Rakhi Sawant: A Bold and Versatile Entertainer
Rakhi Sawant (also known as Fatima Durrani; born Neeru Bheda; 25 November 1978) is an Indian dancer, model, actress, and television talk show host, who has appeared in many of Hindi films and a few Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, and Tamil films. She was a contestant on the first season of the Indian reality television series Big Boss 1 (2006) and a challenger and finalist in Big Boss 14 (2020) furthermore was the prospective bride in Season 1 of the Swayamvar TV series. Sawant has established herself as a sex symbol in Bollywood. She has a huge fan following of 9.5Million on Instagram and 1.4Million fan followers on Facebook.
Biography
Rakhi is a well-known celebrity in India. She gathered fame through her work in acting and dancing. Sawant was born on November 25, 1978, in Mumbai, India, Rakhi is now 44 years old. Her height is about 5 feet 4 inches.
Rakhi was born and brought up in Mumbai, India. She has been a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry. Sawant was a contestant on the first season of the Indian reality television series Big Boss 1 (2006) and a challenger and finalist in Bigg Boss 14 (2020). She was the prospective bride in Season 1 of the Swayamvar TV series. Sawant has established herself as a sex symbol in Bollywood.
| Real Name | Neeru Bheda |
| Born | 25 November 1978 (age 44) Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Religion | She was born into a Hindu family, but she follows Christianity and Islam |
| Other names | Fatima Durrani |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches |
| Profession | Dancer Model Actress Television Talk show Host |
| Years active | 1997– present |
| Political party | Republican Party of India (A) |
| Spouses | Elesh Parujanwala Ritesh Singh Adil Khan Durrani |
| Mother name | Maya Bheda |
| Father name | Anand Sawant |
| Address | B2/501, Serenity Complex, New Link Road, Oshiwara, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400058 |
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian |
| Rakhi Sawant Net Worth | $1-$5 Million |
Physical Stats & More
She has vibrant and bold physical stats, that’s why she is the center of attraction throughout the media.
| Height (approx.) | In centimeters- 160 cm In meters- 1.60 m In feet inches- 5’ 3” |
| Weight (approx.) | In kilograms- 60.5 kg In pounds- 133 lbs. |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 37-29-37 |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Social Media Accounts
She is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where she shares updates and interacts with her fans.
Zodiac Sign
Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius like Ariel Rebecca Martin, Tamanna Bhatia, Wahaj Ali, Hande Ercel, and Pragati Verma. Moreover, Rakhi has some great qualities with her star sign as she is loyal, smart, assertive, and compassionate personality.
Family
Rakhi comes from a middle-class family in Mumbai. She has a brother named Rakesh Sawant, who is also associated with the entertainment industry.
| Husband/Spouse | First Husband – Ritesh Second Husband – Adil Durani |
| Parents | Father – Anand Sawant Mother – Maya Bheda |
| Brother | Rakesh Sawant |
| Sister | Usha Sawant |
Early Age & Education
During her early years, Rakhi Sawant showed an interest in the world of entertainment. She attended school in Mumbai and pursued her passion for dance and performing arts.
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| School | Goklibai High School, Mumbai |
| College | University Mithibai College, Mumbai |
Career
Rakhi started her career as a dancer, making music videos moreover She later took up acting and appeared in Bollywood films and reality TV shows.
Beginning of Career
Sawant made her film debut in 1997 as Ruhi Sawant in Agni Chakra. As well as that she went on to do other small roles and numerous dancing in Bollywood films like Joru Ka Ghulam, Jis Desh Main Ganga Rehta Hain, and Yeh Raste Hain Pyar Ke.
In 2003, Rakhi auditioned for an object number in the Bollywood film Chura Liya Hai Tumne. In addition to this she auditioned around four times before being selected for the breakthrough item number “Mohabbat Hai Mirchi” composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Furthermore, Rakhi played minor roles in films like Masti and Main Hoo Na.
Television
Rakhi gained immense attention by appearing in reality TV shows, Movies and songs. Obviously, her outspoken style and unique personality make her a standout competitor in these events.
