the 1950s to the 1970s. She was widely regarded as both beautiful and talented, making her one of the most prolific actresses of her time. Not only did she act in Hindi films, she also performed in a number of Bengali films and even one Nepali film. Some of her best known films are Pyaasa (1957), Anpadh (1962), Dil Tera Deewana (1962), Gumrah (1963), Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962), Himalaya Ki God Mein (1965) and Aankhen (1968).

Born to a Nepali Christian family in Calcutta, she was originally named Alda Sinha, a name which she later changed to Mala. She was trained as a dancer and singer, which lent her the grace she is so well known for in her films. She was also a singer of the All India Radio and performed in many stage shows as well. Her daughter Pratibha Sinha was also a renowned film actress.

Sinha began acting from a very tender age, in devotional Bengali films. Her film debut was in Roshanara (1952), by the Bengali director Ardhendu Bose. After that, she moved on to Bollywood on meeting with the famed director Kidar Sharma. Her entry into Bollywood came with Badshah (1954) and Hamlet (1954), which were not commercial successes. However, with these films her talents gained recognition and she went on to do hit films like Pyaasa (1957). Her performance in this film was highly appreciated and the film established her stature in the Hindi film industry. The film went on to gain cult status and is till date considered one of the classic Indian films. Post Pyaasa, she delivered a number of hits including Phir Subah Hogi (1958),  Parvarish (1958), Love Marriage (1959), Bewaqoof (1960), Maya (1961) and Yash Chopra's Dhool Ka Phool (1959).  With actor, Raaj Kumar, Sinha gave blockbuster hits like Phool Bane Angaare (1963), Maryada (1962) and Karmayogi (1978).  She is known for selecting unconventional roles, which made her all the more admirable. She acted opposite Pradeep Kumar in a number of films like Fashion (1957) and Duniya Na Mane (1959).

Her female-oriented films ensured that she always played a powerful role, making her equal to the hero in standing. This was a considerably progressive achievement for her time. Mala Sinha won a number of awards for her performances. Apart from the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards for her Bengali feature films, she was also awarded the Star Screen Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, and was felicitated by the Government of Nepal and the Government of Sikkim.