Rashmi Desai

Shivani Desai (born 13 February 1986), professionally known as Rashami Desai, is an Indian television and film actress. She is the recipient of several accolades including two Indian Television Academy Awards and Gold Awards. She has established herself as one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses on television.

After starting her acting career working in regional language films, Desai made her Hindi television debut with '' Raavan'' (2006) and then had a dual role in ''Pari Hoon Main'' (2008). She earned massive popularity with her notable work as Tapasya Thakur in Colors TV's long-running soap opera ''Uttaran'' (2009-2014), winning various accolades. Desai also took part in the reality shows '' Zara Nachke Dikha 2'' (2010), '' Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5'' (2012), '' Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6'' (2015) and '' Nach Baliye 7'' (2015) and had a cameo in the 2012 film ''Dabangg 2''. She ventured into stand-up comedy with reality shows like '' Comedy Circus Mahasangram'' (2010), '' Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala'' (2011), ''Kahaani Comedy Circus Ki'' (2012) and ''Comedy Nights Live'' (2016).

Desai later returned to fiction television with the love triangle '' Dil Se Dil Tak'' (2017-2018) portraying the role of Shorvori, after which she participated in '' Bigg Boss 13'' (2019–2020) and '' Bigg Boss 15'' (2021-22). She also played brief roles in '' Naagin 4'' and ''Naagin 6'' and made her OTT debut with the short film ''Tamas'' and web debut with ''Tandoor''.

Early life

Rashami Desai was born Shivani Desai on 13 February 1986 in Nagaon town of Assam. She is a Gujarati by origin. She has a brother, Gaurav Desai. Desai was brought up in Mumbai and did her schooling and undergraduation there. Rashami pursued a diploma degree in Tours and Travels from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai.

Career

Acting debut in films (2002–2006)

Desai began her acting career with regional films where she appeared in an Assamese-language film titled '' Kanyadaan'' in 2002. Desai made her Bollywood debut with Birendra Nath Tiwari-directed 2004 romantic mystery '' Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke'' alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Raveena Tandon. She essayed the role of Sheetal, a college student whose elder sister (played by Tandon) is murdered.

In 2005, Desai appeared in the Hindi film ''Shabnam Mausi'', where she played the role of Naina alongside Ashutosh Rana and Vijay Raaz. She later earned fame in the Bhojpuri film industry where she played many roles in the films like ''Balma Bada Nadaan'' and ''Gabbar Singh''. In 2005, Desai starred in the film '' Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar'', that went on to win the National Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri.

Television debut and breakthrough (2006–2008)

Desai made her television debut in 2006 with the mythological drama series '' Raavan'' on Zee TV, where she played the role of Queen Mandodari. Desai was cast opposite Jay Soni in the series. In 2007, Desai appeared in the English film titled '' Sambar Salsa''.

In 2008, Desai got her first big break in daily soaps that fetched her the limelight with her portrayal of the dual role of Nikki Shrivastav and Pari Rai Choudhary in Star One's ''Pari Hoon Main''. Directed and produced by Ravi Chopra, the series also featured Mohit Malik and Karan Veer Mehra in pivotal roles. The show followed the story of two look-alikes; Pari (an actress) and Nikki (a simple girl) who bump into each other, exchange their identities, and begin living each other's lives. Desai then appeared as Priya in Star One's horror thriller anthology series '' Ssshhhh...Phir Koi Hai'' alongside Manish Paul.

Established success with ''Uttaran'' (2009–2016)

In 2009, Desai briefly appeared in '' Meet Mila De Rabba'' aired on Sony TV where she played the role of Dr. Meher Datta alongside Surilie Gautam and Piyush Sahdev.

Desai earned widespread acclaim and recognition upon entering Colors TV's long-running soap opera ''Uttaran'' in 2009, where she played the parallel lead alongside Tina Datta and Nandish Sandhu. The series followed the story of two friends, Ichcha and Tapasya, who hail from different strata of the society. Desai replaced Ishita Panchal to play the role of adult Tapasya Thakur, a rich girl who gets manipulated by her maternal grandmother upon feeling less loved than her friend by her own parents. ''Uttaran'' opened up newer international markets for Indian Television, making Desai a household name beyond the country's shores. For ''Uttaran'', Desai received numerous accolades and nominations including the ITA Award for Best Actress Popular and Indian Telly Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role Popular in 2010. In January 2012 she opted out of the show. On 7 November 2012, she returned to ''Uttaran'' with positive shades, and left the show again in 2014 citing creative differences.

In 2010, Desai participated in Sony TV's comedy reality TV show '' Comedy Circus 3 Ka Tadka'' as a wildcard entrant with Vikrant Massey. Desai then participated as a member of the team "Massakalli Girls" in season 2 of the dance reality television show Zara Nachke Dikha which aired on Star Plus. Her team emerged as winners. In the same year, Desai also appeared as panellist in Imagine TV's reality show ''Meethi Choori No 1'' and participated in Sony TV's comedy reality show '' Comedy Circus Mahasangram''.