In June 2006, Meka Singh tried to kiss her at her birthday party, sparking a media frenzy. In 2007, Rakhi founded Venus Records and Tapes Pvt. Ltd. Along with she later participated in the dance reality show Nach Baliye with Abhishek Awasthi and appeared as the first runner-up. In 2010, Sawant hosted a talk show called Rakhi Ka Insaf which aired on Imagine TV. The show became controversial after the death of one of the participants when Rakhi called him helpless. In 2011, she participated in Sony TV’s Maa Exchange along with her mother Jaya Sawant.
In 2013, Sawant participated in Welcome Bazi Mehman Nawaz Ki with Anchal Sabharwal, Sangram Singh, Chetan Hansraj & Madhura Nayak. The show aired on Life OK. She was later a competitor in the Bucks Cricket League. Later, Sawant starred in the thriller Ek Kahani Julie Ki and made a cameo in the television comedy show Bhaag Bakool Bhaag.
From 2020 to 2021, Rakhi was seen as a contestant on Big Boss 14. She appeared in the final but decided to walk out with a cash prize of 14 lakh.
| YEAR | FILMS |
| 1997 | Agnichakra |
| 1999 | Dill ka Sauda |
| 2000 | Kurukshetra Joru ka Gulam Jis Desh Ma Ganga Rehta Ha |
| 2001 | Ehsaas The Feeling Teen |
| 2002 | Badmash No 1 |
| 2003 | Dum Chura Liya Ha Tumne OM Bad Boys 2 October Path Wah Tera Kiya Kehna |
| 2004 | Gambeeram Paisa Wasool Masti Sanam Teri Qasam Main Hoon Na |
| 2005 | Mumbai Express Khamosh Khof KI Rat |
| 2007 | Shootout at lokhandwala Journey Bombay To Goa Buddha Mar Gya |
| 2008 | Gumnam- The Mystery Dhoom Dharaka |
| 2009 | Dill Boly Hadippa |
| 2010 | Mungilal Rocks |
| 2011 | Mere Brother ki Dulhan |
| 2015 | Mumbai can Dance Sala |
| 2016 | Ek Khani Jullie Ki |
| 2019 | Upeksha |
TV Shows
Rakhi Sawant gained immense attention by appearing in reality TV shows.
| YEAR | TITTLE |
| 2006-2007 | Big BOSS 1 |
| 2007 | Comedy Ka Badshah Hassy ga India Nach Baliye 3 |
| 2008 | Yeh Hai Jalwa The Rakhi Sawant Show Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka Jalwa Four 2 Ka 1 |
| 2009 | Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano Rakhi Ka Swayamvar Pati Patni Aur Woh |
| 2010 | Zara Nachke Dekha 2 Rakhi Ka Insaaf |
| 2011 | Maa Exchange Jubilee Comedy Circus Bigg Boss Ghazab Desh Ki A jab Khaniyan |
| 2013 | Welcome Bazi Mehman Nawazi Ki Comedy Circus Mahabali |
| 2014 | Box Cricket League- Season 1 Box Cricket League- Season 3 Juzzbat-Namkeen Se Sangeen Tak |
| 2018 | Manmohini Khatra Khatra Khatra Box Cricket League- Season 4 |
| 2019 | Big Boss 14 |
| 2020-2021 | Madam Sir Hero Gaib Mode On Wagle Ki Duniya Tera Yaar Hoon Mein Ziddi Dill Many Na |
| 2021-2022 | Big Boss 15 |
| 2022-2023 | Big Boss Marathi 4 |
Music videos
Rakhi Sawant gained great popularity with her debut songs.
| YEAR | SONG |
| 2003 | Jhumka Gira Re Remix Sweet Honey Mix |
| 2005 | Pardesiya Yeh Sach Hai Piya Remix |
| 2006 | Kajra Nite Remix |
| 2007 | Haadsa |
| 2008 | Tu Dissda |
| 2009 | Bhoot |
| 2010 | Jhagde |
| 2019 | Chappan Churi |
| 2021 | Dream Mein Entry |
| 2021 | Lockdown |
Awards
Rakhi has gained enough fans for her entertaining roles. Sawant has won a Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award 2019 for ‘Best Item Dancer In Bollywood’.
