Rakhi Sawant (born Neeru Bheda, 25 November 1978 in Mumbai) is an Indian actress, dancer, and media personality who has remained one of India's most recognisable reality television personalities for nearly two decades. Her father was a security guard and her mother a nurse. She attended Goklibai High School, Mumbai. She began her career with small Bollywood roles before establishing herself through item numbers in Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (2003), Masti (2004), and Main Hoon Na (2004). She appeared in Bigg Boss Hindi Season 1 (2006) and hosted Rakhi Ka Swayamvar (2009), which became must-watch television in India. She has participated in Bigg Boss Hindi across three seasons — Season 1 (2006), Season 14 (2021), and Season 15 (2022). In January 2021, she entered Bigg Boss 14 as a 'Challenger' wildcard contestant in Week 10 (Day 70), quickly becoming one of the season's most entertaining and unpredictable personalities. Her verbal sparring with Rubina Dilaik, her songs and performances, and her claim of a secret marriage to UK-based NRI Ritesh produced some of the season's most-watched moments. In the grand finale on 21 February 2021, she voluntarily accepted a ₹14 lakh briefcase offered by Salman Khan, opting out of competing for the title — stating she wanted the money for her mother's hospital bills. She finished 5th overall.
Item numbers in Main Hoon Na (2004) and Masti (2004); Bigg Boss Hindi Season 1 (2006); Rakhi Ka Swayamvar (2009); Bigg Boss 14 (2021, 5th place); Bigg Boss 15 (2022); appearing in three separate Hindi Bigg Boss seasons.