Rashmi Desai age is 40 years as of 2026, and she remains one of the most recognised faces on Indian television.
Born on 13 February 1986 in Nagaon, Assam, she started her journey in regional cinema before conquering the Hindi TV world.
From her iconic role as Tapasya in Uttaran to her fearless run on Bigg Boss 13, Rashami has consistently stayed in the public eye.
Rashmi Desai Age
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Shivani Ajay Desai |
| Professional Name | Rashami Desai |
| Date of Birth | 13 February 1986 |
| Age in 2026 | 40 Years |
| Birthplace | Nagaon, Assam, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Education | Diploma in Tours and Travel, Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai |
| Profession | Actress, Dancer, Model |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Nandish Sandhu |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹20–25 Crore (estimated) |
| @imrashamidesai | |
| Instagram Followers | 3+ Million |
Early Life and Background
Rashami Desai was born as Shivani Desai on 13 February 1986 in the town of Nagaon in Assam, India. Her family has Gujarati roots, which is why she grew up with a strong sense of cultural identity blended between North-East India and Gujarat.
Her childhood was not easy. Her father, Ajay Desai, passed away when she was very young, leaving her mother Rasila Desai to raise the family alone. Financial hardship was a constant presence in her early years.
Her mother worked tirelessly as a single parent to keep the family afloat. Rashami has spoken openly about how her mother is her biggest inspiration in life and in her career.
Childhood Struggles and Hardships
Rashami has been candid about the difficulties she faced growing up. In multiple interviews, she has described how the family did not always have enough money for two meals a day.
She started earning at the age of 16 to support her mother. At a very young age, she encountered a casting couch experience in the film industry, which she has spoken about publicly as one of her most difficult early memories.
Despite these hardships, she did not give up. She pursued acting with determination, starting with regional language films before making her way to national television.
Education and Name Change
Rashami completed her schooling at a school in Assam before moving to Mumbai to pursue her career. She studied at Narsee Monjee College in Mumbai and completed a Diploma in Tours and Travel.
Her original name was Divya Desai. In 2008, when she joined the show Pari Hoon Main, the producers felt that the name Divya was not working well for the show. Her mother consulted a numerologist and the name Rashami was finalised.
This name change turned out to be a turning point. The name Rashami Desai went on to become a household name across India.
Rashami Desai Age and Physical Stats
Rashami Desai age in 2026 is 40 years. She was born on 13 February 1986, which makes her an Aquarian by zodiac sign.
Despite being 40, Rashami continues to look strikingly fit and youthful. She is known for her dedication to fitness and has often shared her workout routines and healthy lifestyle tips on social media.
Physical Stats at a Glance:
| Stat | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 3 in / 160 cm |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Body Measurements | 34-28-36 inches |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Fitness Style | Yoga, dance, gym |
Acting Career: The Early Years
Rashami began her acting career in B-grade regional and Bhojpuri films. Some of her early films include Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke, Balma Bada Naadan, Gazab Bhail Rama, Gabbar Singh, Kangna Khanke Piya Ke Angna, and Tohse Pyar Ba.
These early films were not commercially significant, but they gave Rashami the confidence and screen experience that she would later bring to her television career.
She also appeared in Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, and Manipuri language films during this period, making her one of the more versatile multilingual regional actresses of her generation.
Hindi Television Debut
Rashami made her Hindi television debut with the Zee TV serial Raavan in 2006. This gave her a taste of the national television audience and opened doors to bigger opportunities.
In 2008, she played a dual role in the Sony TV show Pari Hoon Main. It was during this show that her name was changed to Rashami, which set the stage for her rapid rise to fame.
Her early television work showed that she had the range to play complex characters, which became her defining quality in later years.
The Breakthrough: Uttaran (2009–2014)
The single biggest turning point in Rashami Desai’s career came when she was cast as Tapasya Thakur in the Colors TV serial Uttaran. She joined the show in 2009, replacing Ishita Panchal to play the adult version of the character.
Tapasya was a negative role, a rich girl manipulated by her grandmother who feels unloved compared to her friend Ichcha. Rashami brought extraordinary depth to this character and became one of the most talked-about villains on Indian television.
Uttaran became one of the longest-running soap operas in Indian TV history and opened up international markets for Indian content. Rashami became a household name not just in India but among Indian diaspora communities worldwide.
