Rashmi Desai family has always been at the heart of her inspiring journey — from a middle-class household in Assam to becoming one of Indian television’s most celebrated actresses.
Born as Shivani Desai on February 13, 1986, Rashami Desai rose to fame with her iconic portrayal of Tapasya in Colors TV’s Uttaran and has never looked back since.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shivani Ajay Desai (professionally Rashami Desai) |
| Real Birth Name | Divya Desai |
| Date of Birth | February 13, 1986 |
| Age (2026) | 40 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Nagaon (Nowgong), Assam, India |
| Hometown | Gujarat / Mumbai |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | Gujarati |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Dancer, TV Host |
| Debut Film | Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke (2004) |
| Debut TV Show | Raavan (2006, Zee TV) |
| Famous Role | Tapasya Thakur — Uttaran (Colors TV) |
| Father | Ajay Desai (deceased) |
| Mother | Rasila Desai |
| Brother | Gaurav Desai |
| Education | Diploma in Tours & Travels, Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg |
| Body Measurements | 35-27-36 inches |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Nandish Singh Sandhu (m. 2012 – div. 2016) |
| Relationship Status (2026) | Single |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹7–10 Crore (approx. $1 Million+) |
| Instagram Followers | 5.7 Million+ |
Who Is Rashami Desai?
Rashami Desai is one of Indian television’s most recognized and award-winning actresses. She has built a career spanning over two decades, working across Hindi, Bhojpuri, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, and Manipuri films and television serials.
She is best known for her role as Tapasya Raghuvendra Pratap Rathore in the long-running Colors TV serial Uttaran (2009–2014) — a performance that made her a household name across India.
Beyond fiction, she has proven herself as a strong reality TV personality through multiple seasons of Bigg Boss, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and Nach Baliye. She is a recipient of two Indian Television Academy Awards and multiple Gold Awards.
Rashmi Desai Family — A Complete Look
Father — Ajay Desai
Rashami Desai’s father’s name was Ajay Desai. Tragically, he passed away when Rashami was still very young — during her primary school years. His loss had a profound impact on the family and shaped Rashami’s determination and resilience from an early age.
Ajay Desai belonged to a Gujarati family and the family had roots in Gujarat, though they were living in Nagaon, Assam at the time of Rashami’s birth.
Mother — Rasila Desai
Rashami Desai’s mother’s name is Rasila Desai. After the death of Ajay Desai, Rasila became the backbone of the family — raising both Rashami and her brother Gaurav largely on her own.
Rasila Desai is someone Rashami speaks of with immense love and gratitude. In multiple interviews, Rashami has called her mother her biggest inspiration in life. It was also Rasila who consulted a numerologist and chose the name “Rashami” for her daughter after producers suggested a name change.
Rasila Desai also plays an active role in Rashami’s personal life. In recent interviews in 2025, Rashami revealed that her parents are actively searching for a prospective groom for her, showing the close bond the family maintains.
Brother — Gaurav Desai
Rashami Desai’s brother’s name is Gaurav Desai. The siblings share a close relationship, and Gaurav has been a constant pillar of support throughout Rashami’s career journey.
There is also a widely circulated misconception about Rashami having a daughter named Manya Sandhu. Rashami has personally clarified in interviews that Manya is actually her brother Gaurav’s daughter — her niece — and not her own child. She has no biological children.
Family Background
The Rashmi Desai family originally hails from Gujarat, making her a Gujarati by origin. However, she was born in Nagaon (Nowgong), Assam, where her family was based at the time.
After her father’s passing, the family relocated to Mumbai, where Rashami completed her education and eventually launched her entertainment career. Growing up in a middle-class household after losing her father early meant the family faced genuine financial challenges, which gave Rashami a strong sense of responsibility from a very young age.
Rashami Desai Real Name and Name Changes
Rashami Desai has had multiple names throughout her life, which often confuses fans looking her up.
Her birth name is Shivani Ajay Desai. She later began going by Divya Desai in her early career. In 2008, the producers of the TV show “Pari Hoon Main” suggested that the name “Divya” was not working in favor of the show and asked her to change it.
Her mother Rasila Desai then consulted a numerologist and chose the name “Rashami” — which was subsequently adopted professionally. Since then, she has been known as Rashami Desai across all her professional work.
