Some actresses deliver memorable performances, while others leave a lasting mark by becoming inseparable from the characters they portray. Rashami Desai stands in the latter group. She is widely recognized for her role as Tapasya in Colors TV Uttaran, a character that made her a household name. She later became one of the most discussed contestants in Bigg Boss, appearing in both Season 13 and Season 15.
Over the years, she has built a career shaped by persistence, emotional depth, and a strong connection with her audience. Whether on screen or in real life, her presence has remained impactful. In March 2024, she ranked among the most searched actresses in India. By late 2025, she expanded her career further by launching her YouTube talk show Rashami Ke Dil Se Dil Tak, establishing herself as a media personality beyond acting.
Her journey is far from a typical success story. It reflects years of struggle, personal loss, and constant reinvention. She lost her father at a young age and went through multiple identity changes before finding stability in her career.
Early in her journey, she worked in Bhojpuri films that offered limited recognition. Despite these challenges, she continued to push forward. She also faced a difficult divorce and experienced emotional setbacks in the public eye. Through all of this, she remained steady and determined. This resilience has played a key role in making her one of the most recognized and enduring figures in Indian television.
Rashami Desai: At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Full Birth Name | Shivani Desai |
| Professional Name | Rashami Desai |
| Former Name | Divya Desai |
| Date of Birth | 13 February 1986 |
| Age (as of March 2026) | 40 years |
| Birthplace | Nagaon, Assam, India |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Ethnicity / Origin | Gujarati |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (161 cm) |
| Weight | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Father | Late Ajay Desai |
| Mother | Rasila Desai (School Teacher) |
| Siblings | Gaurav Desai (Brother) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Nandish Sandhu (m. 2011 – div. 2016) |
| Education | Diploma in Tours & Travels, Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Dancer |
| Debut (Film) | Kanyadaan (Assamese, 2002) |
| Debut (TV) | Raavan, Zee TV (2006) |
| Most Famous Role | Tapasya Thakur in Uttaran (Colors TV, 2009–2014) |
| Reality Shows | Bigg Boss 13 (2019–20, Third Runner-Up), Bigg Boss 15 (2021–22, Fifth Runner-Up), Khatron Ke Khiladi 6, Nach Baliye 7, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 |
| YouTube Talk Show | Rashami Ke Dil Se Dil Tak (launched December 2025, in partnership with VidUnit) |
| Languages Worked In | Hindi, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Assamese, Gujarati, Manipuri |
| Net Worth (est.) | ₹7–10 Crore (approx.) |
| Instagram Followers | 3 Million+ |
Early Life and Background: From Nagaon, Assam to Mumbai
Birth, Family, and Roots
Rashami Desai was born as Shivani Desai on 13 February 1986 in Nagaon, a town in Assam. She comes from a Gujarati family and grew up alongside her brother, Gaurav Desai.
Her early life was shaped by a mix of cultural influences. Growing up in Assam in a Gujarati household exposed her to diverse traditions and ways of life. This early diversity later helped her adapt to a wide range of roles on screen.
Her father, Ajay Desai, passed away when she was still very young. After his death, the responsibility of raising the family fell entirely on her mother, Rasila Desai. She worked as a government teacher in Assam and managed the household on a limited income.
The family lived a simple and disciplined life, where financial planning was necessary at every step. Rashami has often spoken about her mother’s efforts and sacrifices. Despite the challenges, her mother remained focused on giving both her children a stable upbringing and access to education.
Growing Up: Dance, Dreams, and Detours
Desai was brought up in Mumbai and did her schooling and undergraduate studies there. She pursued a diploma degree in Tours and Travels from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai. Since her mother was a school teacher, there was ample pressure on young Rashami to perform well academically, but she was interested in other things. She often scored poor grades in school but convinced her mother to let her join dance classes, where she began training in the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. Over time, she received training in contemporary Bollywood dance as well.
