Quick Facts 📌
| Full Name | Date of Birth | Profession | Family | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simala Prasad | 8 October 1980* | Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Actress | Spouse/Family: daughter of Bhagirath Prasad (father), Mehrunnisa Parvez (mother); info about spouse/children not publicly documented | Not publicly disclosed |
*Several sources indicate 8 October 1980 as date of birth. (Jagranjosh.com)
Introduction
In a country where public service and creative arts seldom meet, Simala Prasad stands out as a unique symbol of dual excellence. She is not only an IPS officer — a role that demands discipline, courage, and unwavering commitment — but also a trained artist with experience in films. Her journey from a modest upbringing in Bhopal to cracking the toughest civil service exam on her first attempt, and then seamlessly stepping into the world of cinema, has earned her admiration across India. In an era where stories of grit, versatility, and breaking stereotypes inspire many, Simala’s life is trending as a testament to “you can follow more than one passion and still excel.”
Early Life & Education
Simala was born in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on 8 October 1980 — into a family deeply rooted in public service and literature. Her father, Bhagirath Prasad, is a former IAS officer (1975 batch) and also represented the Bhind constituency of Madhya Pradesh as a Member of Parliament from 2014 to 2019. Her mother, Mehrunnisa Parvez, is an acclaimed Hindi author and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award (2005) for her contribution to literature. (Wikipedia)
Growing up in such an environment — where administrative discipline and creative expression existed side by side — instilled in Simala both a sense of duty and artistic sensitivity. She attended St. Joseph Co-ed School, Bhopal for her schooling. (Zee News)
For higher education, she enrolled in Barkatullah University, Bhopal, completing a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree. Subsequently, she pursued a Master’s in Sociology, where she finished as a Gold Medalist. (Jagranjosh.com)
Her college years were not limited to academics: she had a keen interest in dancing, theatre, and performing arts — participating in plays and cultural programs. This blend of sociology, arts, and the influence of her family’s legacy set the stage for a transformative journey.
Family Background & Personal Life
Parents
-
Father: Bhagirath Prasad — former IAS officer, and later Member of Parliament from Madhya Pradesh.
-
Mother: Mehrunnisa Parvez — an acclaimed Hindi writer, celebrated for her contributions to literature and honored with the Padma Shri in 2005. (Wikipedia)
The family’s balancing of bureaucracy and art created a nurturing ground for both discipline and creative freedom.
Spouse / Children / Siblings
Public information about Simala’s spouse, children, or siblings is not available as of now. Multiple media articles profiling her focus on her career — police duties and acting — but none mention marital status or children. This suggests that either she keeps personal life private or there is simply no public record.
Career Trajectory
From Commerce & Sociology to Civil Service: The Preparation
After completing her master’s, Simala took the state civil service route. First, she appeared for the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exams — through which she secured a posting as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). (The Times of India)
During her tenure as DSP, she became even more determined to join the national civil services. Despite her interest in arts, she committed to a dual path — continuing her service while preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE). Importantly: she reportedly cracked the exam on her first attempt and without any coaching — a feat considered highly challenging. (Zee News)
According to reports, she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 51 in the 2010 UPSC batch. (The Indian EYE) During her UPSC preparation, she adhered to a rigorous study schedule: long hours of self-study, often 6–8 hours a day.
Rise in Police Service: Major Postings & Key Milestones
Upon successful clearing of UPSC, Simala officially joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) as part of the 2010 batch. (The Times of India)
Over the years, she served various roles and rose through the ranks. Notably:
-
She served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh. She was reportedly the first woman SP of Betul.
-
Later, she was transferred and served as SP for Railway, Jabalpur. (Bureaucrats India)
During her tenure as SP in Betul, she handled sensitive cases. One notable instance was a complex triple murder case involving a couple and their house help. The case had remained unresolved for over a year when she took over. Through meticulous reinvestigation, she cracked the case in the first two months of her posting — debunking strong alibis, identifying falsified documents, and ultimately getting a confession from the accused.
This case cemented her reputation as a dedicated, capable, and fair-minded officer, and erased early skepticism about her physical suitability for police service (a concern raised by some due to her soft-spoken and artistic background).
Simala herself has explained that her mother’s belief — that being an IPS officer would allow her to both protect herself and serve others — motivated her to continue despite the challenges.
Parallel Passion: Entry into Films & Arts
Though civil service became her main profession, Simala never abandoned her love for performing arts. Her background in theatre and dance remained alive throughout her service. Eventually, after joining the IPS, she was approached by filmmaker Zaigham Imam — who was impressed by her presence and simplicity during a cultural program in Delhi. (Live Hindustan)
This encounter led to her film debut in Alif (2016/2017). In Alif, she portrayed “Nimmi” (or “Shammi” in some accounts), a role that received appreciation. (The Times of India)
She followed this with the film Nakkash (2019) — where she played a journalist, delivering a performance that earned praise from actors and critics alike. (Hashtag Magazine)
Reports suggest she is slated to appear in an upcoming movie titled The Narmada Story, billed as a film centered around social themes and justice. (Bureaucrats India)
Through this dual career — as a law enforcement officer and an actress — Simala has managed to maintain a delicate balance between two very demanding worlds.
News, Controversies & Legal Matters
The Phone-Tapping Allegation and Clearance
In 2022, Simala Prasad came under media spotlight when she was accused of involvement in an alleged phone-tapping / “snooping” scandal. According to press reports, there were claims she had ordered unauthorized surveillance on certain individuals — a serious allegation that threatened her credibility and career. (The Times of India)
However, after investigations by the Madhya Pradesh government, she was cleared of all charges. The case was closed, restoring her official record. (The Times of India)
This episode, though brief, created a stir because it juxtaposed her public image — of a dedicated, art-loving officer — with serious allegations. The clearance helped reaffirm faith in her integrity, but the controversy did drum up debates in media and public spheres about accountability and privacy in policing.