Rashami Desai Age in 2026
Rashami Desai was born on February 13, 1986. As of 2026, Rashami Desai is 40 years old. She celebrated her 40th birthday on February 13, 2026.
Her zodiac sign is Aquarius, a sign associated with independence, creativity, and strong individuality — all traits that Rashami exemplifies both on-screen and in her personal life.
At 40, she remains one of the most active and relevant television personalities in India, continuing to work on new projects and maintaining a strong social media presence with over 5.7 million Instagram followers.
Rashami Desai Education
Rashami completed her primary education at JB Khot Primary School, Mumbai. She then went on to complete her secondary schooling in the city.
For higher education, she enrolled at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, where she pursued a Diploma in Tours and Travels. She reportedly secured her first acting assignment while still in the process of completing this diploma.
Her academic background, though not directly connected to performing arts, gave her a disciplined foundation. Her passion for dancing led her to train in Kathak and Bharatanatyam — classical Indian dance forms that she has cited as a significant part of her personality and performance style.
Rashami Desai Career Journey
Early Film Career (2002–2006)
Rashami Desai began her entertainment career remarkably early. Her first screen appearance was in the Assamese-language film Kanyadaan (2002) alongside Jatin Bora — a role she landed as a teenager while still pursuing her education.
She then made her Bollywood debut with the 2004 film “Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke” directed by Birendra Nath Tiwari, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Raveena Tandon. Though the film did not perform well at the box office, it gave Rashami invaluable industry exposure.
In 2005, she appeared in the Hindi film “Shabnam Mausi” alongside Ashutosh Rana and Vijay Raaz. The same year, she starred in the National Award-winning Bhojpuri film “Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar” — a landmark entry in the Bhojpuri film circuit.
She also worked in several popular Bhojpuri films including Balma Bada Nadaan, Gabbar Singh, Gazab Bhail Rama, Kangna Khanke Piya Ke Angna, and Tohse Pyar Ba — building a solid fanbase in the Bhojpuri-speaking belt.
Television Debut and Early Shows (2006–2008)
Rashami made her Hindi television debut in 2006 with the mythological serial “Raavan” on Zee TV, where she played the role of Queen Mandodari opposite Jay Soni. It was a powerful debut role that showcased her range as a performer.
In 2008, she landed her first major daily soap role in Star One’s “Pari Hoon Main”, directed by Ravi Chopra. She played a double role — Nikki Shrivastav and Pari Rai Choudhary — a challenging performance alongside Mohit Malik and Karan Veer Mehra. This was also the show during which she officially changed her name from Divya to Rashami.
She also briefly appeared in “Meet Mila De Rabba” on Sony TV in 2009 and played Priya in Star One’s “Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai” alongside Manish Paul.
Uttaran — The Career-Defining Role (2009–2014)
The biggest chapter of Rashami Desai’s career came in 2009 when she joined Colors TV’s long-running serial “Uttaran” as Tapasya Thakur — one of the most iconic and complex characters in Indian television history.
The serial followed the lives of two childhood friends, Ichcha and Tapasya, from different social classes. Tapasya was a rich girl manipulated by her grandmother, and Rashami’s portrayal of this layered, often negative character won her massive national recognition and fan following.
She played this role for an incredible five years (2009–2014), reportedly earning around ₹55,000 per episode at the height of the show’s popularity. It was on the sets of Uttaran that she also met co-star Nandish Sandhu, who later became her husband.
The show won her the Indian Television Academy Award and multiple Gold Awards — cementing her position as one of Indian television’s finest performers.
Dil Se Dil Tak and Further Shows (2017–2018)
After Uttaran concluded, Rashami returned to prime-time fiction with the love triangle “Dil Se Dil Tak” (2017–2018) on Colors TV, where she played the role of Shorvori. The show gave her another platform to showcase her versatility.
She also appeared in brief but impactful roles in Naagin 4 and Naagin 6 — two of Indian television’s most watched supernatural dramas.
Reality Show Journey
Rashami Desai is one of India’s most accomplished reality TV participants. Her journey across multiple high-profile reality formats has kept her continuously relevant:
Zara Nachke Dikha 2 (2010) — One of her earliest reality appearances.
