Rashami Desai is one of those rare television actresses who has lived more drama off-screen than on it. From ruling the small screen as the iconic Tapasya Thakur in Uttaran to facing a public breakup on national television, her journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. But what truly sets her apart is her resilience—she went from sleeping in her car with crores of debt to becoming a multi-millionaire actress with assets worth over Rs 15 crore.
In 2026, Rashami continues to make headlines. She’s gearing up for her new show Sayonee on Star Plus, dismissing rumours about Lock Upp 2, and even making a foray into brand entrepreneurship with Raaga Desai.
Let’s dive deep into the life of this powerhouse performer—her career, her relationships, her controversies, and everything in between.
Quick Info Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shivani Desai (born as) |
| Stage Name | Rashami Desai |
| Date of Birth | 13 February 1986 |
| Age | 40 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Nagaon, Assam, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Gujarati |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Nandish Sandhu (m. 2011–2016) |
| Ex-Boyfriend | Arhaan Khan (2018–2020) |
| Notable Works | Uttaran, Dil Se Dil Tak, Bigg Boss 13, Naagin series |
| Net Worth | Rs 11–15 crore (approx.) |
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′ 4″ (approx. 163 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Distinctive Feature | Trained classical dancer |
Biography
Early Life
Rashami Desai was born as Shivani Desai on 13 February 1986 in the town of Nagaon, Assam. Despite being born in Assam, she belongs to a Gujarati family, which gave her a unique cultural blend right from childhood.
Tragedy struck early when she lost her father at a young age. Her mother, a teacher, single-handedly raised Rashami and her brother, Gaurav Desai.
Education
Rashami completed her schooling from Ulubari High School in Assam before moving to Mumbai for higher studies. She pursued a diploma in Tours and Travels from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai—a decision that would later prove crucial when she got her first acting break while studying there.
Beyond academics, Rashami was a trained classical dancer, learning Kathak and Bharatnatyam from a young age. This training would later serve her well in reality dance shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Nach Baliye.
Career Journey
Film Debut and Early Years (2002–2006)
Rashami began her acting career in regional cinema. She made her debut in the 2002 Assamese film Kanyadaan. In 2004, she made her Bollywood debut with Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Raveena Tandon—crediting her as Divya Desai.
She also worked extensively in Bhojpuri cinema, including the National Award-winning film Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar (2005).
Television Breakthrough (2006–2008)
Rashami made her television debut in 2006 with the mythological drama Raavan on Zee TV, playing Queen Mandodari. In 2008, she got her first big break with a dual role in Star One’s Pari Hoon Main.
The Uttaran Era and Stardom (2009–2016)
This was the role that changed everything. Rashami played Tapasya Thakur in Colors TV’s long-running soap Uttaran (2009–2014). The show made her a household name and established her as one of the highest-paid television actresses in India.
For her performance, she won the ITA Award for Best Actress Popular and the Indian Telly Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role in 2010.
During this period, she also participated in several reality shows:
- Zara Nachke Dikha 2 (2010) – Winner
- Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 (2012) – First runner-up
- Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6 (2015)
- Nach Baliye 7 (2015) – First runners-up (with ex-husband Nandish Sandhu)
She also made a cameo in Salman Khan’s Dabangg 2 (2012).
Dil Se Dil Tak and Bigg Boss 13 (2017–2020)
In 2017, Rashami starred in Dil Se Dil Tak as Shorvari Bhanushali, alongside Sidharth Shukla and Jasmin Bhasin. The show is remembered not just for its storyline but for the off-screen tension between Rashami and Sidharth—they reportedly didn’t speak for nine months during the shoot.
In 2019, she entered Bigg Boss 13 as a contestant. The season became one of the most-watched in Indian television history, and Rashami emerged as the third runner-up. The show also exposed her personal life in the most dramatic way possible—more on that later.
