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Rajeshwari Sachdev
Rajeshwari Sachdev
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Rajeshwari Sachdev (14 April 1974) is an Indian actress known for her role in Shyam Benegal's film Sardari Begum (1996), for which she won the 1997 National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Key Information

Sachdev co-hosted the Zee TV musical show, Antakshari from 1994 to 2001 with Annu Kapoor. In 2005, she along with her husband Varun Badola, took part a reality TV dance competition show, Nach Baliye.[1] She also worked in Crime TV series Rihhaee where she played a role of an activist.[2]

Personal life

[edit]
Rajeshwari Sachdev with husband Varun Badola in 2012

Rajeshwari was born on 14 April 1974,[3] in Mumbai to a Punjabi father and a Tamil mother [4]

After completing her graduation from Guru Nanak Khalsa College (King's Circle) in Mumbai.[5] Sachdev started her career on stage doing plays with Indian People's Theatre Association. Sachdev married Varun Badola on 24 November 2004. They met on the sets of the television show Antakshari and were engaged the same year.[6] They have a son, born on 10 May 2010.[7] Badola has a farm house in his native Uttarakhand at a place called Bhabher in Kotdwar.[8]

Career

[edit]

Sachdev made her film debut with the Marathi film Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991), directed by Sachin.

Her second film was Shyam Benegal's Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1992). She then became a regular in his films, and was cast in Mammo (1994), Sardari Begum (1996), Samar (1999), Hari-Bhari (2000), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005) and Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008). She also appeared in the Hollywood film Little Buddha (1993) and later in Tales of The Kama Sutra: The Perfumed Garden (1998). She also worked in the show Samvidhaan, directed by Shyam Benegal.

She sang the pop song "Hulle Hullare" in the album of the same name released in 2007.

Sachdev was signed as the lead in TV series Rihhaee replacing actress Divya Dutta who quit the show after shooting for one episode. She is currently playing the role of Mamta Noon in Sony TV's romantic drama series Dil Hi Toh Hai and Kusum Kothari in StarPlus's drama series Shaadi Mubarak.

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]
Year Film Role Notes
2022 Nazar Andaz Mohini
2019 Firebrand Divya Patel Pradhan Marathi film[9]
2015 Welcome Zindagi Seema Rajwade Marathi film
2015 Runh: The Debt Marathi film
2014 Bazaar E Husn Didi
2013 Issaq Paro
2013 Samhita Hemangini/

Bhairavi

Marathi film
2012 Arjun: The Warrior Prince Draupadi Voice role
2010 Malik Ek Saraswati
2009 7 Days in Slow Motion Mrs. Suri English film[10]
2008 Welcome to Sajjanpur Shobharani
2004 Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero Capt. Lakshmi Sahgal
2004 Mitter Pyare Nu Haal Mureedan Da Kehna Preet Punjabi film
2003 The Perfect Husband
2001 Meri Pyaari Bahania Banegi Dulhania Mehndi
2001 Rahul Sheela
2000 Samar Uma
2000 Tales of The Kama Sutra : The Perfumed Garden Lochani/

Loni

2000 Hari-Bhari Salma [11]
1998 Qila Lajo
1997 Tunnu Ki Tina Tina
1996 English Babu Desi Mem Katariya
1996 Sardari Begum Sakina Urdu film
National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress[12]
1995 Param Vir Chakra Radha
1994 Mammo Riyaz's mother
1994 Triyacharitra Bimli
1993 Little Buddha Yasodhara English film
1993 Pyar Pyar
1993 Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda Jamuna [13]
1991 Aayatya Gharat Gharoba Kaanan Marathi film

Television shows

[edit]
Year Series Role Notes
1997 Margarita Margarita Lead role
1997–1998 Om Namah Shivay Rati
2004 Rihaee Madhavi
2005 Phir Se Television film[14]
Nach Baliye 1 Contestant [15]
2006–2007 Ji Bhenji[16]
2007–2008 K for Kishore Host
2014–2015 Laut Aao Trisha Lavanya Swaika Garewal
2014 Samvidhaan Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
2015–2016 Balika Vadhu Mangla Devi
2017 Peshwa Bajirao Radhabai
2018–2019 Dil Hi Toh Hai Mamta Noon [17]
2020–2021 Shaadi Mubarak Kusum Kothari
2025 Maharani Season 4 Gayatri