Interestingly, her original ambition was not to become an actress at all. Initially, she wanted to become an air hostess. However, her career goals changed after she joined dance classes, and she began dreaming of being a choreographer in Hindi films. Acting came almost by accident — and when it did, it stuck.
The Name That Almost Wasn’t
Rashami was born as Divya Desai. In 2008, she adopted the name ‘Rashami’ after the producers of the show Pari Hoon Main said that her name ‘Divya’ was not working in favour of her and the show. Her mother finalised the name ‘Rashami’ after consulting a numerologist. The name change turned out to be prophetic — within a year of becoming Rashami, she landed the role that would define her career.
Career Journey: From Regional Films to National Fame
Early Career: B-Grade Films and Regional Cinema
Desai began her acting career with regional films, appearing in an Assamese-language film titled Kanyadaan in 2002. This early foray ignited a passion for acting, leading her to pursue a career in Mumbai. She made her Bollywood debut with the 2004 romantic mystery Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Raveena Tandon, where she essayed the role of Sheetal, a college student whose elder sister is murdered.
In 2005, she appeared in the Hindi film Shabnam Mausi, playing the role of Naina alongside Ashutosh Rana and Vijay Raaz. She later earned recognition in the Bhojpuri film industry in films like Balma Bada Nadaan and Gabbar Singh.
These were not glamorous beginnings by any stretch. Working in B-grade regional films is typically a grinding, thankless phase for any aspiring actress, and Rashami navigated it largely on her own ambition. The work was inconsistent, the recognition minimal — but it built the craft that would later carry her through some of the most demanding roles on prime-time television.
Television Debut: The Early Shows
Desai made her Hindi television debut with Raavan (2006) on Zee TV and then had a dual role in Pari Hoon Main (2008). Both were modest productions that gave her experience and visibility without quite making her a household name. That was about to change entirely.
Breakthrough: Tapasya in Uttaran (2009–2014)
The year 2009 marked a defining shift in her career. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Tapasya Thakur in the long running Colors TV series Uttaran, which aired from 2009 to 2014.
The show explored class differences in Indian society through the lives of two girls from very different backgrounds whose stories become closely connected.
Rashami played Tapasya, a wealthy and emotionally complex character driven by ambition, insecurity, and complicated relationships. Tina Datta played the character of her friend Ichcha.
What could have remained a typical negative role was transformed by her performance into a layered, engaging character.
Her work received strong recognition during the peak years of the show. Between 2009 and 2012, she won eight awards for her performance. Uttaran also reached audiences beyond India, airing in multiple countries and expanding her visibility among the global Indian community. Her willingness to take on unconventional roles was noted by critics. Journalist Sana Farzeen of The Indian Express observed that Rashami did not limit herself to idealized characters and instead chose roles that reflected strength and complexity.
Television Success: The Broader Career
After Uttaran ended in 2015, Rashami Desai moved forward with clear intent and avoided being limited to a single defining role. She returned to fiction television with Dil Se Dil Tak, which aired from 2017 to 2018, where she played Shorvori. The show featured a central love triangle, and her on screen pairing with Siddharth Shukla received strong audience attention. In 2017, the duo won the Best Jodi Award for their performances. This pairing later gained renewed public interest when both appeared together in Bigg Boss Season 13.
She also took on brief roles in popular series such as Naagin 4 and Naagin 6, maintaining her presence in mainstream television. Alongside fiction, she explored a different side of entertainment through comedy based reality shows. She participated in Comedy Circus Mahasangram in 2010, Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala in 2011, Kahaani Comedy Circus Ki in 2012, and later Comedy Nights Live in 2016. These appearances revealed a more relaxed and expressive side of her personality. For many viewers, it was a shift from the intense dramatic roles she was known for, and it helped broaden her image as a versatile performer.
Reality Shows: Dancing, Daring, and Surviving
Reality television became an important part of Rashami Desai’s career, and she built a strong presence in this space. She participated in Zara Nachke Dikha 2 in 2010, followed by Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 in 2012. As a trained classical dancer, she stood out in these competitions and consistently performed at a high level, reaching the finals in multiple shows. Her dance background gave her both technical strength and expressive control, which translated well on stage.