Media Attention, Public Perception & Balancing Dual Identities
Her dual identity — as an IPS officer and a film actress — has often attracted media fascination. Some critics argue that police officers should not engage in creative fields, claiming it distracts from duty. Others commend her for showing that civil servants can be multi-dimensional. In many interviews and opinion pieces, she is held up as a “trailblazer” — challenging stereotypes about what a police officer, especially a woman officer, should be. (Hashtag Magazine)
So far, there is no credible public record of any misconduct related to her police duties, beyond the 2022 phone-tapping allegation (from which she was exonerated).
Awards & Achievements
While detailed information about formal awards given to Simala Prasad individually is limited, the significant achievements in her career include:
-
Cracking UPSC Civil Services Examination on her first attempt — an achievement that reflects remarkable discipline and clarity of purpose. (Zee News)
-
Securing All India Rank (AIR) 51, 2010 batch. (The Indian EYE)
-
Serving as SP (Superintendent of Police), Betul district, Madhya Pradesh — and being recognized as the first woman SP of the district.
-
Successfully solving a complex triple murder case in Betul within two months of assuming charge. This demonstrated her investigative acumen, leadership, and resolve.
-
Demonstrating the ability to balance high-pressure administrative work with creative pursuits — acting in films such as Alif and Nakkash. (Zee News)
Though there’s no public disclosure of monetary “awards” or “net worth,” her achievements and public recognition — both in bureaucracy and arts — position her as a role model for many aspirants.
Why Simala Prasad’s Story Matters
-
Breaks Stereotypes: In a society where career paths are often expected to be linear, Simala’s journey defies norms. She shows that one can excel in law enforcement and still pursue artistic passions.
-
Inspiration for Aspirants: For students preparing for UPSC or civil services, her success — self-studying and cracking UPSC in the first attempt — is motivational.
-
Empowering Women: As a woman holding high office in policing (a male-dominated field), and yet embracing creative arts — she expands the possibilities for women in India.
-
Blending Public Service with Sensitivity: Her background in sociology, arts, and policing suggests a nuanced understanding of social issues — crucial for someone enforcing law and order.
-
Public Image Management: Navigating controversies (like the phone-tapping allegations), media attention, and dual identities — she demonstrates resilience and professionalism.
FAQ — People Also Ask
Who is Simala Prasad?
Simala Prasad is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer — 2010 batch — and a part-time actress. She hails from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and has appeared in films such as Alif (2016/2017) and Nakkash (2019). (Zee News)
What is Simala Prasad’s educational background?
She completed her schooling from St. Joseph Co-ed School, Bhopal. Then pursued B.Com followed by a Master’s in Sociology from Barkatullah University, where she was a gold medallist. (Jagranjosh.com)
How did Simala Prasad become an IPS officer?
After initial service as DSP (via MPPSC), she prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination on her own — without coaching — and cracked it in her first attempt, securing AIR 51 in 2010. She then joined the IPS. (Zee News)
Has Simala Prasad acted in films? Which ones?
Yes. She made her film debut in Alif (2016/2017) and later acted in Nakkash (2019). She is also reported to be cast in an upcoming movie titled The Narmada Story. (Zee News)
Are there any controversies associated with Simala Prasad?
In 2022, she faced allegations related to unauthorized phone-tapping / “snooping.” However, after investigation, she was cleared of all charges by the Madhya Pradesh government. (The Times of India)
What notable cases has she handled as an IPS officer?
One of her significant achievements includes reopening and solving a triple murder case in Betul district which had remained unsolved for over a year. Under her leadership, the culprit was identified, alibis disproved, and a confession obtained — all within two months of her appointment as SP.
What makes Simala Prasad’s journey inspirational?
Her life demonstrates that with determination, discipline, and passion, one can break conventional boundaries. She combines serious public service, academic excellence, and artistic expression — an example of multi-dimensional success for many aspirants and young Indians.
Conclusion
Simala Prasad’s journey is a rare blend of discipline, duty, creativity, and courage. In a world inclined toward specialization, she stands out for embracing dual identities — that of a strict, committed law-enforcement officer and a passionate, expressive artist. Her story resonates not only because she cracked one of India’s toughest exams on her first try, but because she dared to dream beyond the conventional limits.
References
-
“Meet IPS Officer, Simala Prasad…” BollywoodShaadis.com. (BollywoodShaadis)
-
“Bollywood Actress-Turned-IPS Officer Who Cracked UPSC in First Attempt.” The Indian Eye, 2025. (The Indian EYE)
-
“Meet woman, who has acted in Bollywood films, cracked UPSC exam…” DNA India. (DNA India)
-
“Simala Prasad: From Bollywood Actress to IPS Officer.” Zee News. (Zee News)
-
“Simala Prasad: balancing roles, responsibilities and dreams.” BureaucratsIndia, May 2024. (Bureaucrats India)
-
“UPSС success story: Meet IPS officer Simala Prasad…” Live Hindustan, 2025. (Live Hindustan)
-
“The remarkable journey of Simala Prasad.” Daijiworld, March 2024. (Daijiworld)
-
“IPS Simala Prasad: From Bollywood to UPSC” — Times of India Education Web Story. (The Times of India)

Comments
Post a Comment