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Rakhi Sawant

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Rakhi Sawant
Sawant in 2019
Born
Neeru Bheda

(1978-11-25) 25 November 1978 (age 45)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Other namesFatima Durrani
Occupations
Years active1997–present
WorksFull list
Political partyRepublican Party of India (A)
Spouses
  • Ritesh Singh
    ​
    ​
    (m. 2019; div. 2022)​
  • Adil Khan Durrani
    ​
    (m. 2022)​

Rakhi Sawant (also known as Fatima Durrani;[1] born Neeru Bheda; 25 November 1978[2][3]) is an Indian dancer, model, actress and television talk show host, who has appeared in many Hindi and a few Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Telugu and Tamil films. She was a contestant on the first season of the Indian reality television series Bigg Boss 1 (2006) and a challenger and finalist in Bigg Boss 14 (2020). She was the prospective bride in Season 1 of the Swayamvar TV series. Sawant has established herself as a sex symbol in Bollywood.[4][5]

Sawant launched her own political party, headed by Jai Shah, called the Rashtriya Aam Party, to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections.[6] However, after the election, she joined Republican Party of India (A).[7]

Early life and family

Rakhi Sawant, born as Neeru Bheda on 25 November 1978 to Jaya Bheda in Mumbai.[8][9][10][11] After Jaya married Anand Sawant, a police constable at Worli Police Station,[12] Rakhi adopted the surname of her step-father, Anand Sawant.[13] Sawant debuted in the film Agnichakra, using the name Ruhi Sawant, before eventually adopting the name Rakhi Sawant.[2] Her brother is named Rakesh Sawant, and she also has a sister named Usha Sawant.[14][15]

Career

Career beginnings (1997–2005)

She made her film debut in the 1997 film Agnichakra under the name Ruhi Sawant. She went on to other small roles and dance numbers in Bollywood films Joru Ka Ghulam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain, and Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke.[16]

Rakhi Sawant performing at Nach Baliye 3 in Madhuri Dixit's famous getup.

In 2003, she auditioned for an item number in the Bollywood film Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne. She auditioned about four times before being selected for her breakthrough item number, "Mohabbat Hai Mirchi", composed by Himesh Reshammiya.[17] Sawant acted in small roles in films including Masti and Main Hoon Na.

In 2004, she appeared in the music video "Pardesiya", from the album D.J. Hot Remix - Vol 3.[18]

Television debut and success (2006–present)

In June 2006, Mika Singh attempted to kiss her at his birthday party, which caused a media controversy.[19] A few months later, she appeared in the first season of the reality show Bigg Boss. She got evicted in week 4 but later made a re-entry. She was among the top four finalists but got evicted days before the grand finale (24 January 2007, Day 84).[20] In 2007, Rakhi made her singing debut in the album Super Girl launched by Venus Records & Tapes Pvt. Ltd. She later participated in the dance reality show Nach Baliye with Abhishek Avasthi and emerged as the first runner up.[21] In 2008, Sawant appeared in the film Krazzy 4 for the item song 'Dekhta Hai Tu Kya'. In 2009, Sawant launched the reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamwar in which she planned to select her future husband by the ancient ritual of Swayamvar. On 2 August 2009 she chose her life partner, a contestant from Toronto, Canada, Elesh Parujanwala. However, several months later, Sawant announced that the couple had separated due to irreconcilable differences.[22] After separation she said on interview that she got engaged to Elesh Parujanwala for money.[23][24][25]

In 2010, Rakhi hosted a talk show Rakhi Ka Insaaf which aired on Imagine TV. The show saw a controversy after the death of a participant after Rakhi had called him impotent.[26] In 2011, she participated in Sony TV's Maa Exchange along with mother Jaya Sawant.

Often appearing in reality shows as a host, judge or participant, Sawant is a regular stage performer. In 2012, she did a comedy act with Shahrukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor at the 57th Filmfare Awards[citation needed] and entry dance performance in 2015 with Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor in Malaysia.[citation needed]

In 2013, she participated in Welcome – Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki along with Anchal Sabharwal, Sangram Singh, Chetan Hansraj and Madhura Naik. The show aired on Life OK. She later was a contestant on Box Cricket League.

