Rakhi Sawant (राखी सावंत), born Neeru Bheda on 25 November 1978 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is an Indian actress, dancer, and television personality. Her mother Jaya Bheda and stepfather Anand Sawant (an ACP with Mumbai Police, whose surname she adopted) raised her in a conservative Marathi-Gujarati middle-class household with her siblings Rakesh Sawant and Usha Sawant. She attended Goklibai School, Vile Parle, and Mithibai College, Mumbai (Arts). At age 10, she worked as a caterer at Tina Ambani's wedding. Her father opposed her film ambitions and left home when she insisted on pursuing them. She made her acting debut in Agnichakra (1997) as Ruhi Sawant, followed by Joru Ka Ghulam (with Govinda), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai, and Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke. Her major breakthrough came with Himesh Reshammiya's dance number 'Mohabbat Hai Mirchi' in Chura Liya Hai Tumne (2003), followed by acclaimed item numbers in Main Hoon Na (2004, with Shah Rukh Khan), Masti (2004), and Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009). Her total Bollywood appearances include 50+ films. She became one of India's most ubiquitous reality TV personalities: Bigg Boss Season 1 (2006, evicted Week 4, re-entered Week 6, finished 4th), Nach Baliye 3 (2007, first runner-up with Abhishek Avasthi), Yeh Hai Jalwa (2008, 9X, winner), Rakhi Ka Swayamwar (2009, NDTV Imagine, host), Rakhi Ka Insaaf (2010–2011, NDTV Imagine, host), Bigg Boss 14 (2020–2021, finalist), and Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 (2025). She was issued a 'Fatima Rakhi' identity card after converting to Islam in 2021 on marrying Adil Khan Durrani; after their separation she re-converted to Hinduism. She also appeared on Bigg Boss Marathi Season 1 (2018) as a wildcard.
Breakthrough item number 'Mohabbat Hai Mirchi' in Chura Liya Hai Tumne (2003, Himesh Reshammiya composition); item songs in Main Hoon Na (2004) and Masti (2004); hosting reality shows Rakhi Ka Swayamwar (2009) and Rakhi Ka Insaaf (2010–2011); Bigg Boss Hindi Season 1 (2006, re-entry, finished 4th), Bigg Boss 14 (2020–2021, finalist), and Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6 (2025); being one of India's most enduring and controversial reality television figures.