She later appeared in Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi 6 in 2015 and Nach Baliye 7 the same year. These shows tested different aspects of her abilities. While dance competitions highlighted her artistic skills, Khatron Ke Khiladi pushed her physical limits and mental endurance. She approached these challenges with determination and focus, showing a willingness to step outside her comfort zone and take on demanding tasks.
Bigg Boss 13 (2019–2020) and Bigg Boss 15 (2021–2022): The Reality Show Years
No phase of Rashami Desai’s career remains as strongly etched in public memory as her time on Bigg Boss Season 13. Entering the show as one of the most recognized faces, she became central to the season’s narrative.
Her equation with Siddharth Shukla, her former co star, drove much of the drama inside the house. Their repeated clashes divided viewers and sparked intense discussions across audiences. At the same time, their on screen dynamic carried a visible intensity that added depth to their conflict and kept viewers engaged throughout the season. She was also reported to be among the highest paid contestants that year, reflecting her popularity and standing in the industry.
Her journey in the show was marked by emotional highs and frequent confrontations. Despite the challenges, she remained a strong contender and finished as the third runner up in one of the most competitive seasons of the series.
In 2021, she returned for Bigg Boss Season 15 and once again stood out as a prominent participant. She made it to the finale week but was eliminated before the final stage. During her time on the show, she also made a notable decision to save fellow contestant Vishal Kotian during a crucial eviction task. Later that year, following the passing of Siddharth Shukla, Rashami expressed her grief publicly, reflecting on a relationship that had been complex, intense, and significant beyond what was shown on screen.
Recent Work (2020–2026): OTT, Films, Music Videos, and Theatre
Rashami Desai expanded her career into digital platforms with a steady mix of film, web content, and music projects. She made her OTT debut with the short film Tamas and followed it with her web series debut in Tandoor. Around the same period, she appeared in several music videos, including Ab Kya Jaan Legi Meri alongside Shaheer Sheikh in December 2020. Her visibility continued to grow over the years, and in March 2024, she emerged as one of the most searched actresses in India, reflecting sustained public interest in her work and persona.
In 2024, she took on a variety of roles across formats. She appeared in the Atrangii web series Womaniya and returned to the big screen with the film JNU Jahangir National University, where she starred alongside Urvashi Rautela. The film released in theatres on 21 June 2024 and marked her re entry into mainstream cinema.
The year 2025 brought a wide range of projects that highlighted her versatility. Her Gujarati family drama Mom Tane Nai Samjay, opposite Amar Upadhyay, released in theatres on 10 January 2025 and later premiered on streaming platforms ShemarooMe and OTTplay in July. In the same month, she featured in the ZEE5 web series Hisaab Barabar alongside R Madhavan. She also made a guest appearance in the television sitcom Wagle Ki Duniya, playing Advocate Meenakshi Kapoor.
Her presence extended into music and digital storytelling as well. In July 2025, she appeared in two music videos, Rajj Rajj Nachan and Juda Hona Hai. Later in September, she starred in the micro drama series Roadpati Bana Crorepati alongside Karanvir Bohra, released on Kuku FM and Kuku TV. In November, she featured in the devotional music video Kanha Krishna Murari alongside Shiv Thakare. Around this time, she also explored Gujarati theatre, building on the response to her film work.
A major shift came in December 2025 when she launched her YouTube talk show Rashami Ke Dil Se Dil Tak in collaboration with VidUnit. The series focuses on candid conversations with celebrity couples, exploring themes of relationships, trust, and life beyond the public image. The first season featured guests such as Dipika Kakar Ibrahim and Shoaib Ibrahim, Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar, Sana Khan and Mufti Anas, Surbhi Chandna and Karan Sharma, and Neha Bhasin and Sameer Uddin. The show continued into early 2026, with Arti Singh and her husband Deepak Chauhan among the recent participants.