Sawant later played the leading role in thriller film Ek Kahani Julie Ki, and was seen in a cameo appearance in comedy fiction television series Bhaag Bakool Bhaag.[27]

From 2020 to 2021, Sawant appeared as a challenger in Bigg Boss 14. She emerged as a finalist but decided to walk out, opting for the cash prize of 14 lakhs.[28]

Political venture (2014–present)

On 26 March 2014, she announced her plans to contest 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North-West as an Independent Candidate.[29] On 28 March, she founded the Rashtriya Aam Party (RAP).[30][31] The party has no symbol assigned by the election commission. However, Sawant said that she's expecting[when?] it to be a "green chilli", which she feels resembles her personality.[32] The party's office bearers and fundraisers are local businessmen from Oshiwara.[32]

She received only 15 votes from the Mumbai North-West Constituency and lost her deposit.[33]

Sawant resigned from the Rashtriya Aam Party and joined the RPI (Athawale) party in June 2014 and expressed her desire to work for dalits.[34][35] Rakhi serves as party's state vice-president and president of the woman wing.[36][37]

Filmography

Main article: Rakhi Sawant filmography

Personal life

In 2019, Sawant married an NRI man named Ritesh,[38][39] which ended in divorce in early 2022. In May 2022, she married Adil Khan Durrani.[40]

In November 2018, during The Great Khali's Continental Wrestling Entertainment promotion, American female wrestler Rebel got involved in a dance battle against Sawant, during which Rebel grabbed her in a bear hug and threw her on her back. It injured Sawant's back and she fell unconscious. She was taken to a nearby hospital.[41][42]

On 4 April 2017, she appeared in the Ludhiana court wearing a burqa for making objectionable remarks against Sage Valmiki, at which time she was accompanied by Indian National Congress, National co-ordinator Rahul Jogi (born on 21 August 1990), due to which she was severely criticized.[43][44][45]

Criticism began against Sawant began over her conversion to Islam[46][47] after marrying her boyfriend Adil Durrani, with people even saying that she changed her name to Rakhi Sawant Fatima.[46] However, Adil denied[48] the marriage at first, but soon, after some weeks, he accepted his marriage with Rakhi.[49][50][51] She performed her first Umrah at Mecca in 2023.[52][53]

