Rakhi Sawant

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Rakhi Sawant
Rakhi Sawant in 2019.jpg
Sawant in 2019
Born
Neeru Bheda

(1978-11-25) 25 November 1978 (age 45)
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Other namesFatima Adil Khan Durrani, Fatima Khan
Occupation
Years active1997– present
Political partyRepublican Party of India (A)
Spouse(s)
  • Ritesh Singh
    ​
    (
    m. 2019; div. 2022)
  • Adil Khan Duranni
    (
    m. 2022)

Rakhi Sawant (Fatima Adil Khan Duranni; born Neeru Bheda; 25 November 1978[1]) is an Indian dancer, model, actress and television talk show host, who has appeared in many Hindi and a few Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Telugu and Tamil films. She was a contestant on the first season of the Indian reality television series Bigg Boss 1 (2006) and a challenger and finalist in Bigg Boss 14 (2020).[2] Sawant has established herself as a sex symbol in Bollywood.[3][4]

Sawant launched her own political party, headed by Jai Shah, called the Rashtriya Aam Party, to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections.[5] However, after the election, she joined Republican Party of India (A).[6]

Early life[edit]

Rakhi was born as Neeru Bheda to Maya Bheda. Maya married Anand Sawant,[7] a police constable at Worli Police Station. She took the surname of her step-father.

Career[edit]

Career beginnings (1997–2005)[edit]

She made her film debut in the 1997 film Agnichakra under the name Ruhi Sawant. She went on to other small roles and dance numbers in Bollywood films Joru Ka Ghulam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain, and Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke.[8]

Rakhi Sawant performing at Nach Baliye 3 in Madhuri Dixit's famous getup.

In 2003, she auditioned for an item number in the Bollywood film Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne. She auditioned about four times before being selected for her breakthrough item number, "Mohabbat Hai Mirchi", composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Sawant acted in small roles in films including Masti and Main Hoon Na.

In 2005, she appeared in the music video "Pardesiya", from the album D.J. Hot Remix - Vol 3.

Television debut and success (2006–present)[edit]

In June 2006, Mika Singh attempted to kiss her at his birthday party, which caused a media controversy.[9] A few months later, she appeared in the first season of the reality show Bigg Boss. She got evicted in week 4 but later made a re- entry. She was among the top four finalists but got evicted days before the grand finale (24 January 2007, Day 84).[10][11] In 2007, Rakhi made her singing debut in the album Super Girl launched by Venus Records & Tapes Pvt. Ltd. She later participated in the dance reality show Nach Baliye with Abhishek Avasthi and emerged as the first runner up.[12] In 2008, Sawant appeared in the film Krazzy 4 for the item song 'Dekhta Hai Tu Kya'. In 2009, Sawant launched the reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamwar in which she planned to select her future husband by the ancient ritual of Swayamvar. On 2 August 2009 she chose her life partner, a contestant from Toronto, Canada, Elesh Parujanwala. However, several months later, Sawant announced that the couple had separated due to irreconcilable differences.[13] After separation she said on interview that she got engaged to Elesh Parujanwala for money.[14][15][16]

In 2010, Rakhi hosted a talk show Rakhi Ka Insaaf which aired on Imagine TV. The show saw a controversy after the death of a participant after Rakhi had called him impotent.[17] In 2011, she participated in Sony TV's Maa Exchange along with mother Jaya Sawant.

Often appearing in reality shows as a host, judge or participant, Sawant is a regular stage performer. In 2012, she did a comedy act with Shahrukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor at the 57th Filmfare Awards[citation needed] and entry dance performance in 2015 with Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor in Malaysia.[18]

In 2013, she participated in Welcome – Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki along with Anchal Sabharwal, Sangram Singh, Chetan Hansraj & Madhura Naik. The show aired on Life OK. She later was a contestant on Box Cricket League.