For her work in Uttaran, she won the ITA Award for Best Actress Popular and the Indian Telly Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role Popular in 2010. She left the show in January 2012 but returned in November 2012 before finally departing in 2014 citing creative differences.
Career After Uttaran
After Uttaran, Rashami kept herself busy with a range of television and reality show appearances. She participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 in 2012, where she was the first runner-up.
In 2015, she joined Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6, testing her physical endurance in the reality stunt show. The same year, she appeared on Nach Baliye 7 with her then-husband Nandish Sandhu.
From 2017 to 2018, she played the lead role of Shorvori in the Colors TV love-triangle drama Dil Se Dil Tak alongside the late Sidharth Shukla and Jasmin Bhasin.
Rashami Desai’s Key TV Shows:
| Show | Channel | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raavan | Zee TV | 2006 | Supporting |
| Pari Hoon Main | Sony TV | 2008 | Dual Lead |
| Uttaran | Colors TV | 2009–2014 | Tapasya Thakur |
| Dil Se Dil Tak | Colors TV | 2017–2018 | Shorvori |
| Bigg Boss 13 | Colors TV | 2019–2020 | Contestant |
| Naagin 4 | Colors TV | 2020 | Shalaka |
| Bigg Boss 15 | Colors TV | 2021–2022 | Wild Card |
| Chalo Saaf Karein | DD National | 2019 | Palak |
| Roadpati Bana Crorepati | Kuku TV | 2025 | Lead |
Bigg Boss 13: The Game-Changer
Rashami entered Bigg Boss 13 in 2019 and became one of the most talked-about contestants of the entire season. Her journey inside the house was intense, emotional, and dramatic in equal measure.
Her on-screen chemistry and conflict with the late Sidharth Shukla became the most discussed dynamic of Bigg Boss 13. Their relationship was complicated, layered, and endlessly debated by fans and the media.
She also had a highly publicised relationship with co-contestant Arhaan Khan inside the house. Salman Khan publicly revealed on national TV that Arhaan was already married and a father, which led Rashami to break off the relationship. She finished the season as the third runner-up.
Her time on Bigg Boss 13 is widely considered one of the most powerful performances by any contestant on the show and massively boosted her already substantial fan base.
Reality Shows and Other Appearances
Rashami is one of the most prolific reality show participants in Indian television. Her versatility across comedy, dance, stunts, and social experiments is unmatched among her peers.
Reality Shows Participated In:
| Show | Year | Platform/Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Comedy Circus Mahasangram | 2010 | Sony TV |
| Zara Nachke Dikha 2 | 2010 | Sony TV |
| Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala | 2011 | Sony TV |
| Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 | 2012 | Colors TV |
| Kahaani Comedy Circus Ki | 2012 | Sony TV |
| Khatron Ke Khiladi 6 | 2015 | Colors TV |
| Nach Baliye 7 | 2015 | Star Plus |
| Bigg Boss 13 | 2019–2020 | Colors TV |
| Bigg Boss 15 | 2021–2022 | Colors TV |
Films and Bollywood Appearances
Rashami made a special cameo appearance in the blockbuster Bollywood film Dabangg 2 in 2012 alongside Salman Khan. While the cameo was brief, it introduced her to a massive film audience.
Her regional film work spans multiple language industries including Bhojpuri, Bengali, Assamese, and Manipuri. She appeared in the Assamese film Kanyadaan alongside Jatin Bora.
In 2025, she appeared in the film Hisaab Barabar, marking her continued push to establish herself in the film world. She has also starred in Mission Laila alongside Rajpal Yadav and Bhavin Bhanushali.
OTT and Web Debut
Rashami made her OTT debut with the short film Tamas, which released on ZEE5 in 2020. While critically the execution received mixed reviews, it marked an important milestone in her career transition to digital platforms.
She also made her web series debut with the thriller Tandoor, taking on a bold and challenging role. In 2025, she starred in the micro-drama web series Roadpati Bana Crorepati on Kuku TV and Kuku FM alongside Karanvir Bohra, which released on 22 September 2025.
Her OTT appearances show that Rashami is actively working to build a parallel career in the streaming space alongside her television work.
Music Videos
Apart from acting, Rashami has been a popular presence in Hindi music videos. She appeared in a music video with Rahul Vaidya in 2021 titled Zindagi Khafa Khafa.