Net Worth
Sawant’s assets are estimated at INR 10-15 million. She makes money from her hobby projects, endorsements, and appearances.
Rakhi has one flat in Andheri and another in Juhu. Apart from these flats, she also owns a bungalow worth Rs 11 crore. Besides, she owns a very expensive car, a luxury Ford Endeavor priced at Rs 2.16 lakh.
| Movable Assets/Properties | INR 4.53 crore |
| Immovable Assets/Properties | INR 13.12 crore |
| Salary (approx.) | Rs. 10-12 lakhs |
| Net Worth (approx.) | Rs. 14 crores |
Source of Income
She made her debut in the film Fire Wheel in 1997. Since then, Sawant has appeared in several films and television series. Rakhi Sawant’s annual income is estimated to be around $500,000. Importantly this includes salaries from acting activities, as well as income from brand deals and endorsements.
Marital Status
Rakhi’s marital status has been the subject of media attention and speculation due to her various comments and actions.
In 2009, Sawant launched the reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamsevak in which she planned to choose her future husband through the ancient ritual of Swayamvar. On August 2, 2009, she chose her life partner, a contestant from Toronto, Canada, Elesh Parujanwala. However, a few months later, Rakhi announced that the couple had separated due to irreconcilable differences. After separation, she said in an interview that she got engaged to Elesh Parujanwala for money.
In mid-2019, Sawant got married to an NRI, Ritesh. Due to misunderstandings, she announced her separation from her husband Ritesh Singh on February 14, 2023. In May 2022, Rakhi married her boyfriend of few months, Adil Khan Durrani. Rakhi and Adil Khan Durrani’s marriage has been quite controversial. Furthermore, the actress revealed about her marriage after 7-8 months. Rakhi registered her marriage in May 2022 and also got married according to Islamic tradition. Meanwhile, when news of her marriage surfaced, Sawant told IANS, “This is not a fake marriage at all. First of all, the Nikah was done and all the procedures were followed and that Nikah was also registered.
Favorites
Her favorite things and preferences are widely known. Here is a glimpse of her favorites
| Favorite Food | Grilled Chicken Salad |
| Favorite Beverage(s) | Riviera Wine Tea Coconut Water |
| Favorite Actor(s) | Shah Rukh Khan Ranveer Singh |
| Favorite Actresses | Priyanka Chopra Sonakshi Sinha Deepika Padukone |
| Favorite Song | Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki |
| Favorite Jewlery | Diamond |
| Favorite Restaurant | Delicacy of China in Mumbai |
| Favorite Car Collection | Ford Endeavour |
| Favorite Destination | Switzerland |
Controversies
Rakhi is known to be part of controversies for her candidness and outspokenness. Furthermore, her words and actions often attract media attention and public discussion.
On April 4, 2017, she appeared in a Ludhiana court wearing a burka for making offensive remarks against sage Valmiki. Sawant was then joined by Rahul Jogi (born August 21, 1990), a member of the National Assembly of the Indian National Congress, who was heavily criticized for his performance.
Criticism started against Rakhi because she converted to Islam after the marriage to her boyfriend Adil Durrani, and people are also saying that she changed her name to Fatima but Adil initially rejected the marriage, but a few weeks later he agreed to marry Rakhi
Recently, she has been performing Umrah due to which she is a central topic of news and getting praise and trolling at the same time.
Interesting Facts
Apart from her entertainment career, Rakhi is known for her unique fashion sense, vibrant hairstyles, and bold appearances. She continues to be an intriguing personality in the Indian entertainment landscape.
Why is Rakhi Sawant popular?
She is a popular social media personality who constantly makes headlines for her controversies, bold fashion sense, dance videos and comments. Before ruling social media, she wins the hearts of millions with her talent as a dancer, actress and model.
What is the religion of Rakhi Sawant?
She converted to Islam after performing Umrah.