In 2011, Desai participated in StarPlus's comedy reality TV show '' Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala,'' where her team emerged as runner-ups.

In 2012, Desai appeared as Shivani in the Vikram Bhatt-directed horror anthology series ''Haunted Nights'', aired on Sahara One. She then participated in the dance reality TV show '' Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5'' which aired on Colors TV and ultimately emerged as the first runner up. She also appeared on the Shekhar Suman hosted show '' Movers & Shakers''. Later in 2012, Desai made a cameo appearance in the Salman Khan starrer Hindi film ''Dabangg 2''.

In 2013, Desai played the part of Natkhat Sali in Colors TV's stand-up comedy show ''Nautanki: The Comedy Theatre''.

In 2014, Desai appeared as a victim of blind faith and a woman who is tortured by her own family in the episode-based shows ''Savdhaan India'' and ''CID'' respectively.

In 2015, Desai participated in '' Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6''. She was eliminated, but was brought back on the show as a wild card entrant. She was again eliminated just before the finale along with Sana Khan. She then participated in '' Nach Baliye 7'' with her then spouse Nandish Sandhu and they became first runners-up. In October 2015, Desai appeared as a deaf and mute girl in Palash Muchhal's music video titled ''Teri Ek Hassi'' alongside Nandish Sandhu. It was sung by Jubin Nautiyal. Later in the year, Desai briefly appeared in Colors TV's ''Ishq Ka Rang Safed'' where she played the grey role of Tulsi, a widow with hidden motives.

In 2016, Desai essayed the negative role of dark supernatural character Preeti in &TV's '' Adhuri Kahaani Hamari''. She also participated in ''Box Cricket League'' in March 2016. Desai then appeared in Palash Muchhal's dance based music video titled ''Sajna Ve'' alongside Salman Yusuff Khan. It was sung by Monali Thakur and Dilip Soni. Desai then participated in Balaji Telefilms' comedy reality show '' Mazaak Mazaak Mein'', aired on Life OK.

''Dil Se Dil Tak'' and beyond (2017–2020)

In 2017, Desai starred in Colors TV's drama series '' Dil Se Dil Tak'', opposite Sidharth Shukla and Jasmin Bhasin. Desai was cast in the role of Shorvari Bhanushali, a woman caught between love for her husband and her desire to be a mother. The series was loosely based on the Hindi film ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'' (2001). Desai described her role as someone who "doesn't express through words. She uses gestures, eyes and her facial expressions to express what she is feeling. That is interesting. In fact, as an actor, this gives me a lot of scope for performance.". For her role in the series, she was nominated under Best Actress category at Golden Petal Awards 2017.

In the same year, Desai made her Gujarati film debut with Bhavin Wadia's romantic thriller ''Superstar,'' where she was cast opposite Dhruvin Shah, worked wonders at the box office had not only been appreciated by critics in Gujarat, but also had a dream run at the BO, with shows running housefull even in its seventh week. Desai won award for Best Debut Actress at Gujarati Transmedia Awards 2018. Desai also participated in Tennis Premier League as the brand ambassador of her team Binny’s Brigade in October 2018.

Desai began 2019 with the lead role in DD National's comedy series ''Chalo Saaf Karein''. Launched by Doordarshan along with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the show revolved around cleanliness and sanitation with a comic twist. Desai played the role of Palak, an ambitious Delhi University graduate and a strong follower of Gandhian ideology and Swachhta, who intends to open a residential English medium school in her village. The series also featured Ashish Lal, Aruna Irani and Anita Raj in pivotal roles. Later in the year, Desai participated in the reality show '' Bigg Boss 13'', where she finished as third runner up.

In 2020, Desai essayed the role of Shalaka on Colors TV's supernatural fantasy thriller television series '' Naagin 4: Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel'' alongside Nia Sharma, Anita Hassanandani and Vijayendra Kumeria and also in '' Naagin 5'' as special appearance. Desai next appeared in the short film ''Tamas'' alongside Adhvik Mahajan, where she played the role of Sania and participated in '' Ladies vs Gentlemen'', a reality interactive game show hosted by Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza in the same year. In December 2020, Desai featured in Palash Muchhal's dance based music video titled ''Ab Kya Jaan Legi Meri'' alongside Shaheer Sheikh and Sana Saeed. It was sung by Palash Muchhal and Amit Mishra.

Professional expansion (2021–present)

In 2021, Desai made her web debut alongside Tanuj Virwani in Nivedita Basu-directed crime drama web series titled ''Tandoor,'' the series was nominated in filmfare OTT awards 2021 under best web series category. Loosely based on the infamous Tandoor case in Delhi, Desai essayed the role of Palak Sahni, an aspiring politician who is murdered by her own husband (played by Virwani). In May 2021, it was announced that Desai will collaborate with singer Rahul Vaidya for a music cover. In September 2021, Desai appeared in Altamash Faridi's music video titled ''Subhan Allah''. Later in the year, Desai collaborated with Rahul Vaidya again for a music video titled ''Zindagi Khafa Khafa.'' In November 2021, Desai entered '' Bigg Boss 15'' as a wildcard contestant and became the fifth runner-up.