Sawant later played the leading role in thriller film Ek Kahani Julie Ki, and was seen in a cameo appearance in comedy fiction television series Bhaag Bakool Bhaag.[19]

From 2020 to 2021, Sawant appeared as a challenger in Bigg Boss 14. She emerged as a finalist but decided to walk out, opting for the cash prize of 14 lakhs.[20]

Political venture (2014–present)[edit]

On 26 March 2014, she announced her plans to contest 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North-West as an Independent Candidate.[21] On 28 March, she founded the Rashtriya Aam Party (RAP).[22][23] The party has no symbol assigned by the election commission. However, Sawant said that she's expecting[when?] it to be a "green chilli", which she feels resembles her personality.[24] The party's office bearers and fundraisers are local businessmen from Oshiwara.[24]

She received only 15 votes from the Mumbai North-West Constituency and lost her deposit.[25]

Sawant resigned from the Rashtriya Aam Party and joined the RPI (Athavale) party in June 2014 and expressed her desire to work for dalits.[26][27] Rakhi serves as party's state vice-president and president of the woman wing.[citation needed]

Personal life[edit]

In 2019, Sawant married an NRI man named Ritesh,[28][29] which soon ended in divorce in early 2022. In May 2022, she married her boyfriend of few months Adil Khan Durrani.[30][failed verification]

Injury[edit]

In November 2018, during The Great Khali's Continental Wrestling Entertainment promotion, American female wrestler Rebel got involved in a dance battle against Sawant, during which Rebel grabbed her in a bear hug and threw her on her back. It injured Sawant's back and she fell unconscious. She was taken to a nearby hospital.[31][32]

Controversy[edit]

On 4 April 2017, she was arrested by Punjab police about her remarks on Rishi Valmiki.[33][34]

Criticism began against Sawant when rumors spread over her conversion to Islam[35][36] after marrying her boyfriend Adil Durrani, with people even saying that she changed her name to Rakhi Sawant Fatima.[35] However Adil denied[37][38] the marriage at first but soon after some weeks he had accepted his marriage with Rakhi.[39][40][41]

Filmography[edit]

Films[edit]

Year Film Role Language
1997 Agnichakra Hindi
1999 Dil Ka Sauda Rambha Hindi
Chudail No. 1 Hindi
2000 Kurukshetra Geeta Hindi
Joru Ka Ghulam Chandni Hindi
Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain Hindi
2001 Ehsaas: The Feeling Hindi
6 Teens Nandini Telugu
2002 Badmaash No.1 Hindi
Gautam Govinda Hindi
Na Tum Jaano Na Hum Disco Shanti Hindi
2003 Dum Hindi
Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne Sheena Hindi
Om Celina Hindi
Bad Boys Hindi
2 October Hindi
Patth Hindi
Waah! Tera Kya Kehna Hindi
2004 Gambeeram Tamil
Paisa Vasool Dilkhush Hindi
Masti: Sanam Teri Kasam Ms. Saxena Hindi
Main Hoon Na Mini Hindi
Saatchya Aat Gharat Marathi
2005 Mumbai Xpress Hindi
Khamoshh... Khauff Ki Raat Kashmira Hindi
2007 Shootout at Lokhandwala Pooja Bedi Hindi
Journey Bombay to Goa: Laughter Unlimited Deepa Kutti Hindi
Buddha Mar Gaya Kim / Vishkanya Hindi
2008 Gumnaam – The Mystery Ria's friend Hindi
Dhoom Dadakka Rambha Hindi
2009 Dil Bole Hadippa! Shanno Amritsari Hindi
2010 Mungilal Rocks Hindi
2011 Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Herself (voice) Hindi
2015 Mumbai Can Dance Saala Hindi
2016 Ek Kahani Julie Ki Julie Hindi
2019 Upeksha Hindi

Dance numbers[edit]