Comedy Circus Mahasangram (2010) — Showed her comedic range.
Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala (2011) and Kahaani Comedy Circus Ki (2012) — Continued her comedy show run.
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 (2012) — A dance reality show where she showcased her classical dance training.
Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6 (2015) — Demonstrated physical courage and grit in the stunt-based reality show.
Nach Baliye 7 (2015) — Performed alongside her then-husband Nandish Sandhu in the dance couple reality show.
Bigg Boss 13 (2019–2020) — Her most talked-about reality show appearance, where she emerged as one of the finalists and reportedly earned approximately ₹1.2 Crore for her stay in the Bigg Boss house.
Bigg Boss 15 (2021–2022) — She returned to the Bigg Boss house for another season, further cementing her reality TV legacy.
Bollywood Appearances
In 2012, Rashami made a special cameo appearance in the blockbuster Bollywood film “Dabangg 2”, starring Salman Khan. This was a brief but high-visibility appearance in one of Bollywood’s biggest franchises.
She has also appeared in the OTT short film “Tamas” and made her web series debut with “Tandoor”, showing her willingness to explore newer digital platforms and content formats.
More recently, she appeared in “JNU: Jahangir National University” — one of her latest film projects that keeps her connected to mainstream cinema.
Hosting Career
Beyond acting, Rashami has also worked as a TV show host, presenting shows like “Crime Patrol” and “Kitchen Champion” — demonstrating a versatility that goes beyond just acting.
Rashami Desai Physical Appearance
Rashami Desai stands at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) and weighs approximately 58 kg (127 lbs). Her body measurements are 35-27-36 inches — a well-proportioned figure she maintains through dance, exercise, and a disciplined lifestyle.
She has natural black hair and black eyes. She is known for her elegant screen presence and her ability to carry both traditional Indian attire and modern fashion with equal grace.
She is a trained Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancer, which contributes significantly to her graceful posture and stage presence both on screen and in public appearances.
Rashami Desai Marriage, Divorce and Relationships
Marriage to Nandish Singh Sandhu (2012–2016)
Rashami Desai met actor Nandish Singh Sandhu on the sets of Uttaran, where they played important characters alongside each other. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life romance, and the couple married on February 12, 2012 in Dholpur, Rajasthan.
The wedding was a relatively private affair, kept largely away from the media spotlight initially. However, problems began arising in their marriage fairly soon after.
In 2014, the couple separated. They officially divorced in 2016, ending what had been a highly publicized marriage. Rashami later revealed on Paras Chhabra’s YouTube channel that she realized soon after the wedding that the marriage was a mistake.
She also suffered significant financial loss during this period — she had taken out a loan of ₹2.5 Crores to purchase a house as part of the relationship, which resulted in considerable financial hardship after the separation.
Relationship with Arhaan Khan (2018–2019)
After her divorce, Rashami was linked to actor Arhaan Khan, whom she met in 2018 and began dating. Their relationship became public knowledge, and they were seen together at multiple events.
However, during Bigg Boss 13 in 2019, host Salman Khan revealed on national television that Arhaan Khan was already married and had a child — news that Rashami was completely unaware of. The revelation was devastating and the relationship ended immediately.
Umar Riaz Rumours (Bigg Boss 15)
During Bigg Boss 15 (2021–2022), Rashami was rumoured to have developed feelings for co-contestant Umar Riaz. However, both Rashami and Umar firmly denied any romantic involvement, stating clearly that they were good friends and nothing more.
Rashami Desai Relationship Status in 2026
As of 2026, Rashami Desai is single and unmarried. She has spoken openly in recent interviews about her romantic future.
In a 2025 interview with IANS, she shared: “My family is looking for a good relationship. If I find a good boy, I can get married. But there is no hurry.” She also jokingly added that she feels God may have forgotten to make the right match for her.
She has made peace with her past relationships and is focused on her career, personal growth, and family. Her parents continue to search for a suitable partner for her through traditional matchmaking.
Rashami Desai Net Worth in 2026
How Much Is Rashami Desai Worth?
As of 2026, Rashami Desai’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹7–10 Crore (around $1 million USD). This wealth has been built over a career spanning more than two decades across films, television, and reality shows.
It is important to note that Rashami has never officially disclosed her financial details. All estimates are based on industry standards and media reports.