As of March 2026, Rashami Desai has moved beyond acting into content creation and hosting. This transition reflects a natural progression in her career, allowing her to shape narratives and engage with audiences in a more direct and personal format.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Starting Over
Marriage to Nandish Sandhu
Rashami Desai married her Uttaran co star Nandish Sandhu on 12 February 2011 in Ghaziabad. Their relationship, which had grown on the sets of the show, was widely followed and often seen as a strong on screen to real life connection. However, the marriage began to face difficulties after a few years. The couple separated in 2014 and filed for divorce in 2015. The legal process concluded in March 2016, bringing an end to their four year marriage.
The emotional and financial impact of this phase became publicly known much later. In July 2024, during a conversation on Paras Chhabra’s podcast, Rashami shared details about the challenges she faced after the separation. She revealed that she was left with significant financial liabilities, including a home loan, which placed her under heavy pressure. During the same period, her professional situation was also unstable, which added to the uncertainty.
She spoke about a time when she had no stable place to stay and had to manage on very limited resources. She described living out of her car for a short period and dealing with isolation from her support system. She also acknowledged the emotional toll this phase took on her mental health, including moments of extreme distress. By choosing to speak openly about these experiences, she offered insight into a difficult chapter of her life and connected with many people who related to her struggles.
The Arhaan Khan Chapter
In 2018, Rashami Desai met Arhaan Khan, and their relationship soon became public. Both entered Bigg Boss Season 13 in 2019, where Arhaan proposed to her on the show and she accepted.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when host Salman Khan revealed on national television that Arhaan had been previously married and had a child, a fact he had not disclosed to Rashami. The revelation unfolded in front of the audience, and her reaction became one of the most emotionally intense moments of the season. She was visibly shaken and broke down, prompting Salman Khan to step into the house to support her.
After the show, Rashami spoke about the experience in an interview with the Times of India. She stated that she felt emotionally misled in the relationship and believed that her support had been taken for granted.
She also shared that one of her reasons for participating in Bigg Boss 13 was to help bring attention to Arhaan’s career. Despite everything that unfolded, she maintained that she did not speak negatively about him while they were inside the house. The experience marked a turning point for her, helping her reassess her personal boundaries and expectations in relationships.
The Loss of Shefali Jariwala (June 2025)
One of the most emotional moments in Rashami Desai’s recent life came with the sudden passing of her Bigg Boss 13 co contestant and close friend Shefali Jariwala on 27 June 2025 due to cardiac arrest. Rashami was among the first to reach her home and was seen deeply affected during the final rites. Her grief was evident, reflecting the closeness they shared beyond the show.
She later expressed her feelings on social media, stating that she was still in shock and struggling to process the loss. She shared that Shefali would be deeply missed, capturing the sense of personal loss she was experiencing. In the days that followed, Rashami also addressed the public reaction surrounding the incident. She spoke out against sections of the media and online users who were criticizing Shefali’s husband, Parag Tyagi, urging people to respond with empathy rather than judgment.
Around the same time, Rashami described this period as personally difficult. She revealed that she had been dealing with certain health concerns and also facing increased scrutiny from people around her. Despite this, she chose to speak with restraint and clarity, focusing on respect and compassion during a time of grief.
Marriage and Motherhood Plans: Looking Ahead in 2026
In a candid interview with Mid Day in January 2026, Rashami Desai spoke openly about her views on marriage and motherhood. She described 2026 as a positive and meaningful year for her and shared that she remains open to the idea of marriage if she finds the right partner. She expressed that she would be willing to take that step when it feels right and would share the news at the appropriate time.
On the subject of motherhood, she emphasized her belief in building a stable foundation first. She stated that she would prefer to get married before starting a family and spoke about her belief in balance within a relationship. She referred to the idea of Ardhanareeshwar, highlighting the importance of both masculine and feminine energies in creating a complete and supportive family structure.
In another interaction, she took a more lighthearted approach while reflecting on her past relationships. She remarked with humor that her experiences in love had not always worked out and suggested that she may have made the wrong choices at times. Despite this, her outlook remains patient and grounded. She shared that her parents are actively looking for a suitable match, while she herself is willing to wait until she finds someone who truly aligns with her expectations.
