Shivani Desai (born 13 February 1986), professionally known as Rashami Desai, is an Indian television actress. Desai 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 in Indian films, Desai made her Hindi television debut with Ravan (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 (2021–2022). In this period, 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 born and brought in Mumbai and did her schooling and undergraduate there Rashami pursued a diploma degree in Tours and Travels from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai.
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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.
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.
Rashami Desai Measurements Height Weight Bra Size Age Biography
Acting debut in films
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 Gauna Hammar, that went on to win the National Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri.
Television debut and breakthrough
Desai made her television debut in 2006 with the mythological drama series Ravan 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.
Professional Expansion
In 2021, Desai made her web debut alongside Tanuj Virwani in Nivedita Basu-directed crime drama web series titled Tandoor. 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 wilcard 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.
Desai is scheduled to appear in the second season of Anil V Kumar’s hit anthology series Ratri Ke Yatri, that intends to throw an empathetic light on women from red light areas. Her segment also features Mohit Abrol and Abigail Pande in crucial roles. The show will be premiered on Hungama Play and MX Player.
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.
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Kanyadaan | |
| 2004 | Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke | Sheetal |
| Tulsi | Bhojpuri | |
| Balma Bada Nadaan | ||
| Hum Balbrahma Chaari Tu Kanya Kumari | ||
| 2005 | Gazab Bhail Rama | |
| Kab Hoi Gauna Hammar | Gauri | National Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri |
| Nadiya Ke Teer | ||
| Shabnam Mausi | Naina | Hindi |
| 2006 | Bambai Ki Laila Chapra Ka Chaila | |
| Gabbar Singh | ||
| Kable Aayee Bahaar | ||
| Kangna Khanke Piya Ke Angna | ||
| Pappu Ke Pyar Ho Gail | ||
| Sathi Sanghati | ||
| Tohse Pyar Ba | ||
| 2007 | Dulha Babu | |
| Sambar Salsa | English | |
| 2008 | Bandan Toote Na | |
| Pyar Jab Kehu Se Hoi Jala | ||
| Shahar Wali Jaan Mareli | ||
| 2009 | Hum Hai Gawaar | |
| 2010 | Sohagan Bana Da Sajana Hamaar | |
| Umariya Kaili Tohre Naam | ||
| 2012 | Dabangg 2 | Bride |
| 2017 | Superstar | Anjali Kapadia |
| Six X | Shweta Bhardwaj | Hindi |
| 2020 | Tamas | Saina/Sania |
Web series
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tandoor | Palak Sahni/Palak Sharma |
| 2022 | Ratri Ke Yatri | Ruby |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2006–2008 | Raavan | Mandodari |
| 2008 | Pari Hoon Main | Pari Rai Choudhary/Nikki Shrivastav |
| Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai | Priya | |
| 2009 | Meet Mila De Rabba | Dr. Meher Datta |
| 2009–2014 | Uttaran | Tapasya Thakur |
| 2010 | Comedy Circus 3 Ka Tadka | Contestant |
| Meethi Choori No 1 | Panelist | |
| Zara Nachke Dikha 2 | Contestant | Winner |
| Comedy Circus Ke SuperStars | Host | |
| 2012 | Haunted Nights | Shivani |
| Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 | Contestant | 1st runner-up |
| 2013 | Nautanki: The Comedy Theatre | Natkhat Sali |
| 2014 | CID | Sakshi |
| Savdhaan India | Mata | |
| 2015 | Nach Baliye 7 | Contestant |
| Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6 | 9th place | |
| Ishq Ka Rang Safed | Tulsi | |
| Romansa Cinta Uttaran | Tapasya | |
| 2016 | Adhuri Kahani Hamari | Preeti |
| Box Cricket League 2 | Contestant | |
| Mazaak Mazaak Mein | ||
| 2017–2018 | Dil Se Dil Tak | Shorvori Bhattacharya |
| 2017 | Rasoi Ki Jung Mummyon Ke Sung | Contestant |
| 2019 | Chalo Saaf Karein | Palak |
| 2019–2020 | Bigg Boss 13 | Contestant |
| 2020 | Naagin 4 | Nayantara/Shalaka |
| Ladies vs Gentlemen | Panelist | |
| 2021–2022 | Bigg Boss 15 | Contestant |
| 2022 | Naagin 6 | Shanglira/Shalaka |
Special appearances
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 | Herself |
| Dance India Dance 3 | ||
| Ratan Ka Rishta | ||
| 2012 | Bigg Boss 5 | |
| Movers & Shakers | ||
| 2013 | Bigg Boss 6 | |
| Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 | ||
| 2014 | Nach Baliye 6 | |
| 2015 | Jamai Raja | |
| Farah Ki Daawat | ||
| Pesbukers | ||
| 2016 | Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani | |
| 2017 | Bigg Boss 10 | |
| Ek Shringaar-Swabhiman | Shorvari | |
| Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki | ||
| Bigg Boss 11 | Herself | |
| Entertainment Ki Raat | ||
| 2018 | Tu Aashiqui | Shorvori |
| Belan Wali Bahu | ||
| MTV Ace of Space 1 | Herself | |
| Naagin 3 | ||
| 2019 | Khatra Khatra Khatra | |
| Kitchen Champion 5 | ||
| 2020 | Mujhse Shaadi Karoge | |
| Naagin 5 | Shalaka | |
| 2021 | Bigg Boss 14 | Herself |
| 2021 | Bigg Boss OTT | |
| 2022 | The Khatra Khatra Show |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Teri Ek Hassi | Jubin Nautiyal |
| 2016 | Sajna Ve | Monali Thakur and Dilip Soni |
| 2020 | Ab Kya Jaan Legi Meri | Palash Muchhal and Amit Mishra |
| 2021 | Kinna Sona | Rahul Vaidya |
| Subhan Allah | Altamash Faridi | |
| Zindagi Khafa Khafa | Rahul Vaidya | |
| 2022 | Qatilana | Ajay Keswani and Aakansha Sharma |
| Biraj Mein Jhoom | Anuradha Palakurthi Juju | |
| Tere Pind | Gurlez Akhtar and Fateh Shergill | |
| Parwah | Neha Bhasin | |
| Khayalat | Faisla Khan |