Being one of the most versatile and talented people from the Indian entertainment industry, Raqesh Bapat, who was known as Rakesh Vashisht before changing his name, boasts of a multifaceted career that spans more than two decades. Being introduced to fame by taking part in the Grasim Mr. India contest and winning second place as well as making a successful debut in Bollywood as Amar Shah in the famous movie Tum Bin (2001), Raqesh is not only popular due to his work in Hindi and Marathi movies but also thanks to popular TV series such as Saat Phere and Qubool Hai and famous reality show Bigg Boss.
Whether it comes to information about his childhood in the state of Maharashtra, movie and television career, personal life, relationships, and net worth, this guide will provide you with all possible information about Raqesh Bapat.
Raqesh Bapat Biography
Profile Parameter
Details
Full Name
Raqesh Bapat
Birth Name
Rakesh Bapat
Other Names / Alternate Spellings
Raqesh Vashisth, Rakesh Vashisht
Date of Birth
September 1, 1978
Age
47 Years (as of 2026)
Birth Place
Amravati, Maharashtra, India
Zodiac / Birth Sign
Virgo
Hometown
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Current Residence
Mumbai & Pune, Maharashtra, India
Nationality
Indian
Profession
Actor, Model, Painter, Sculptor, Entrepreneur
Religion
Hinduism
Caste / Community
Marathi Brahmin
Primary Claim to Fame
Breakout performance as Amar Shah in Tum Bin (2001), lead roles in Saat Phere, Maryada, Qubool Hai, and stint in Bigg Boss.
Raqesh Bapat Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Spent early years in Amravati and Pune, Maharashtra.
Upbringing Environment
Raised in a disciplined military background family with strong artistic values.
Artistic Inclination
Displayed rare artistic talent from early childhood, excelling in fine arts and sketch painting.
National Recognition
Won a National Award at the junior level for his painting abilities during school years.
Modeling Entry
Participated in Grasim Mr. India at age 19, winning the title and launching his modeling career.
Global Pageantry
Represented India at Mr. International pageant and emerged as the 1st Runner-Up.
Raqesh Bapat College Career
Phase / Landmark
Institutional & Academic Details
Schooling
High school education completed in Pune, Maharashtra.
Higher Education
University of Pune
Degree Obtained
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) / Fine Arts studies
Campus Life & Activities
Actively participated in inter-collegiate drama competitions, fashion shows, and art exhibitions.
Co-curricular Achievements
Awarded top honors in state-level fine art and sculpture competitions during his college tenure.
Raqesh Bapat Career Journey
Phase
Milestone & Evolution
1998–2000
Won Grasim Mr. India title; placed 1st runner-up at Mr. International. Modeled for prominent national brands.
2001–2005
Spotted in a toothpaste commercial and cast as lead in Tum Bin (2001). Followed up with Bollywood films like Dil Vil Pyar Vyar.
2005–2012
Transitioned to Hindi television with Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar. Gained widespread critical acclaim in Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?
2013–2018
Took on prominent roles in Qubool Hai and Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant. Expanded into Marathi cinema with hit films like Vrundavan and Savita Damodar Paranjape.
2019–Present
Starred in Marathi cinema (WhatsApp Love, Sarsenapati Hambirrao, Khurchi). Highlighted in reality TV (Bigg Boss OTT 1, Bigg Boss 15, Bigg Boss Marathi 6).
Raqesh Bapat Professional Career
Domain
Professional Achievements & Role Scope
Hindi Cinema (Bollywood)
Debuted as main lead; recognized for romantic and dramatic performance quotient.
Marathi Cinema
Established as a reliable leading actor in mainstream commercial and critically acclaimed Marathi films.
Television Industry
Mainstay leading actor across premier Hindi and Marathi entertainment channels.
Fine Arts & Sculpting
Professional sculptor known for crafting intricate, eco-friendly Ganesha idols and showcasing acrylic canvas art.
Reality Television
Notable contestant across high-rated non-fiction formats including Nach Baliye 6, Bigg Boss OTT, BB 15, and BB Marathi 6.