References

  1. ^ "'Fatima Durrani', Rakhi Sawant surprises fans with new name". Siasat Daily. 16 January 2023. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Rakhi Sawant's Unknown Stories: From Working For Rs. 50 To Being Hailed As 'The Controversy Queen'". BollywoodShaadis. 25 November 2021. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  3. ^ McDonald, Hamish (1999). The Polyester Prince: The Rise of Dhirubhai Ambani. Allen & Unwin. ISBN 978-1-86448-468-7. Dhirubhai and Kokilaben Ambani invited us to the wedding of their son Anil to Tina Munim in Bombay in January 1991...
  4. ^ "Happy Birthday Rakhi Sawant: controversies of the sex-symbol". Orissa Post. 25 November 2019. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Rakhi Sawant, The Sex Symbol of India". Smithsonian Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Rakhi Sawant launches her own party, wants 'green chilly'". The Times of India. 29 March 2014. Archived from the original on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  7. ^ "Rakhi Sawant joins RPI, challenges Raj Thackeray in Election". news.biharprabha.com. Indo-Asian News Service. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  8. ^ "Rakhi Sawant's Mom Jaya Bheda Dies At 73. Jackie Shroff, Rashami Desai And Others Pay Tribute". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Rakhi Sawant's life from Neeru Bheda to Rakhi Sawant". The Times of India. 17 December 2020. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  10. ^ "'Rakhi's husband is taking care of me and all the medical bills': Jaya Sawant". Hindustan Times. 12 January 2021. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  11. ^ "Rakhi Sawant Unplugged: Rakhi Sawant Opens Up On Marriage, Husband And Bollywood". HerZindagi English. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  12. ^ Maheshwri, Neha (17 May 2012). "Rakhi Sawant's father passes away". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  13. ^ ntexpress (29 January 2023). "Rakhi Sawant Family: Who all in Rakhi Sawant's family? know everything". News Time Express. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  14. ^ "Rakhi Sawant's Brother Arrested: Mumbai Cops Arrest Rakesh Sawant In Cheque Bouncing Case". Outlook India. 9 May 2023. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  15. ^ Live, A. B. P. (8 February 2023). "आए दिन विवादों में रहने वाली राखी सावंत के भाई-बहन जी रहे हैं ऐसी लाइफ, मां ने की थी दो शादियां". abplive.com (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  16. ^ "Bizarre! Rakhi Sawant used condoms to play Holi". Entertainment Times. 16 March 2017. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  17. ^ Gahlaut, Kanika (13 January 2003). "Hot item". India Today. New Delhi: Living Media. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  18. ^ Bamzai, Kaveree (16 August 2004). "Summer sirens". India Today. New Delhi: Living Media. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  19. ^ "Rakhi Sawant moves women's panel against Mika". The Times of India. 16 June 2006. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  20. ^ "You saw the real me in Bigg Boss". 4 December 2006. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  21. ^ "Rakhi Sawant alleges cheating in Nach Baliye 3". 25 December 2007. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  22. ^ "Elesh gets his revenge on Rakhi". The Times of India. 29 October 2009. Archived from the original on 31 May 2017. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  23. ^ "Rakhi Sawant: I got engaged to Elesh Parujanwala for money". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  24. ^ Mulla, Zainab (9 December 2016). "Rakhi Sawant admits that she got engaged for money and is now struggling to find good marriage prospects!". India.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  25. ^ "SHOCKING! Rakhi Sawant Admits She Got Engaged For This Reason". Businessofcinema.com. 10 December 2016. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  26. ^ "Rakhi drives man to suicide?". 13 November 2010. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  27. ^ "Rakhi Sawant to be seen on Bhaag Bakool Bhaag". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 November 2017. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  28. ^ "Rakhi Sawant on walking out of Bigg Boss 14 finale with Rs 14 lakh: I have zero bank balance, need money for mother's surgery". 22 February 2021. Archived from the original on 22 February 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  29. ^ Rakhi Sawant to contest Lok Sabha Election from Mumbai North West | Biharprabha News Archived 28 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine. News.biharprabha.com (26 March 2014). Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  30. ^ "Rakhi Sawant launches her party, wants 'green chilly'". The Times of India. 29 March 2014. Archived from the original on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  31. ^ "Rakhi Sawant launches own party with green chilli symbol". Newseastwest.com. 27 March 2014. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  32. ^ a b ‘Green chilly’ as symbol, Rakhi Sawant launches her party. The Times of India (28 March 2014)
  33. ^ "Rakhi Sawant gets only 15 votes after three rounds of counting". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  34. ^ "Rakhi Sawant wants to join RPI". Election Commission of India, General Election to Lok Sabha Trends & Result 2014. 21 June 2014. Archived from the original on 3 January 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  35. ^ "Rakhi Sawant joins RPI". 28 June 2014. Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  36. ^ "Rakhi Sawant joins RPI, says ready to fight against MNS chief". The Economic Times. 28 June 2014. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  37. ^ "Rakhi Sawant joins RPI, made women's wing president". Mid-day. 29 June 2014. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  38. ^ "Rakhi Sawant Confirms Marrying NRI, Reveals Husband's Name and Details". news18.com. 5 August 2019. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  39. ^ "Rakhi Sawant confirms marrying NRI, reveals husband's name after pics with mehendi and vermillion go viral". Hindustan Times. 4 August 2019. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  40. ^ Singh, Neha (11 January 2023). "It's Official! Rakhi Sawant marries beau Adil Khan Durrani, pics of newlywed goes viral on Internet". News Room Post. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  41. ^ "Rakhi Sawant gets knocked out in the ring after challenging a wrestler, lands in the hospital". Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
  42. ^ "Rakhi Sawant lands in the hospital after getting knocked out by a female wrestler in the ring". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  43. ^ Jagran. "बुरका पहन पुलिस को चकमा दे गईं राखी सावंत, भरा बेल बांड". Jagran. 6 July 2017. Jagran. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  44. ^ "Rakhi Sawant Arrested For Objectionable Comment On Sage Valmiki: Reports". NDTV. 4 April 2017. Archived from the original on 9 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  45. ^ "Videos: Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh's STEAMY dance with Rakhi Sawant is taking the Internet by storm, Watch". DNA India. 8 September 2018. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  46. ^ a b "Rakhi Sawant converts to Islam, changes name to Fatima". Daily Pakistan Global. 13 January 2023. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  47. ^ "Rakhi Sawant reportedly embraces Islam". The Express Tribune. 13 January 2023. Archived from the original on 13 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  48. ^ "Rakhi Sawant yet to be accepted by his family, says husband Adil Khan: 'Wo process abhi chal rahi hai'". Hindustan Times. 14 January 2023. Archived from the original on 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  49. ^ "Rakhi Sawant's husband accepts their marriage". The Express Tribune. 17 January 2023. Archived from the original on 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  50. ^ "Rakhi Sawant's husband ends the drama, finally!". Daily Pakistan Global. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  51. ^ "Finally! Adil Durrani confirms marriage with Rakhi Sawant as she cries inconsolably in a media byte – Watch video | Hindi Movie News - Bollywood - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  52. ^ "Rakhi Sawant completes her Umrah at Makkah's Masjid-al-Haram amid controversy with Adil Khan Durrani". The Times of India. 28 August 2023.
  53. ^ "Rakhi Sawant Performs Umrah At Mecca Amid Controversy With Adil Khan Durrani (PHOTOS)". The Free Press Journal. 28 August 2023.
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