In March 2022, Desai featured in three music videos titled ''Qatilana,'' ''Biraj Mein Jhoom'' and ''Tere Pind''. She then entered ''Naagin 6'' for a cameo to portray the dual role shape-shifting serpents, reprising the role of Shalaka from season 4 with positive shades, and a new character Shanglira. In April 2022, Desai collaborated with Neha Bhasin for a music video titled ''Parwah'' and also featured in a music video titled ''Khayalat''.

Desai next appeared as the titular character of the segment ''Ruby'' in the second season of Anil V Kumar's anthology series '' Ratri Ke Yatri,'' became most streamed show & most binged show on Hungama Play. Also featuring Abigail Pande and Mohit Abrol in Desai's segment, the series throws an empathetic light on women from red light areas. The show premiered on Hungama Play and MX Player on 11 October 2022.

In 2023, Desai participated in Colors TV's comedy reality TV show '' Entertainment Ki Raat Housefull''. Desai next appeared in a brief role in the JioCinema series titled ''LLB - Bas Naam Hi Kaafi Hai''. In September 2023, Desai featured in a music video titled ''Pyar Eda Da'' alongside Shoaib Ibrahim sung by Jyoti Nooran.

In 2024, Desai appeared in Atrangii series titled ''Womaniya'' Atrangii App Web-Series">nreleased film ''Rare and Dare Six X'' (2016) was renamed as ''Womaniya'' (2024) released in Atrangii App Web-Series The show premiered on 22 March 2024. She made her comeback on big screen with Bollywood movie titled ''JNU:'' ''Jahangir'' ''National'' ''University'' alongside Urvashi Rautela. The movie released in theatres on 21 June 2024.

As of 2025, Desai appears in the Gujarati film in Dharmessh Mehta-directed family drama '' Mom Tane Nai Samjay'', where she is cast opposite Amar Upadhyay. The movie releases in theatres on 10 January 2025. Desai next appears alongside R. Madhavan in Ashwni Dhir-directed satirical action comedy web series titled '' Hisaab Barabar''. The show releases on ZEE5 on 24 January 2025. Desai next appears in television sitcom ''Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey'' for a cameo to portray the role of Advocate Meenakshi Kapoor on Sony SAB.

Off-screen work and media image

Desai is a trained classical dancer.
Writing for ''The Indian Express'', journalist Sana Farzeen stated: "Not someone to play the perfect heroine, Rashami has experimented with her roles and played strong characters." Apart from acting, Desai supports various causes.
Desai walked the ramp at ''Caring with Style'' fashion show to raise money for cancer patients in 2015 and 2018 for designers Shaina NC and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla respectively. In 2015, she walked the ramp of a fashion show to support ''Smile Foundation'', a non-governmental organisation working towards underprivileged children's education and health. Desai also walked the ramp for Terry Fox Foundation and Maheka Mirpuri. Desai was part of the ''Swachh Survekshan'' 2017, an initiative for an environmentally cleaner India (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan).

Desai walked the ramp for designers Rohit Verma and Anu Mehra at Bombay Times Fashion Week in 2020 and 2021.

In 2013, 2014 and 2018, she was among the highest-paid television actresses of India. As per reports, Desai was also the highest paid contestant in ''Bigg Boss 13'' and ''Bigg Boss 15''. In 2020, Desai became the first Indian Television actor to collaborate with Google for cameos. Desai was ranked 22nd in ''BizAsia''s list of top 30 TV Personalities in 2020.

Desai endorsed Wheel alongside Salman Khan in 2010. In 2021, Desai became the brand ambassador of JioMart. Desai also endorses Hangyo. In 2023, Desai became the brand ambassador and entrepreneur of Glamveda. In 2024, Desai became the brand ambassador of international company Tradeomatic to endorse international brands TokiBaby and TokiHealth products. In 2025, Desai became the brand ambassador of Homero.

Personal life

She married her co-star from ''Uttaran'', Nandish Sandhu, on 12 February 2011 in Ghaziabad. In 2014, they separated, and in 2015, the couple filed for divorce after almost four years of marriage. It was finalised in March 2016.

In 2018, Desai met Arhaan Khan, they both participated in '' Bigg Boss 13'' in 2019, where Arhaan proposed to Desai, and Desai accepted the proposal. Later, it was revealed by Salman Khan that Arhaan was married before and had a kid which he had kept secret from Desai. In 2020, after coming out from the Bigg Boss house, Desai broke up with Arhaan.

Filmography

;Key

Films

Web series

Television

Special appearances

Music videos

Awards and nominations

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Desai, Rashami
1986 births
Living people
Gujarati actresses
Indian film actresses
Indian soap opera actresses
Actresses in Hindi television
Actresses in Assamese cinema
Actresses in Bhojpuri cinema
Actresses in Gujarati cinema
Indian female dancers
Actresses from Mumbai
21st-century Indian actresses
Contestants on Indian game shows
Participants in Indian reality television series
Big Brother (franchise) contestants