Per Episode Earnings
At the peak of her Uttaran days, Rashami was reportedly earning around ₹55,000 per episode. By the time of Bigg Boss 13, her remuneration had grown significantly — with reports suggesting she received approximately ₹1.2 Crore in total for her Bigg Boss 13 stint.
Sources of Income
Television Serials: Her primary income source has always been television, where she commands a premium per-episode fee as one of the industry’s established stars.
Reality Shows: Her repeated appearances on high-paying reality formats like Bigg Boss, Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa have contributed significantly to her earnings.
Brand Endorsements: With over 5.7 million Instagram followers, Rashami commands strong brand endorsement fees across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle categories.
Film and OTT Work: Her appearances in Bollywood films and web series add further to her income portfolio.
Hosting: Her TV hosting work for shows like Crime Patrol and Kitchen Champion represents another steady income stream.
Rashami Desai Awards and Achievements
Rashami Desai is one of the most decorated actresses in Indian television. Her trophy cabinet is a testament to her consistent excellence.
Indian Television Academy Award (ITA Award) — Won twice for her performances. One of the most prestigious honors in Indian TV.
Gold Award for Best Actress — Multiple Gold Awards recognizing her outstanding performance in Uttaran as Tapasya.
BIG Star Entertainment Award — For her work in Uttaran.
Zee Gold Award — Recognizing excellence in Indian television.
Runner-Up Recognition in Dance Shows — Promoted to runner-up position in multiple dance reality shows, acknowledging her classical dance skills.
Bigg Boss 13 Finalist — Her performance in Bigg Boss 13 as one of the finalists was widely praised by audiences and media alike.
Rashami Desai Health
In 2019, Rashami publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with psoriasis — a chronic skin condition. She spoke openly about her diagnosis at a time when public awareness about psoriasis in India was limited.
Her decision to speak about this health condition publicly was appreciated by fans and health advocates as it helped reduce stigma around the disease. She has managed her condition through medical treatment and lifestyle care.
Despite her health challenges, she has continued to work consistently and maintain her public presence without interruption.
Rashami Desai Social Media Presence
Rashami Desai is one of the most followed television actresses on Indian social media. Her digital presence is a key part of her ongoing public relevance.
Instagram: She has over 5.7 million followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts lifestyle content, fashion shots, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal moments.
Facebook: She has approximately 1.8 million followers on Facebook, maintaining an older fanbase that continues to follow her career.
Twitter/X: She has around 706,000 followers on Twitter, where she engages with fans and occasionally addresses media reports about her personal life.
Her strong social media engagement makes her an attractive partner for brands, and she regularly features paid promotions for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products.
Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts About Rashami Desai
Her original birth name was Shivani Ajay Desai, which was later changed to Divya Desai and then to Rashami — all with the input of numerologists.
Her father Ajay Desai passed away when she was still in primary school, leaving her mother Rasila to raise the family alone.
She secured her first acting role while still pursuing her diploma at Narsee Monjee College — making her one of the earliest starters in the Indian TV industry.
The National Award-winning Bhojpuri film “Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar” (2005) featured her in a significant role — giving her the distinction of being part of an award-winning film very early in her career.
Her pet dog is named Oreo, and she is known to be a passionate animal lover.
She suffered from psoriasis and became one of the early Indian TV celebrities to speak publicly about the condition.
She took out a loan of ₹2.5 Crores to purchase a house during her marriage to Nandish Sandhu and faced major financial loss when the marriage ended.
She is a trained Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancer — classical dance disciplines she pursued alongside her acting career.
Her mother Rasila Desai is actively involved in her life — both personally and professionally — and Rashami consistently credits her as her greatest source of strength.
The popular Dabangg 2 cameo in 2012 brought her mainstream Bollywood visibility alongside Salman Khan.
Rashami Desai and Uttaran — A Cultural Legacy
It is impossible to discuss Rashami Desai’s family story and career without returning to Uttaran. The show ran from 2009 to 2014 — five years — and created one of the most iconic character portrayals in Indian television history.
Tapasya Thakur, the complex antagonist of Uttaran, was a character that audiences simultaneously loved and hated. Rashami played her with such nuance that she became synonymous with the role even years after the show ended.