Recent Work and Current Projects (2021–2026)
Rashami has successfully transitioned to web series and regional films:
- 2021: Made her web debut with Tandoor
- 2021–22: Returned to Bigg Boss 15 as a wildcard contestant, finishing as fifth runner-up
- 2022: Cameo in Naagin 6
- 2024: Bollywood film JNU: Jahangir National University
- 2025: Gujarati film Mom Tane Nai Samjay; web series Hisaab Barabar
- 2026: Gearing up for new show Sayonee, premiering September 23 on Star Plus and JioHotstar
Speaking about Sayonee, Rashami said: “I had been planning to visit Neem Karoli Baba for quite some time, and with Sayonee now getting ready to reach the audience, I felt there couldn’t have been a better time. Visiting Neem Karoli Baba before this new beginning felt very peaceful.”
She has also dismissed rumours of joining Lock Upp 2, calling them “baseless”.
Personal Life
How many times did Rashami Desai get married?
Rashami Desai has been married once. She married her Uttaran co-star Nandish Sandhu on 12 February 2011 in Ghaziabad.
The couple separated in 2014, filed for divorce in 2015, and it was finalised in March 2016. Reports suggest the marriage ended due to compatibility issues and the couple not being in sync with each other.
In 2025, Nandish Sandhu announced his engagement to actress Kavita Banerjee, officially moving on from his past with Rashami.
Did Sidharth Shukla date Rashami Desai?
This question has been the subject of intense speculation for years. Here’s the truth:
No, Rashami Desai and Sidharth Shukla never dated. Despite rumors and speculation, Rashami has clearly denied dating the late actor. However, they did share a complex, love-hate relationship.
While working on Dil Se Dil Tak, their differences became so intense that they didn’t speak to each other for nine months. Rashami recalled: “Our differences were so strong that we could not see each other’s faces.”
Despite the bitterness, Rashami has spoken warmly about Sidharth posthumously: “Sidharth was a wonderful and very knowledgeable co-actor. He had a good heart too. We would communicate through our eyes; it was a very unsaid equation between us which I also respected.”
Are Arhaan Khan and Rashami Desai still together?
No, they are not together. Their relationship ended in 2020, shortly after Bigg Boss 13.
Rashami met Arhaan Khan in 2018, and they entered Bigg Boss 13 as a couple. During the show, Arhaan proposed to her, and she accepted.
However, host Salman Khan made a shocking revelation on national television—Arhaan was already married and had a child, which he had kept secret from Rashami. A visibly stunned Rashami reacted in disbelief, asking Arhaan, “You have a child?”
Arhaan later claimed that Salman’s words caused “huge damage” to his life.
Who was Rashami Desai’s ex-boyfriend?
Rashami Desai has had two major relationships:
- Nandish Sandhu – Her ex-husband (married 2011–2016)
- Arhaan Khan – Her ex-boyfriend (2018–2020)
She has been single since her breakup with Arhaan in 2020. In a recent interview, she revealed that her parents are looking for alliances, but she’s in no hurry: “I believe the right person will come into my life at the right time. I don’t know about love, but I have dialled the wrong number many times. I think God has not made a boy for me.”
Family Details
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Deceased (passed away when Rashami was young) |
| Mother | Teacher, raised Rashami and her brother single-handedly |
| Brother | Gaurav Desai |
| Ex-Husband | Nandish Sandhu (m. 2011–2016) |
| Ex-Boyfriend | Arhaan Khan (2018–2020) |
Net Worth and Lifestyle
What is Rashami Desai’s net worth?
Rashami Desai’s net worth is estimated to be between Rs 11–15 crore.
But her journey to this wealth is nothing short of inspirational.
The Dark Phase
After her divorce from Nandish Sandhu, Rashami hit rock bottom:
- She was burdened with Rs 3.5 crore in debt
- She spent four days sleeping in her Audi A6 car
- She ate Rs 20 meals with rickshaw pullers
- Her show Uttaran was cancelled, and she even had thoughts of suicide
She participated in Bigg Boss 13 purely for financial reasons because she was in desperate need of money.
The Comeback
Today, Rashami owns multiple apartments and luxury cars. She has rebuilt her career through various projects, including Dil Se Dil Tak, Bigg Boss 13, and multiple brand endorsements.