In 2025 alone, she featured in multiple music videos. In July 2025, she appeared in Rajj Rajj Nachan featuring Shiv Thakare released by Doss Music, and in Juda Hona Hai released by Venus Originals. In November 2025, she featured in the devotional music video Kanha Krishna Murari alongside Shiv Thakare.
These music videos have helped keep her highly visible on digital platforms and have expanded her fan base among younger audiences.
Rashami Desai Marriage and Divorce
Rashami Desai met actor Nandish Sandhu on the sets of Uttaran. The two fell in love while working together on the show.
They got married on 12 February 2012 in Dholpur. It was a celebrated union as both were popular TV stars at the time and had a strong fan following.
However, the marriage hit rough patches. Rashami has spoken about facing emotional abuse during the marriage. Nandish denied these allegations. The couple separated in 2014, officially filed for divorce in 2015, and their divorce was finalised in 2016.
She has remained single since the divorce and has been focused on her career. As of 2026, Rashami Desai is not married and there is no confirmed new relationship.
Relationship History and Personal Life
After her divorce from Nandish Sandhu, Rashami was linked romantically with Arhaan Khan, whom she met during Bigg Boss 13. She accepted his proposal inside the Bigg Boss house.
The relationship ended abruptly after Salman Khan revealed on national television that Arhaan was already married and had a child, which Rashami was reportedly unaware of.
Rashami has been candid about the emotional difficulty of this period. She described it as a painful betrayal and moved forward with strength and dignity.
She has spoken in interviews about not rushing into any new relationship and prioritising her personal well-being and professional goals above everything else.
Family Background
Rashami’s mother, Rasila Desai, is her biggest pillar of support and has been present at many of her major career milestones. Her father Ajay Desai passed away when she was young, leaving her mother to raise the family alone.
She has spoken about how her mother’s strength and sacrifices shaped her own resilience and work ethic. Rasila Desai is often seen in media appearances and reality show episodes supporting her daughter.
Rashami is an animal lover and has a pet dog named Oreo who regularly appears on her social media posts.
Awards and Recognitions
Rashami has won multiple prestigious awards throughout her career. The most notable are her two Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards and her Gold Awards.
Key Awards:
| Award | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| ITA Award | Best Actress Popular (Uttaran) | 2010 |
| Indian Telly Award | Best Actress in Negative Role Popular | 2010 |
| Gold Award | Best Actress | Multiple years |
| Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 | First Runner-Up | 2012 |
Rashami Desai Net Worth 2026
Rashami Desai net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between ₹20 crore and ₹25 crore. This figure reflects her income from multiple streams built over nearly two decades in the entertainment industry.
She earns from television serial fees, reality show appearance fees, brand endorsements, film roles, music video appearances, and social media collaborations. Reports suggest she charged over ₹2.5 crore alone for her participation in Bigg Boss 13.
She owns five apartments in Mumbai and has a collection of premium cars. Her social media presence with over 3 million Instagram followers adds a significant income stream through brand partnerships.
Estimated Net Worth Breakdown:
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution |
|---|---|
| Television serials | Primary income |
| Reality shows | ₹1–3 crore per season |
| Brand endorsements | ₹50 lakh–1 crore per year |
| Films and OTT | Growing source |
| Music videos | Secondary income |
| Social media collaborations | ₹30–50 lakh per year |
| Total Net Worth (2026) | ₹20–25 Crore (estimated) |
Social Media Presence
Rashami is highly active on social media and has built a large and engaged following. Her Instagram handle @imrashamidesai has over 3 million followers.
She uses Instagram to share updates about her projects, behind-the-scenes moments, fitness and fashion posts, and glimpses of her personal life. Her social media personality is warm, authentic, and deeply connected with her fanbase.
Her estimated annual income from Instagram and YouTube combined is reported to be in the range of $668,000 to $918,000, making social media a serious income stream.
Rashami Desai in 2025 and 2026
Rashami has remained professionally active through 2025 and into 2026. She appeared in the web series Roadpati Bana Crorepati in September 2025.
She featured in multiple music videos in mid to late 2025, including Rajj Rajj Nachan, Juda Hona Hai, and the devotional Kanha Krishna Murari alongside Shiv Thakare. She also appeared in a song launch event for Kanha Krishna Murari with Hema Sharma and others in December 2025.
In 2025, she also gave interviews expressing her desire to do more film work, stating that TV actors still need to prove themselves in cinema. Her film Hisaab Barabar marked a solid step in that direction.