Health Struggle: Living with Psoriasis
In 2019, Rashami revealed that she was suffering from psoriasis. The autoimmune skin condition is chronic and can be debilitating, particularly for someone working in a highly image-conscious industry. Her willingness to speak publicly about it was widely appreciated, and she has used her platform to raise awareness about the condition.
Controversies: The Headlines That Followed Her
The Sidharth Shukla Dynamic in Bigg Boss 13
The conflict between Rashami Desai and Sidharth Shukla inside the Bigg Boss 13 house became one of the most widely discussed storylines in Indian reality television that year. Their arguments were intense and frequent, but what held audience attention was the deeper complexity beneath the surface. Their shared history from Dil Se Dil Tak and the strong reactions from their respective fan groups added layers to their interactions, making the dynamic difficult to ignore.
The season concluded with Sidharth Shukla as the winner, while Rashami emerged as one of the top finalists. The outcome continued to spark debate among viewers even after the show ended. In 2021, following Sidharth Shukla’s passing, Rashami expressed her grief publicly. She acknowledged the depth of their connection, reflecting on a relationship that had been marked by conflict yet carried an emotional significance that extended beyond what was visible on screen.
The Arhaan Khan Marriage Revelation
As detailed in the personal life section, the revelation that Arhaan Khan had concealed a prior marriage and a child from Rashami became one of the biggest controversies of the Bigg Boss season. Arhaan later claimed in interviews that Rashami had been aware of his wife and child but feigned ignorance on national television. Rashami denied this, describing the experience as one of the most humiliating moments of her life. The truth of what each party knew and when remains disputed, but the public nature of the unravelling left no room for either of them to escape scrutiny.
Financial Difficulties and Public Statements
The financial aspect of Rashami Desai and Arhaan Khan’s relationship added another layer to an already complicated and public fallout. During and after Bigg Boss 13, reports emerged suggesting that significant sums of money had been transferred from Rashami’s bank account while she was inside the house.
In later interviews, she stated that these transactions had taken place without her knowledge or consent. She also claimed that the amount discussed publicly was only part of the larger sum she believed was owed to her, and described the situation as deeply distressing.
The issue quickly escalated into a public controversy. Social media reactions were intense, with many viewers taking sides and amplifying the dispute. Arhaan Khan denied all allegations and maintained that the transactions were legitimate. He stated that Rashami was aware of the financial dealings and suggested that the claims were being used to damage his reputation. The conflicting accounts turned the matter into a prolonged media discussion rather than a private disagreement.
For Rashami, the financial dispute was closely tied to the emotional strain of the relationship. In multiple interviews, she reflected on how the situation, combined with earlier incidents on the show, reinforced her decision to step away. She acknowledged that the experience had been difficult but also described it as a learning phase. Over time, she framed the entire episode as a turning point that helped her reassess trust, personal boundaries, and the importance of financial awareness in relationships.
Awards and Achievements
Rashami Desai’s body of work reflects steady performance and long term consistency rather than short lived success. Over the years, she has received multiple recognitions, including two Indian Television Academy Awards and Gold Awards. Her performance in Uttaran remains one of the most awarded phases of her career, with eight awards between 2009 and 2012 alone. This period established her as a leading face in Indian television and set the foundation for her continued presence in the industry.
Her commercial value has also remained strong across different phases of her career. In 2013, 2014, and again in 2018, she was counted among the highest paid actresses on Indian television. This consistent demand reflects not only her popularity but also the trust that producers and networks placed in her ability to attract and retain audiences over time.
In 2020, she expanded her reach beyond traditional television by becoming the first Indian television actor to collaborate with Google for cameo appearances. This marked a shift in how television personalities engaged with digital platforms and brand partnerships. In the same year, she was ranked 22nd in BizAsia’s list of Top 30 TV Personalities, highlighting her continued relevance in a competitive space.