In 2026, she became the founder of Raaga Desai, her own brand. She also endorsed JioMart and Glamveda.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Acting | Television, films, and web series |
| Brand Endorsements | JioMart, Glamveda, Wheel (with Salman Khan) |
| Entrepreneurship | Founder of Raaga Desai |
| Estimated Net Worth | Rs 11–15 crore |
| Assets | Multiple apartments, luxury cars |
Cars and Lifestyle
Rashami has a taste for luxury. While she once slept in her Audi A6 during her struggling days, today she owns multiple high-end vehicles. She frequently shares glimpses of her lifestyle on Instagram—from traditional ethnic wear to chic modern outfits, she knows how to make a statement.
Her mantra in life these days? “When in doubt, Garba it out.”
Controversies
1. The Bigg Boss 13 Arhaan Khan Revelation
This remains the biggest controversy of Rashami’s career. Salman Khan exposed Arhaan Khan’s secret marriage and child on national television, leaving Rashami shocked and heartbroken.
Arhaan later claimed the revelation caused “huge damage” to his life and expressed disappointment that Salman didn’t hear his side first.
2. The Sidharth Shukla Feud
Rashami and Sidharth’s constant arguments on Bigg Boss 13 became one of the most talked-about aspects of the season. Their nine-month silence during Dil Se Dil Tak added fuel to the fire.
3. Blocking Her Mother
During a difficult phase, Rashami reportedly blocked her mother. She later opened up about this, citing family strain during her struggling years.
4. The AI-Generated Political Post
In January 2026, Rashami deleted an AI-generated post featuring political leaders Amit Shah and Mamata Banerjee after receiving a communication expressing concern.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Classical Dancer: Rashami is a trained Kathak and Bharatnatyam dancer.
- Highest-Paid: In 2013, 2014, and 2018, she was among the highest-paid television actresses in India.
- First Indian TV Actor on Google Cameo: In 2020, she became the first Indian television actor to collaborate with Google for cameos.
- Name Changes: She was born as Shivani Desai, also credited as Divya Desai in some films.
- Debt Story: At her lowest point, she had Rs 3.5 crore in debt and slept in her car.
- Philanthropy: She has walked the ramp for charity events, including for cancer patients and the Smile Foundation.
- Swachh Survekshan: She was part of the 2017 initiative for a cleaner India.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @imrashamidesai | Millions | |
| Twitter/X | Active | |
| Active |
Rashami frequently shares her traditional looks, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal reflections on Instagram. Her estimated monthly income from Instagram is reported to be between $26 and higher.
FAQs
1. Who is Rashami Desai?
A: Rashami Desai is a popular Indian television and film actress known for her iconic role as Tapasya Thakur in the long-running soap opera Uttaran. She is also known for her appearances on Bigg Boss 13 and Bigg Boss 15.
2. Why is Rashami Desai famous?
A: Rashami Desai shot to fame with her role as Tapasya Thakur in Uttaran (2009–2014). She is also famous for her participation in Bigg Boss 13, where she became the third runner-up and was involved in several high-profile controversies.
3. What is Rashami Desai’s net worth?
4. Is Rashami Desai in a relationship?
5. What controversies is Rashami Desai involved in?
A: Rashami has been at the centre of several controversies, including Salman Khan exposing her ex-boyfriend Arhaan Khan’s secret marriage on Bigg Boss 13, her public feud with Sidharth Shukla, and an AI-generated political post she had to delete in 2026.
6. Did Rashami Desai and Sidharth Shukla date?
A: No, Rashami Desai has denied dating Sidharth Shukla. However, they shared a complex, strained relationship during their time on Dil Se Dil Tak and Bigg Boss 13, reportedly not speaking for nine months.
7. Are Arhaan Khan and Rashami Desai still together?
A: No, Rashami Desai and Arhaan Khan broke up in 2020 after Salman Khan revealed on Bigg Boss 13 that Arhaan was already married and had a child, which he had kept secret from Rashami.
Conclusion
Rashami Desai’s story is one of extreme highs and devastating lows. From ruling television as the iconic Tapasya to sleeping in her car with crores of debt, she has lived a life that could fill multiple soap operas. Yet, she never gave up.
Today, at 40, she’s stronger than ever—expanding her brand, taking on meaningful projects, and continuing to inspire millions. As she prepares for the premiere of Sayonee in September 2026, one thing is clear: Rashami Desai is not just surviving; she’s thriving.
About the Author: This article was written by the editorial team at Husbandsbio, bringing you in-depth biographies of celebrities, influencers, and public figures.