Year Film Language Song Notes
2000 En Sakhiye Tamil
2001 Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke Hindi "Bam Bhole Bam Bhole"
2003 Aanch Hindi "Hai Re Umariya 16 baras Ki"
2004 Saatchya Aat Gharat Marathi "Hil Pori Hila"
Paisa Vasool Hindi "Maine Saiyan Ki Demand"
2005 Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena Hindi "Ankhiya Na Maar Mere Yaar Mundiya"
The Powerful Man Hindi "Chikna Badan"
2006 Hot Money Hindi "Daulat Hai Karishma"
Malamaal Weekly Hindi "Kismat Se Chalti Hai"
2007 Geleya Kannada "Nanna Stylu Berene"
2008 Krazzy 4 Hindi "Dekhta Hai Tu Kya"
1920 Hindi "Jab Das Jaaye Bichua"
Mudrank – The Stamp Hindi "Mohabbat Kya Hoti Hain" Unreleased
2009 Muthirai Tamil "Night Is Still Young"
Drona Telugu "Sayya Re Sayya Re"
2010 Horn 'Ok' Pleassss Hindi "Nathani Utaro" [42][43]
Marega Salaa Hindi "Sehra Sehra Tujhpe Dil"
2011 Gahraee Hindi "Meri Jawani AK47"
Loot Hindi "Jawani Ki Bank Loot Le"
2012 Rakhtbeej Hindi "Latto Ghuma Re Chora"
Om Shanti Bengali "Chonnara Dil Thame Dekhle Rakhi" [44]
Valentine's Night Hindi "Gaye Re Gaye Saand Paani Mein"
2014 Katta Tanal Dupatta Par Bhojpuri "Peela Jawaniya Ke Juice"
2017 God Father Odia "Chuti Kholila Sampu Basiba"
2019 Sabse Bada Champion Bhojpuri "Laga Navratan Tel" [45]
2020 Article 370 Hindi [46]

Television[edit]

Year Title Notes
2006−2007 Bigg Boss 1 Evicted-Day 84 (4th position)
2007 Comedy Ka Badsshah — Hasega India Judge alongside Raju Srivastav
Nach Baliye 3 Participant with Abhishek Avasthi (Runner-up)
2008 Yeh Hai Jalwa Contestant (Winner with her team 'Chiller party')
The Rakhi Sawant Showz Host
Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka Judge
Jalwa Four 2 Ka 1 Contestant
2009 Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano Contestant
Rakhi Ka Swayamwar Leading Lady
Pati, Patni Aur Woh Participant with Elesh Parujanwala
2010 Zara Nachke Dikha 2 Contestant (Winner with her team 'Masakali Girls')
Rakhi ka Insaaf Host
2011 Maa Exchange Participant along with Jaya Sawant
Jubilee Comedy Circus Winner
Bigg Toss Contestant
Ghazab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyan Host
2013 Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan-Nawaazi ki Weekly contestant
Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali Contestant[47]
2014 Box Cricket League - Season 1 Contestant[48]
2018 Box Cricket League - Season 3 Contestant[49][50]
Juzzbaatt - Namkeen Se Sangeen Tak Guest (along with Arshi Khan)[51]
2019 Manmohini Chakua Chudail
Khatra Khatra Khatra Guest
Box Cricket League - Season 4 Host
2020−2021 Bigg Boss 14 Challenger Entry on Day 68
4th runner-up (Walked with prize money) on Day 141[52]
2021 Maddam Sir Begum Chorni
Hero – Gayab Mode On
Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey
Tera Yaar Hoon Main
Ziddi Dil Maane Na
2021-2022 Bigg Boss 15 Wild Card Entrant (Day 56) - Evicted (Day 117-7th position)
2022 - 2023 Bigg Boss Marathi 4 Challenger Entry on (Day 57) - (Finished Day 98 - 4th Runner up
Walked with 9 lakhs

Other television appearances[edit]

Music videos[edit]

