Rakhi Sawant
| |
| Rakhi Sawant in 2025 | |
| Born | 25 November 1978 (age 46) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Actress, Dancer, Television Personality |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Known for | Bigg Boss, Rakhi Ka Swayamwar, Main Hoon Na |
| Notable works | Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne, Masti, Krazzy 4, Dil Bole Hadippa! |
| Awards | |
| Spouse(s) | Adil Khan Durrani (m. 2022) |
| Parents | Anand Sawant (stepfather), Jaya Bheda (mother) |
| Religion | Islam (converted) |
| Website | See below |
Rakhi Sawant (born Neeru Bheda; also known as Fatima Rakhi Sawant) is an Indian actress, dancer, and television personality. Her most well-known roles have been in reality TV series and Hindi movies. Rakhi has starred in a number of Bollywood films and is well-known for her item songs and fearless public persona. After competing in "Bigg Boss 1" and then making it to the finals of "Bigg Boss 14," she gained widespread recognition.
Early Life & Education
Rakhi Sawant was born as Neeru Bheda on 25 November 1978 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to Jaya Bheda. Rakhi adopted her mother's last name after she wed Anand Sawant, a police constable at Worli Police Station. She was raised in a Hindu Marathi household and has a sister named Usha Sawant and a brother named Rakesh Sawant. Although not much is known about her formal education, Rakhi demonstrated a strong interest in dance, the performing arts, and movies at a young age.
Career
Rakhi began her film career with a small role in Agnichakra (1997) under the name Ruhi Sawant. Later, she adopted the name Rakhi Sawant, and she made appearances in a number of small parts and item songs in movies like "Joru Ka Ghulam," "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai," and "Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke." The Himesh Reshammiya-composed song "Mohabbat Hai Mirchi" from "Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne" marked her breakthrough in 2003.
Rakhi went on to appear in films like "Masti" (2004), "Main Hoon Na" (2004), "Krazzy 4" (2008), and "Dil Bole Hadippa!" (2009). She rose to prominence as one of Bollywood's most well-known item dancers.
She competed in the inaugural season of the reality show "Bigg Boss" in 2006 and became extremely well-known for her candid demeanor. Later, she costarred with Abhishek Avasthi in "Nach Baliye," where she placed first runner-up. She hosted her own reality show, "Rakhi Ka Swayamwar," in 2009, where she intended to select her life mate. She became engaged to a Canadian contestant named Elesh Parujanwala, but their relationship ended quickly.
Rakhi later hosted "Rakhi Ka Insaaf" (2010) and appeared on a number of other reality shows, including "Welcome – Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki," "Box Cricket League," and "Bigg Boss 14." She also competed in "Bigg Boss Marathi 4" in 2024, making it to the finals and emerging as one of the season's most talked-about competitors.
Rakhi has continued to perform on stage, appear in public, and take part in entertainment events outside of television.
Political Venture
In 2014, Rakhi Sawant entered politics by forming her own political party, the Rashtriya Aam Party (RAP), to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North-West. However, she received only 15 votes and later joined the Republican Party of India (RPI – Athawale faction). She currently serves as the party’s state vice-president and the president of its women’s wing.
Personal Life
Rakhi Sawant's personal and professional lives have put her in the spotlight. She claimed to have wed Ritesh, an NRI, in 2019, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2022. She married Adil Khan Durrani in May 2022, became an Islamic convert, and changed her name to Fatima Rakhi Sawant.
In 2023 and 2025, Rakhi made her first and second Umrahs in Mecca, respectively. As part of her charitable endeavors, she has also helped and funded Umrah journeys for other people. She continues to be active in the entertainment industry and maintains a strong social media presence in spite of controversies.
Notable Works
- Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (2003)
- Main Hoon Na (2004)
- Krazzy 4 (2008)
- Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009)
- Bigg Boss (Season 1 & 14)
- Rakhi Ka Swayamwar (2009)
- Nach Baliye 3 (2007)
- Rakhi Ka Insaaf (2010)
Achievements and Recognition
One of the most well-known reality TV stars in India is Rakhi Sawant. She has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry as a fearless and audacious voice. She is regarded as a pop culture icon because of her glitzy stage appearances and unvarnished opinions. Rakhi has been a constant in Bollywood and Indian television over the years, garnering praise and criticism for her self-assurance and genuineness.