Filmography
Year
Movie Title
Language
Role Played
2001
Tum Bin… Love Will Find a Way
Hindi
Amar Shah
2002
Dil Vil Pyar Vyar
Hindi
Gaurav
2003
Wrong Number
Hindi
Raj
2004
Kaun Hai Jo Sapno Mein Aaya
Hindi
Sunny Khanna
2004
Naam Gum Jaayega
Hindi
Vishal
2005
Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai
Hindi
Sameer
2006
Jai Santoshi Maa
Hindi
Anurag
2012
Heroine
Hindi
Sameer
2012
Aayna Ka Bayna
Marathi
Harshvardhan
2013
Gippi
Hindi
Chemistry Teacher
2015
Citizen
Marathi
Lead Role
2016
Vrundavan
Marathi
Krish
2018
Savita Damodar Paranjape
Marathi
Ashok Pokhriyal
2019
WhatsApp Love
Marathi
Aditya
2022
Sarsenapati Hambirrao
Marathi
Sarja Khan
2024
Khurchi
Marathi
Major Role
Television Shows
Year(s)
Television Show Title
Role / Capacity
Channel / Platform
2005–2008
Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar
Neel / Neerav
Zee TV
2008
Ek Packet Umeed
Anuj
NDTV Imagine
2010
Seven – The Ashvamedha Prophecy
Shlok
Sony TV
2010–2012
Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?
Aditya Jakhar
Star Plus
2013–2014
Nach Baliye 6
Contestant (with Ridhi Dogra)
Star Plus
2014
Qubool Hai
Asad Ahmed Khan
Zee TV
2016–2017
Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant
Shantanu Kant (Shaan)
Life OK
2018
Tu Aashiqui
Reyansh Diwan
Colors TV
2021
Bigg Boss OTT 1
Contestant (3rd Runner-Up)
Voot
2021
Bigg Boss 15
Contestant / Wildcard
Colors TV
2024–2026
Bigg Boss Marathi Season 6
Contestant
Colors Marathi
Raqesh Bapat Awards and Recognition Received
Year
Award / Recognition Title
Category
Associated Work
1998
Grasim Mr. India
Winner
Modeling / Pageantry
1998
Mr. International
1st Runner-Up
International Pageantry
2011
Indian Telly Awards
Best Actor in a Lead Role (Nominated)
Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?
2017
Times Most Desirable Men
Ranked 16th Most Desirable Man in Maharashtra
Media / Personality Poll
2019
Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards
Best Lead Actor (Nominated)
WhatsApp Love
Controversies
Controversy / Incident
Key Context & Details
Mid-Show Cast Replacement in Qubool Hai
Taking over the iconic role of Asad Ahmed Khan after Karan Singh Grover’s abrupt departure caused initial fan backlash, though performance was later appreciated.
Abrupt Medical Exit from Bigg Boss 15
Had to leave Bigg Boss 15 suddenly due to severe kidney stone issues, creating rumors before official health announcements.
Name Change Confusion
Changing his professional name from Rakesh Bapat to Raqesh Vashisth and later reverting back to Raqesh Bapat sparked curiosity across media circuits.
Raqesh Bapat Ethnicity
Attribute
Details
Ethnic Ancestry
Indo-Aryan / Maharashtrian
Linguistic Identity
Native Marathi speaker; fluent in English and Hindi
Cultural Root
Traditional Maharashtrian heritage with deep roots in Pune art and culture
Raqesh Bapat Love Life and Affairs
Relationship Phase
Partner / Person
Duration / Details
Early Career Relationship
Ridhi Dogra
Met on the sets of Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?, fell in love, and got married.
Post-Divorce Reality Show Link
Shamita Shetty
Connected during Bigg Boss OTT 1 (2021). Dated from late 2021 until amicably splitting in July 2022.
Current Relationship Status
Single
Focused on personal artistic growth, acting projects, and self-wellness.
Raqesh Bapat Marriage Details
Parameter
Information
Spouse
Ridhi Dogra (Actress)
Marriage Date
May 29, 2011
Marriage Type
Loved-cum-traditional Indian wedding ceremony
Separation / Divorce Date
Separated in 2019
Divorce Reason
Mutual incompatibility as life partners; chose to end marriage while preserving mutual friendship.
Children
None
Family Tree: Parents, Sister, Brother, and Relatives
Family Relation
Name / Information
Father
Padmakar Bapat (Retired Captain in the Indian Army)
Mother
Shreetama Bapat (Homemaker)
Sister
Sheetal Bapat (Founder of an NGO / Social Activist)
Brother
None
Other Notable Relatives
Niece: Isha Bapat
Mental Health and Self-Care
Dimension
Practices & Personal Views
Mental Health Awareness
Openly discusses anxiety, stress management, and emotional wellness following personal losses and divorce.
Art Therapy
Uses painting, clay modeling, and sculpting as primary therapeutic outlets for stress relief.
Fitness & Yoga
Practices daily yoga, meditation, and regular cardiovascular exercise routines.
Privacy & Solitude
Emphasizes spending solitary time in Pune surrounded by nature to stay grounded.
