Raqesh Bapat is an Indian actor, model, and artist born on 1 September 1978 in Amravati, Maharashtra. The son of a late Indian Army Major, he demonstrated artistic talent from childhood, winning a National Award for painting while in Class IX. At 19, he won the title of Mr. Pune and finished as the first runner-up at Grasim Mr. India 1999 and Mr. International, launching a career in the entertainment industry. He made his Bollywood debut with the romantic drama Tum Bin (2001) and went on to appear in films including Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai, Vrundavan (2016), and the acclaimed Marathi thriller Savita Damodar Paranjpe (2018), for which he received a Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award nomination. On television, he became a household name through Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar (2005–08), Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? (2010–12), and Qubool Hai (2014). He participated in Bigg Boss OTT Season 1 (2021) where he reached the finale, and briefly entered Bigg Boss 15 (2021) before exiting due to health reasons. In January 2026, he entered Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6, finishing as the first runner-up at the grand finale on 19 April 2026. Beyond acting, he is a passionate sculptor, crafting eco-friendly Ganpati idols each year. He was previously married to actress Ridhi Dogra (2011–2019).
His debut Bollywood film Tum Bin (2001); lead roles in TV serials Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar (2005–08) and Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? (2010–12); the Marathi film Savita Damodar Paranjpe (2018); reaching the finale of Bigg Boss OTT Season 1 (2021).