Born in Karachi, British India, in 1946, Nalini Malani relocated to India following the Partition. She studied at the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy School of Art in Mumbai and later received a scholarship to study in Paris, where she engaged with experimental film and photography. Her early practice was deeply influenced by the socio-political climate of post-independence India, leading her to become one of the country's first generation of video artists.

Malani is best known for her immersive shadow plays, which utilize rotating cylinders, light projections, and painted Mylar to create shifting, ephemeral narratives. Her work frequently explores the intersection of mythology, history, and the lived experiences of women, often incorporating found objects and complex soundscapes to challenge traditional modes of storytelling.

Her international recognition has grown significantly through major institutional exhibitions and retrospectives worldwide. Her work continues to be featured in global contemporary art programming, reflecting her status as a significant figure in the development of video and installation art in South Asia and beyond.