Rakhi Sawant (born Neeru Bheda) is an Indian actress, dancer, and media personality born on 25 November 1978 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She attended Goklibai High School in Mumbai. She grew up in modest circumstances; her father worked as a security guard and her mother as a nurse. She began her career with small film roles and stage performances before establishing herself in Hindi cinema through item numbers - most notably in Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995, uncredited), Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (2003), Masti (2004), Main Hoon Na (2004), and others. She is one of India's most recognisable reality television personalities, having appeared in Bigg Boss Hindi Season 1 (2006), Season 14 (2020-21, as a mid-season contestant and 4th Runner-Up), and Season 15 (2021-22). She also featured in Nach Baliye and hosted Rakhi Ka Swayamvar (2009). Known for her candid, unpredictable personality and media savvy, she has remained in the public eye continuously for over two decades. In late 2022, she entered Bigg Boss Marathi Season 4 in Week 9 as a wildcard 'challenger' contestant, becoming the most high-profile entry of the season. Her turbulent interactions - including a physical confrontation with Amruta Dhongade and breaking utensils when her coffee was hidden - generated major TRP spikes. She walked out on the day of the grand finale on 8 January 2023, accepting ₹9 lakh in lieu of continuing to compete, finishing 5th overall.
Item numbers in Hindi films including Main Hoon Na (2004) and Masti (2004); Bigg Boss Hindi Season 1 (2006), Season 14 (2020-21, 4th Runner-Up) and Season 15 (2021-22); reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamvar (2009); having appeared in Bigg Boss Hindi across three seasons before entering the Marathi edition.