Year Song Album Language Notes
2003 Jhoomka Gira Re Remix Sweet Honey Mix D.J. Hot Remix – Vol 3 Hindi
2005 "Pardesiya Yeh Sach Hai Piya Remix" D.J. Hot Remix – Vol 3 Hindi
2006 "Kajra Nite Remix" Kajra Nite Remix Hindi
2007 "Haadsa" Universal Music Hindi
2008 "Tu Dissda" Club Mix Hindi
2009 "Bhoot" Ishq Bector Hindi
2010 "Jhagde" Ishq Bector Hindi
2019 "Chappan Churi" Hindi [58]
2021 "Dream Mein Entry" Dance Cover Hindi [59]
2021 "Lockdown" Hindi [60]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ McDonald, Hamish (1999). The Polyester Prince: The Rise of Dhirubhai Ambani. Allen & Unwin. ISBN 978-1-86448-468-7. Dhirubhai and Kokilaben Ambani invited us to the wedding of their son Anil to Tina Munim in Bombay in January 1991...
  2. ↑ "Top 10 Controversies of Bigg Boss: Kushal's Eviction, MMS Clips, Rakhi's Fight with Kashmeera and More". International Business Times, India Edition. 12 November 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "Happy Birthday Rakhi Sawant: controversies of the sex-symbol". Orissa Post. 25 November 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  4. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant, The Sex Symbol of India". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  5. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant launches her own party, wants 'green chilly'". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  6. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant joins RPI, challenges Raj Thackeray in Election". news.biharprabha.com. Indo-Asian News Service. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  7. ↑ Maheshwri, Neha (17 May 2012). "Rakhi Sawant's father passes away". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  8. ↑ "Bizarre! Rakhi Sawant used condoms to play Holi". Entertainment Times. 16 March 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  9. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant moves women's panel against Mika". The Times of India. 16 June 2006. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  10. ↑ "You saw the real me in Bigg Boss". 4 December 2006.
  11. ↑ राखी सावंत फिर चर्चाओं में, जावेद अख्तर बनाना चाहते हैं उनके ऊपर एक फिल्म, आलिया भटट निभा सकती हैं रोल
  12. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant alleges cheating in Nach Baliye 3". 25 December 2007.
  13. ↑ "Elesh gets his revenge on Rakhi". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  14. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant: I got engaged to Elesh Parujanwala for money". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  15. ↑ Mulla, Zainab (9 December 2016). "Rakhi Sawant admits that she got engaged for money and is now struggling to find good marriage prospects!". India.com. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  16. ↑ "SHOCKING! Rakhi Sawant Admits She Got Engaged For This Reason". Businessofcinema.com. 10 December 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  17. ↑ "Rakhi drives man to suicide?". 13 November 2010.
  18. ↑ Ranveer Singh Arjun Kapoor Rakhi Sawant Entry performance Part 2 @ IIFA 2015 Malaysia Live. youtubeclassy.com.
  19. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant to be seen on Bhaag Bakool Bhaag". The Times of India.
  20. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant on walking out of Bigg Boss 14 finale with Rs 14 lakh: I have zero bank balance, need money for mother's surgery". 22 February 2021.
  21. ↑ Rakhi Sawant to contest Lok Sabha Election from Mumbai North West | Biharprabha News. News.biharprabha.com (26 March 2014). Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  22. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant launches her party, wants 'green chilly'". The Times of India. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  23. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant launches own party with green chilli symbol". Newseastwest.com. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 ‘Green chilly’ as symbol, Rakhi Sawant launches her party. The Times of India (28 March 2014)
  25. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant gets only 15 votes after three rounds of counting". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  26. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant wants to join RPI". Election Commission of India, General Election to Lok Sabha Trends & Result 2014. 21 June 2014.
  27. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant joins RPI". 28 June 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  28. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant Confirms Marrying NRI, Reveals Husband's Name and Details". news18.com. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  29. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant confirms marrying NRI, reveals husband's name after pics with mehendi and vermillion go viral". Hindustan Times. 4 August 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  30. ↑ Singh, Neha (11 January 2023). "It's Official! Rakhi Sawant marries beau Adil Khan Durrani, pics of newlywed goes viral on Internet". News Room Post.