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rajeshwari Sachdev is an Indian actress, singer, and renowned for her versatile performances across , films, television serials, and OTT platforms. Born on 14 April 1975 in , she rose to prominence with her critically acclaimed role in Shyam Benegal's film (1996), earning her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1997. Sachdev hails from a culturally diverse family; her father, Inderjeet Singh Sachdev, was a theatre artist of Punjabi descent, while her mother, Meenakshi Sachdev, is from . She has a brother named Jagmohan Sachdev. Educated at Guru Nanak Khalsa College in , she holds an MA in English Literature from the and trained in for 14 years starting at age five. Her career began in the early 1990s with Marathi theatre and her film debut in the Marathi movie Aaytya Gharat Gharoba (1991), for which she received the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress. She gained further recognition in Hindi cinema through films like Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1993) and later in Issaq (2013) and Runh (2015). On television, she is known for lead roles in series such as Margarita (1997), Peshwa Bajirao (2017), and Dil Hi Toh Hai (2018), winning the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2019 for the latter. Additionally, she co-hosted the popular musical show Antakshari on Zee TV from 1994 to 2001 and participated in Nach Baliye Season 1 in 2005. As a singer, she released the indie pop album Hulle Hullare and performed the song of the same name. In her personal life, Sachdev married actor on 24 November 2004, and they have a son, Devagya, born in 2010. She remains active in , notably portraying in the play Gauhar since 2015, and has transitioned to OTT content with recent projects including Co-Ed (2025) and Maharani 4, expressing a preference for its creative freedom over traditional television in interviews.

Early life

Family background

Rajeshwari Sachdev was born on 14 April 1975 in , . She hails from a mixed cultural background, with her father, Inderjeet Singh Sachdev, being a Punjabi Sikh associated with the (IPTA), and her mother, , a Tamil from , . Sachdev has one brother, Jagmohan Sachdev, and the family maintained a close-knit dynamic in , where her parents balanced artistic pursuits with emphasis on education. From an early age, she was immersed in the arts due to her family's involvement with IPTA, often accompanying her father to rehearsals and performing in children's theatre productions like Idgah and Bakri, which sparked her initial interest in performance.

Education and training

Rajeshwari Sachdev attended High School in Mumbai before pursuing her higher education at Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Mumbai, where she earned a in English Literature from the . This academic foundation complemented her burgeoning interest in the , providing her with a strong grasp of literature and narrative structure that would later inform her acting choices. From a young age, Sachdev immersed herself in classical dance, beginning her training in at the age of five at the Sri Rajarajeswari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir in . She dedicated approximately 14 years to this discipline, mastering intricate footwork, mudras, and expressive storytelling through movement under the guidance of established gurus. This early exposure to instilled in her a profound understanding of rhythm, grace, and emotional conveyance, elements central to her later performances. Sachdev's initial foray into theatre occurred during her formative years through the (IPTA), where she participated in stage productions at in starting in the mid-1980s. Her early plays with IPTA, including works that explored social themes, allowed her to develop skills and a connection to live audience interaction. These experiences at Prithvi, a hub for progressive theatre, marked her transition from amateur enthusiast to committed performer. The synergy of her and training equipped Sachdev with versatile performance abilities, emphasizing discipline, physical control, and the ability to embody complex characters without relying on technological aids. This foundation in structured artistic education was instrumental in building her resilience for the demands of stage and screen, where she could seamlessly integrate vocal, kinetic, and interpretive elements.

Personal life

Marriage

Rajeshwari Sachdev met actor Varun Badola on the sets of the television show Antakshari, where she was hosting and he appeared as a guest, leading to a gradual friendship that developed over several years through occasional meetings and shared professional circles. Their relationship deepened after working together on the film PhirSe, culminating in an engagement in 2004 following a six-month courtship during which Badola sent Sachdev romantic couplets daily. The couple married on 24 November 2004 in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends, which they described as a self-arranged involving active participation from both sides in the preparations. This union marked a significant personal milestone, blending their individual artistic pursuits while maintaining mutual respect for personal space. Throughout their marriage, Sachdev and Badola have balanced demanding careers in film and television by prioritizing in professional choices, avoiding routine collaborations until occasional joint projects like the 2018 play Shabd Leela, which allowed them to reconnect creatively without compromising their separate paths. This approach has sustained their relationship, with Sachdev noting Badola's commitment and integrity as key to resolving conflicts swiftly and fostering ongoing admiration.

Family

Rajeshwari Sachdev and her husband, actor , welcomed their only child, a son named Devagya Badola, on May 10, 2010. The couple maintains a degree of privacy regarding their son's personal life, though they occasionally share family moments on without delving into specifics. The family primarily resides in but owns a farmhouse in Bhabher, , , which serves as a retreat for vacations and quality time together. hails from a family deeply rooted in the arts; his late father, Vishwa Mohan Badola, was a prominent stage artist, writer, and journalist, while his sisters include actress and radio jockey Kalindi Badola. In their family life, Sachdev and Badola coordinate duties to ensure one of them is available for their son, particularly in the evenings, enabling her to manage professional schedules effectively while prioritizing family needs. This mutual support fosters a balanced environment, with shared activities like sports and trips to strengthening their bond.

