Sharmishtha Raut (शर्मिष्ठा राऊत) is an Indian actress, classical dancer, and television producer born on 22 April 1984 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, who grew up in Nashik. She completed her B.Com from KTHM College, Nashik, and then an MBA from Cummins College. She began learning Bharatanatyam at a very young age and participated in dance reality shows Ekapeksha Ek and Nach Dhamal Dance, as well as the comedy show Fu Bai Fu (2014) as a contestant. Despite becoming a well-known television face, she has always maintained that she prefers theatre for the greater satisfaction it provides. She gained widespread recognition for her powerful portrayal of the antagonist Neeraja in Mann Udhan Varyache (Star Pravah, 2009-2011) - a Marathi remake of the Bengali serial Bou Kotha Kao (Star Jalsha), produced by Mahesh Kothare - followed by the role of Tai Kaku in Unch Majha Zoka (Zee Marathi, 2012-2013), Archana Dusane in Julun Yeti Reshimgathi (2013-2015), and Sanyogeeta Tatwawadi in Sukhachya Sarini He Man Baware (2018-2020). Her other serials include Mulgi Zali Ho (2021), Aboli (2021-2022), Swarajya Janani Jijamata (2019, as Roshanara Begum), and Saara Kahi Tichyasathi (2023-present). In films she appeared in Rangkarmi (2013), Yoddha: The Dark Chapter (2014), and Chi Va Chi Sau Ka (2017). In 2023, she co-produced the serial Tula Shikvin Changlach Dhada alongside her fiancé (later husband) Tejas Desai. Her personal life included a difficult separation from her first husband Amey Nipankar in 2018, which she disclosed candidly in the Bigg Boss house. She later got engaged to Tejas Desai at a private ceremony in Igatpuri and married him. In May 2018, she entered Bigg Boss Marathi Season 1 as the first wildcard contestant (Week 6). Her bold and emotional presence in the house made her a fan favourite. She was evicted one week before the grand finale (Week 13), finishing sixth overall.

Antagonistic role of Neeraja in Star Pravah's Mann Udhan Varyache (a remake of the Bengali hit Bou Kotha Kao, 2009-2011, produced by Mahesh Kothare); Tai Kaku in Zee Marathi's Unch Majha Zoka (2012-2013); Archana in Julun Yeti Reshimgathi (2013-2015); Marathi films Rangkarmi (2013), Yoddha: The Dark Chapter (2014), and Chi Va Chi Sau Ka (2017); co-producing Tula Shikvin Changlach Dhada (2023) with fiancé Tejas Desai; entering Bigg Boss Marathi Season 1 as the first wildcard contestant (Week 6, 2018); finishing sixth overall.

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