By March 2024, she emerged as one of the most searched actresses in India. This recognition was driven by a combination of audience interest, media visibility, and her evolving presence across television, digital content, and public platforms. It reflected not just her work, but her sustained connection with viewers over the years.
Lesser-Known Facts About Rashami Desai
- Rashami Desai is a trained classical dancer with formal training in Bharatanatyam from her teenage years — a discipline that requires dedication far beyond what most casual observers would associate with a television actress.
- She walked the ramp at Caring with Style fashion shows to raise money for cancer patients in 2015 and 2018, and also walked the ramp for the Smile Foundation, which works towards underprivileged children’s education and health.
- She was part of the Swachh Survekshan 2017 initiative for an environmentally cleaner India.
- Her Bhojpuri film Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar won a National Award — a detail that often gets overlooked when discussing her predominantly television-centric career.
- She considers her mother her greatest inspiration — which takes on added weight given that her mother raised two children alone on a teacher’s salary after losing her husband at a young age.
- She has worked across an extraordinary range of film industries — Hindi, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Assamese, Gujarati, and Manipuri — making her one of the most linguistically versatile actresses in Indian entertainment.
- She is an avid animal lover and owns a dog named Oreo.
- Her name has been changed twice — from Divya to Rashami — on numerological advice, which she credits as a turning point in her professional fortunes.
- In 2025, she ventured into Gujarati theatre following the success of Mom Tane Nai Samjay, adding yet another performance medium to a career that already spans regional cinema, Hindi television, reality shows, OTT streaming, and micro-drama platforms.
- In December 2025, she launched her own YouTube talk show Rashami Ke Dil Se Dil Tak in partnership with VidUnit — making her one of the few top-tier Indian television actresses to successfully transition into digital content creation and hosting.
- She publicly cleared a debt of Rs 3.5 crore that she had accumulated after her divorce and the simultaneous shutdown of her show — going from sleeping in her car and eating Rs 20 meals to becoming one of the highest-earning actresses on Indian television.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Rashami Desai’s financial journey reflects a significant turnaround shaped by persistence and consistent work. In July 2024, she shared that after her divorce was finalised in 2016, she was dealing with debt estimated between Rs 3.25 crore and Rs 3.5 crore and had also faced a period of housing instability. Over the years, she rebuilt her financial position through steady professional commitments across television, digital content, and brand collaborations. As of recent estimates, her net worth is reported to be above Rs 10 crore, indicating a strong recovery driven by long term effort.
Her earnings from television and reality shows have played a major role in this growth. She was reportedly paid over Rs 2.5 crore for her participation in Bigg Boss 13. For fiction television, her per episode fee is said to range between Rs 55,000 and Rs 65,000, placing her among the higher earning actors in the industry.
In addition to acting, brand endorsements have become an important part of her income. She has been associated with campaigns for Wheel alongside Salman Khan, and has worked with brands such as JioMart as a brand ambassador since 2021, Hangyo, Glamveda from 2023, Tradeomatic products including TokiBaby and TokiHealth from 2024, and Homero from 2025.
Her income streams have further expanded through music video appearances, OTT projects, fashion events, and a strong presence on social media, where she has built an audience of over 3 million followers on Instagram. This diversified portfolio has reduced her dependence on television alone and allowed her to maintain financial stability across different segments of the entertainment industry.
Conclusion: A Career Built on Resilience
Writing a biography of Rashami Desai means documenting a career that stands apart for its resilience and continuity. Her journey reflects more than professional success. It shows how personal adversity can shape a stronger public identity. She began with small roles in regional cinema, moved into mainstream television, and became widely recognised through her performance-driven work.
Over time, she expanded into reality television with Bigg Boss, appeared across multiple formats including OTT and micro drama, and later stepped into digital content creation with her own talk show. Across each phase, she adapted and remained relevant.
Her achievements span different areas of the entertainment industry. She built her reputation through television, gained further visibility through reality shows, and continued to explore films, web series, music videos, and theatre.