  31. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant gets knocked out in the ring after challenging a wrestler; lands in the hospital | Entertainment News".
  32. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant lands in the hospital after getting knocked out by a female wrestler in the ring". The Times of India.
  33. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant Arrested For Objectionable Comment On Sage Valmiki: Reports". NDTV. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  34. ↑ "Videos: Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh's STEAMY dance with Rakhi Sawant is taking the Internet by storm, Watch". DNA India. 8 September 2018.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 "Rakhi Sawant converts to Islam, changes name to Fatima". Daily Pakistan Global. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  36. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant reportedly embraces Islam". The Express Tribune. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  37. ↑ Archana (16 January 2023). "Who is Adil Durrani? Rakhi Sawant's Husband who Denied their Marriage". JanBharat Times. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  38. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant yet to be accepted by his family, says husband Adil Khan: 'Wo process abhi chal rahi hai'". Hindustan Times. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  39. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant's husband accepts their marriage". The Express Tribune. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  40. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant's husband ends the drama, finally!". Daily Pakistan Global. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  41. ↑ "Finally! Adil Durrani confirms marriage with Rakhi Sawant as she cries inconsolably in a media byte – Watch video | Hindi Movie News - Bollywood - Times of India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  42. ↑ "This is the song which sparked controversy between Nana Patekar and Tanushree Dutta - Free Press Journal". 27 September 2018.
  43. ↑ "Nana Patekar gives it back to Tanushree". 29 March 2008.
  44. ↑ "Unable to select database".
  45. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant will soon be seen in a Bhojpuri item song". The Times of India.
  46. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant to Shoot an Item Number for ARTICLE-370!". 7 May 2019.
  47. ↑ Rakhi Sawant and Vinay Pathak in Comedy Circus – The Times of India. The Times of India. (26 June 2013). Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  48. ↑ "Box Cricket League Teams: BCL 2014 Team Details With TV Actors & Names of Celebrities". india.com. 13 December 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  49. ↑ "Bigg Boss 11 fame Bandgi Kalra and Rakhi Sawant to be seen on the small screen together soon". 11 February 2018.
  50. ↑ "Check out Rakhi Sawant and Arshi Khan's dance for the BCL umpire!". 21 March 2018.
  51. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant says 'sorry' to Sunny Leone on Rajeev Khandelwal's 'Juzz Baatt'". zeenews.india.com. 4 June 2018.
  52. ↑ "Vikas Gupta to Rakhi Sawant: Former Bigg Boss contestants to set foot in Bigg Boss 14". The Times of India. 30 November 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  53. ↑ "Sizzling Rakhi Sawant! The "Mohabbat hai mirchi" girl!". Archived from the original on 11 September 2018 – via YouTube.
  54. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant dances on Jhalak Dihla Ja". June 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
  55. ↑ "Shekhar Interviews Rakhi Sawan". Archived from the original on 6 March 2016 – via YouTube.
  56. ↑ Nitish Bhardwaj (10 June 2016). "Comedy Nights Bachao (CNB) 11th June 2016 Episode Rakhi Sawant, Alok Nath, Aarti Chabria, Gaia Mother Sofia, Shefali Zariwala Promo Video". Filmi India. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  57. ↑ "Rakhi Sawant to be seen on Bhaag Bakool Bhaag". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  58. ↑ "Photos: Rakhi Sawant shoots for item number Chappan Churi!". 20 June 2019.
  59. ↑ Grace Cyril (18 June 2021). "Rakhi Sawant's song Dream Mein Entry out. Don't miss her killer moves". India Today. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  60. ↑ "Aatma Music & Ganesh Acharya join hands for their upcoming 10 music videos".

External links[edit]


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