Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant, born as Neeru Bheda on November 25, 1978, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a multi-faceted Indian entertainer known for her work as an actress, dancer, and television personality. She grew up in a middle-class Marathi family as the daughter of a senior police constable at the Worli Police Station. Despite her father’s initial disapproval of her entering the film industry, she was deeply passionate about performing from a young age and began doing odd jobs as a child to support herself. She completed her schooling at Gokilabai High School in Mumbai and later attended Mithibai College in Vile Parle, where she earned a degree in Commerce.

Her career in the entertainment industry began in 1997 with a minor role in the film Agni Chakra under the screen name Ruhi Sawant. Over the next few years, she appeared in small roles and item numbers in films such as Joru Ka Ghulam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai, and Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke. Her massive breakthrough came in 2003 with the song "Mohabbat Hai Mirchi" from the film Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne, which turned her into a household name and established her as the "Queen of Item Numbers." Following this success, she featured in prominent Bollywood films including Masti, Main Hoon Na, Krazzy 4, and Dil Bole Hadippa!, often becoming the highlight of these films with her energetic dance performances.

Beyond cinema, she became a pioneer of the reality television era in India. Her national television breakthrough occurred in 2006 as a contestant on the first season of Bigg Boss, where her outspoken and unfiltered personality captured widespread attention. She later finished as the first runner-up in the dance reality show Nach Baliye 3 in 2007. In 2009, she hosted her own unique reality series, Rakhi Ka Swayamwar, where she sought a life partner on national television, followed by hosting the social-issue-based talk show Rakhi Ka Insaaf in 2010. Over the years, she remained a central figure in the Bigg Boss franchise, returning as a "challenger" and finalist in Bigg Boss 14 in 2021 and appearing in Bigg Boss Marathi Season 4 in 2024.

In recent years, Rakhi has maintained a powerful digital presence, often referred to as a "social media queen" for her viral content and candid interactions with the paparazzi. As of 2025 and early 2026, she continues to be a prominent figure on red carpets, recently appearing at high-profile events like the Elle Graduates 2025 awards in a striking sequinned jumpsuit. Her recent journeys have also included spiritual milestones, such as performing Umrah in Mecca at the start of 2025. Throughout her decades-long career, she has been recognized as a pop culture icon who popularized the "item girl" phenomenon and remains one of India's most resilient and recognizable reality television stars.