Mumbai: Simala Prasad, an actress known for her work in acclaimed Bollywood films, has cracked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam in her very first attempt, surprising fans and aspirants alike.
Academic and professional journey
Born in 1980 to Padma Shri-winning writer Mehrunnisa Parvez and former IAS officer-turned-MP Dr. Bhagirath Prasad, Simala displayed academic brilliance from a young age. She completed her schooling at St. Joseph’s Co-ed, earned a B.Com from the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, and topped her postgraduate course at Barkatullah University, receiving a gold medal.
Her early career began in the Madhya Pradesh Police, where she served as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Betul district after clearing the MPPSC exam. Despite her demanding duties, Simala prepared for the UPSC exam without coaching, eventually securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 51 in 2010, earning her place as an IPS officer.
A parallel career in cinema
Alongside her administrative career, Simala pursued her passion for acting. She made her film debut in Zaigham Imam’s Alif (2016) and later appeared in Nakkash (2019), sharing screen space with Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, and Rajesh Sharma. She is also reported to feature in The Narmada Story, portraying a “supercop” alongside Raghubir Yadav and Mukesh Tiwari.
Her journey highlights a rare blend of administrative service and cinema, showcasing her ability to excel in two highly demanding fields.
Inspiration for aspirants
Colleagues and admirers describe Simala as focused, resilient, and self-motivated, never compromising on her dreams. Her success story serves as a source of inspiration for thousands of UPSC aspirants, proving that persistence and passion can drive achievement across diverse domains.