By 2024, she had become one of the most searched actresses in India, reflecting sustained audience interest. By 2025 and into 2026, her shift into hosting and content creation marked a new stage in her career, where she moved from performer to storyteller and interviewer.
What defines her journey is not only the milestones but the circumstances that shaped them. She experienced personal loss at a young age and grew up in a household where financial discipline was essential.
Her early career included smaller projects that did not bring immediate recognition. She went through major personal setbacks, including a difficult divorce and a period of financial strain that left her without stable housing for a short time. She also faced emotional challenges in the public eye, particularly through relationships that unfolded on national television.
These experiences were not separate from her success. They played a direct role in shaping her perspective and public image. Instead of withdrawing, she continued to work, rebuild, and take on new opportunities. Over time, this consistency strengthened her connection with audiences, who saw not just her performances but her ability to endure and move forward.
As of 2026, Rashami Desai represents a rare kind of longevity in the entertainment industry. Her story is not defined by a single breakthrough or moment of fame. It is built on years of persistence, reinvention, and emotional strength. That combination continues to hold audience attention and keeps her relevant across changing platforms and formats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Rashami Desai?
Rashami Desai, born Shivani Desai on 13 February 1986, is an Indian television and film actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Tapasya Thakur in Colors TV’s long-running soap opera Uttaran, and is also widely recognised for her appearances on reality shows including Bigg Boss 13 and Khatron Ke Khiladi 6.
What is Rashami Desai’s real name?
Rashami Desai’s real name is Shivani Desai. She was earlier known as Divya Desai before adopting the name Rashami in 2008 on the advice of producers and after consultation with a numerologist.
Is Rashami Desai married?
Rashami Desai was previously married to actor Nandish Sandhu, her co-star from Uttaran. They married on 12 February 2011 and divorced in March 2016. As of 2025, she is not married.
What is Rashami Desai’s most famous TV show?
Her most celebrated role remains Tapasya Thakur in Uttaran (2009–2014), a character that earned her eight major awards between 2009 and 2012 and made her a household name across India and in over a dozen countries where the show was broadcast.
What is Rashami Desai’s age?
Rashami Desai was born on 13 February 1986, making her 40 years old as of March 2026.
Is Rashami Desai planning to get married again?
Yes. In a January 2026 interview with Mid-Day, Rashami said that marriage is on her mind and she is hopeful that 2026 — which she called the auspicious year of the sun — will bring positive changes. Her parents are also actively looking for a match. She has also expressed her wish to have children after marriage.
What happened between Rashami Desai and Sidharth Shukla?
The two were former co-stars on Dil Se Dil Tak before appearing together on Bigg Boss 13, where their frequent clashes became the defining storyline of the season. Despite the public animosity, Rashami was visibly moved by Sidharth Shukla’s death in September 2021 and paid a heartfelt tribute to him. She went on to enter the Bigg Boss house a second time in Season 15 (2021–22), further cementing her status as one of the most iconic personalities in the show’s history.
How did Rashami Desai react to Shefali Jariwala’s death?
Rashami and Shefali Jariwala were close friends from their time together on Bigg Boss 13. When Shefali passed away on 27 June 2025 following a cardiac arrest, Rashami was one of the first to arrive at her home and was present at the last rites. She paid an emotional public tribute and also publicly called out media portals for insensitive coverage in the aftermath, using her platform to urge compassion and respect for the grieving family.
What are Rashami Desai’s latest projects?
As of March 2026, her most recent projects include: the ZEE5 web series Hisaab Barabar alongside R. Madhavan (January 2025); the Gujarati film Mom Tane Nai Samjay (theatres January 2025, streaming on ShemarooMe and OTTplay from July 2025); the micro-drama series Roadpati Bana Crorepati on Kuku FM (September 2025); the devotional music video Kanha Krishna Murari (November 2025); a Gujarati theatre production; and, most recently, her own YouTube talk show Rashami Ke Dil Se Dil Tak, launched December 2025 in partnership with VidUnit and actively airing into early 2026.