The show aired on Colors TV and attracted massive viewership during its peak. It was during this period that Rashami became one of the highest-paid actresses in Indian television, reportedly earning around ₹55,000 per episode.
Her on-screen chemistry with co-stars, her classical dance sequences, and her emotional performances in Uttaran remain among the most-watched clips on YouTube even today, long after the show concluded.
Rashami Desai 2026 — What She Is Doing Now
As of 2026, Rashami Desai is 40 years old, active in the entertainment industry, and continuing to explore new projects. She remains one of Indian television’s most bankable names despite the industry’s constant evolution.
She continues to maintain a strong social media presence with millions of followers across platforms and regularly collaborates with brands.
On the personal front, she is single and not in a publicly confirmed relationship. Her family — especially her mother Rasila and brother Gaurav — remain the central pillars of her life.
She has expressed openness to marriage when the right person comes along, but is in no hurry to rush into a relationship after her previous experiences.
Rashmi Desai Family — Quick Summary
The Rashmi Desai family consists of her late father Ajay Desai, her mother Rasila Desai, and her brother Gaurav Desai. The family has Gujarati roots but was based in Assam at the time of Rashami’s birth. After losing her father young, the family moved to Mumbai where Rashami grew up and built her career. Her niece Manya — often mistaken for her daughter — is actually Gaurav’s child. Rashami herself has no biological children and remains unmarried as of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is in Rashmi Desai’s family?
Rashmi Desai’s family consists of her late father Ajay Desai, her mother Rasila Desai, and her brother Gaurav Desai. The family originally has Gujarati roots and relocated to Mumbai after her father’s early death.
Who is Rashami Desai’s mother?
Rashami Desai’s mother’s name is Rasila Desai. She raised Rashami and her brother Gaurav on her own after the death of Ajay Desai and is Rashami’s biggest inspiration in life.
Is Rashami Desai married in 2026?
No, Rashami Desai is not married in 2026. She was previously married to actor Nandish Singh Sandhu from 2012 to 2016 before they divorced. She is currently single.
Who was Rashami Desai’s husband?
Rashami Desai’s ex-husband is Nandish Singh Sandhu, a television actor. They married on February 12, 2012 in Dholpur, Rajasthan, and divorced in 2016 after separating in 2014.
Does Rashami Desai have children?
No, Rashami Desai does not have any biological children. She has personally clarified that Manya Sandhu — often mistakenly called her daughter — is actually her brother Gaurav Desai’s daughter (her niece).
What is Rashami Desai’s net worth in 2026?
Rashami Desai’s estimated net worth in 2026 is ₹7–10 Crore (approximately $1 million USD), earned through television serials, reality shows, brand endorsements, films, and hosting work.
What is Rashami Desai’s real name?
Rashami Desai’s birth name is Shivani Ajay Desai. She later went by Divya Desai and then officially adopted the professional name Rashami Desai in 2008 on a numerologist’s advice during the show Pari Hoon Main.
What is Rashami Desai famous for?
Rashami Desai is most famous for playing Tapasya Thakur in Uttaran (2009–2014) on Colors TV. She is also well known for her appearances in Bigg Boss 13, Bigg Boss 15, Khatron Ke Khiladi 6, and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5.
What is Rashami Desai’s age in 2026?
Rashami Desai is 40 years old in 2026. She was born on February 13, 1986, and celebrated her 40th birthday in February 2026. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Who is Rashami Desai’s brother?
Rashami Desai’s brother’s name is Gaurav Desai. He has a daughter named Manya Sandhu, who is often mistakenly referred to as Rashami’s daughter in media reports. Rashami and Gaurav share a close family bond.
Conclusion
Rashmi Desai family — her late father Ajay, her devoted mother Rasila, and her brother Gaurav — has been the foundation of one of Indian television’s most remarkable success stories.
Born in Assam to a middle-class Gujarati family that lost its patriarch early, Rashami built herself up from regional Bhojpuri films to becoming a nationally recognized television icon with over 5.7 million Instagram followers and a net worth of ₹7–10 Crore.
At 40 in 2026, she is single, free-spirited, and still actively working. Her journey of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering dedication to her craft makes her one of the most genuinely inspiring personalities in Indian entertainment today.
