Ketki Dave

Ketki Joshi Dave is a highly esteemed Indian actress and comedian, born on August 13, 1960, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Growing up in a family deeply immersed in the performing arts, she is the daughter of the late Pravin Joshi, a renowned theatre director, and Sarita Joshi, a veteran actress. Her younger sister, Purbi Joshi, is also a well-known actress and anchor. This rich artistic background provided the foundation for her career, which she officially began in 1983. She was married to the late actor Rasik Dave, with whom she shared a long and collaborative professional partnership, including the management of a Gujarati theatre company until his passing in 2022.

Her career journey spans over four decades, during which she has appeared in more than 75 Gujarati films and numerous Hindi cinematic hits. She made her big-screen debut in the 1983 Bollywood film Kissi Se Na Kehna and went on to secure memorable roles in major films such as Dil, Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet, Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya, and Kal Ho Naa Ho. In recent years, she has continued her film presence with projects like Ek Kori Prem Katha in 2024. Despite her success in cinema, she has frequently cited theatre as her true foundation and "first love," continuing to perform in live stage plays like the comedy-thriller Khel Khele Khelayia.

In the realm of television, she achieved iconic status for her portrayal of Daksha Virani in the long-running soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Her performance made her a household name, particularly for her signature catchphrase "Ara ra ra," which remains a cultural reference point in India. Her extensive television portfolio includes diverse roles in series such as Hasratein, Sanjivani, Behenein, Pavitra Rishta, and Balika Vadhu 2. She also successfully experimented with the historical genre in Chandragupta Maurya and recently reunited with her mother on screen for the show Pushpa Impossible. Her enduring popularity led to a reprisal of her most famous role in the 2025 sequel, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.

Beyond scripted dramas, she has been a significant presence in Indian reality television. She participated as a contestant in the celebrity dance competition Nach Baliye 2 in 2006 and the reality show Bigg Boss 2 in 2008. Her ability to balance comedy and drama has earned her various accolades within the industry, including awards for her supporting roles in television. Today, she maintains a steady presence in the digital space through interviews and social media, where she is celebrated as a veteran artist who has seamlessly transitioned across theatre, film, and television while remaining dedicated to her craft.