Interesting Facts About Rashami Desai
Rashami is a trained Kathak and Bharatnatyam dancer, having started classical dance training in her early years.
She was diagnosed with psoriasis in 2019 and spoke publicly about the condition to raise awareness.
Her Instagram handle Oreo, her pet dog, frequently appears on her feed and is a fan favourite.
She considers cooking and travelling among her favourite hobbies alongside fitness and dancing.
Her school was Ulubari High School in Assam, and she later moved to Mumbai for her college education and acting career.
She is known to be one of the highest-paid television actresses in India and reportedly owns premium real estate across Mumbai.
Despite changing her name twice (from Shivani to Divya to Rashami), her fans know her simply as Rashami and have stayed loyal through every phase of her career.
Controversies
Rashami has faced her share of controversies, most of them revolving around her personal life rather than her professional conduct.
Her marriage to Nandish Sandhu ended with mutual allegations. Rashami accused Nandish of emotional abuse for three years, claims he denied. The public back-and-forth kept them both in the headlines long after the divorce.
Her relationship with Arhaan Khan on Bigg Boss 13 and the subsequent revelations made by Salman Khan on national TV generated enormous media attention and public sympathy for Rashami.
Despite these controversies, she has consistently handled herself with dignity and returned the focus to her work.
Rashami Desai as a Dancer
Rashami is genuinely accomplished as a dancer, not just as an actress. Her training in Kathak and Bharatnatyam gives her performances a grace that sets her apart from many of her contemporaries.
Her participation in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 showcased her dance skills to a national audience and earned her the first runner-up position, a major achievement in what is India’s most celebrated dance reality competition.
She continues to incorporate dance into her music video appearances and public performances, keeping this skill very much at the forefront of her public image.
Philanthropy and Social Causes
Rashami is known to support various social causes. Her 2019 show Chalo Saaf Karein on DD National was launched alongside the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation as part of a campaign to promote cleanliness and sanitation across India.
In the show, she played Palak, an ambitious Delhi University graduate and follower of Gandhian ideology working to open a school in her village. This project reflected her willingness to use her platform for social messaging.
She has also walked the ramp for charity events, including a fashion show to raise funds for cancer patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Rashami Desai’s age in 2026?
Rashami Desai age in 2026 is 40 years. She was born on 13 February 1986 in Nagaon, Assam.
What is Rashami Desai’s real name?
Her real birth name is Shivani Desai. She was later called Divya Desai and renamed Rashami by a numerologist in 2008.
Who is Rashami Desai’s husband?
Rashami Desai was married to actor Nandish Sandhu in February 2012. They separated in 2014 and their divorce was finalised in 2016. She is currently single.
What is Rashami Desai’s net worth in 2026?
Her estimated net worth in 2026 is between ₹20 crore and ₹25 crore, earned through TV serials, reality shows, brand endorsements, films, and social media.
What is Rashami Desai most famous for?
She is best known for playing Tapasya Thakur in the Colors TV serial Uttaran from 2009 to 2014 and for her appearance on Bigg Boss 13 in 2019.
Did Rashami Desai win Bigg Boss 13?
No, she did not win. She finished as the third runner-up in Bigg Boss 13. The season was won by Sidharth Shukla.
Is Rashami Desai on Instagram?
Yes, her Instagram handle is @imrashamidesai. She has over 3 million followers and is regularly active on the platform.
What are Rashami Desai’s recent projects in 2025 and 2026?
She starred in the web series Roadpati Bana Crorepati in September 2025, appeared in multiple music videos, and featured in the film Hisaab Barabar.
What is Rashami Desai’s height and weight?
Rashami Desai is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall and weighs approximately 55 kg.
Does Rashami Desai have children?
No, Rashami Desai does not have any children as of 2026.
Conclusion
Rashami Desai age of 40 in 2026 is a milestone that reflects two decades of relentless hard work, resilience, and reinvention.
From a young girl in Assam who lost her father early and grew up in financial struggle to one of India’s most recognised television stars, her journey is genuinely inspiring.
Her iconic role as Tapasya in Uttaran, her fearless appearances on Bigg Boss 13 and 15, her growing OTT presence, and her consistent music video work all point to a career that refuses to slow down.
With a net worth of ₹20–25 crore and millions of loyal fans, Rashami Desai remains a powerhouse of Indian entertainment in 2026.