Career

Theatre and debut

Rajeshwari Sachdev began her professional theatre career in the early 1990s after completing her training, joining the (IPTA) and performing at in . Her initial involvement with IPTA stemmed from her family's connection to the organization, where she had earlier participated in children's productions during the mid-1980s, but her professional entry marked a shift to adult roles in the vibrant Mumbai theatre scene. In the , Sachdev immersed herself in IPTA's repertoire, contributing to several notable productions that highlighted social themes and classical adaptations. Key early works included Shatranj Ke Mohre, Moteram Ka Satyagraha, and Aakhri Shama, where she honed her skills in ensemble performances amid the dynamic, resource-constrained environment of Mumbai's groups. These experiences at , a hub for progressive drama, allowed her to explore nuanced character portrayals and collaborate with established directors, building a strong foundation in live performance. Sachdev made her film debut in 1991 with the Marathi musical comedy Aayatya Gharat Gharoba, directed by , where she played a pivotal role in the depicting family dynamics and humor. The film received positive reception for its light-hearted narrative and performances, earning Sachdev the State Film Award for , which affirmed her acting prowess beyond the stage. Transitioning from theatre to screen in the early 1990s presented challenges such as adapting to the faster pace of filmmaking and logistical hurdles like long daily commutes across , yet Sachdev was motivated by a fierce determination to seize opportunities. As she later reflected, "I was so determined to succeed that I decided I would take the first bus that comes my way," reflecting her proactive approach to bridging the two mediums despite the uncertainties of the industry at the time.

Film roles

Rajeshwari Sachdev began her film career with early roles that provided exposure to both Indian art-house cinema and international productions. In Shyam Benegal's (1993), she portrayed Jamuna, the spunky girl-next-door in a narrative exploring intertwined love stories, marking her entry into parallel . Her subsequent role as Yashodhara in Bernardo Bertolucci's (1993) offered international visibility, depicting the historical figure as part of the film's multi-cultural exploration of . These early appearances highlighted her ability to adapt to diverse directorial visions and settings. A significant breakthrough came with (1996), directed by , where Sachdev played Sakina, the aspiring lead singer in a family of musicians, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced performance that captured emotional depth and cultural nuances of Muslim life in . This role not only showcased her singing talents but also contributed to the film's acclaim for its portrayal of women's aspirations in a patriarchal society. In the mid-2000s, Sachdev continued to diversify her portfolio in . She portrayed Salma in Benegal's (2000), a story of rural women's struggles, emphasizing her skill in grounded, empathetic characters. Later, in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005), she took on the historical role of Captain , leader of the in the , bringing authority and resilience to the biopic. By 2008, in , she appeared as a widowed daughter-in-law in a satirical take on rural life, blending humor with . She played Paro Kashyap in the romantic drama (2013). Sachdev's recent work has increasingly focused on , reflecting her evolution toward regional storytelling. In Runh: The Debt (2015), she contributed to a poignant drama of rural redemption and family bonds. This was followed by Firebrand (2018), where she played a key role in a addressing , and Nazar Andaz (2022), further demonstrating her range in contemporary Marathi narratives. Throughout her career, Sachdev has exhibited versatility in supporting and character roles across genres, from historical epics to intimate dramas, often collaborating with directors to deliver performances that underscore social themes.

Television and other media

Rajeshwari Sachdev began her television career in the mid-1990s by co-hosting the popular musical game show Titan Antakshari from 1994 to 2001 alongside , which significantly boosted her visibility among Indian audiences during the early days of private television . The show's interactive format and her engaging on-screen presence helped establish her as a household name, blending her skills in singing and performance. Her acting debut on television came in 1997 with the Zee TV serial Margarita, where she portrayed the lead role as Margarita Braganza in a narrative exploring urban relationships and personal dilemmas. She followed this with a lead role as Madhavi in the 2004 Sony TV series Rihaee, a drama centered on women's empowerment and familial conflicts in rural India, marking her transition to more substantial character-driven parts. In Peshwa Bajirao (2017), she portrayed Radhabai, the mother of Bajirao. In 2018, Sachdev took on the recurring role of Mamta Noon, a resilient mother navigating family dynamics and emotional turmoil, in Sony TV's Dil Hi Toh Hai, stepping in as a replacement for Poonam Dhillon and appearing across multiple seasons until 2020. Her portrayal emphasized themes of sacrifice and reconciliation within a joint family setup. From 2020 to 2021, Sachdev essayed the character of Kusum Kothari, a traditional Rajasthani housewife dealing with marital and societal expectations, in Star Plus's Shaadi Mubarak, though she exited the show midway due to dissatisfaction with her storyline's development. This period reflected her selective approach to television commitments, preferring roles with depth over long-running soaps. In a notable shift toward digital platforms, she joined the cast of Sony LIV's political drama Maharani Season 4 in 2025, playing a pivotal supporting role as the wife of a key political figure, contributing to the series' exploration of power struggles in Bihar's governance amid high-stakes intrigue. Beyond acting, Sachdev pursued a singing career, releasing albums that showcased her vocal talents in Punjabi and Hindi genres: Mukhda Piya Ka in 2000 and Hulle Hullare in 1999, with the latter featuring the titular pop song that gained moderate radio play. She has occasionally performed live songs on television programs and integrated musical elements into her stage work, highlighting her multifaceted artistry. In other media ventures, Sachdev participated as a contestant in the inaugural season of the reality dance competition Nach Baliye in 2005 alongside her husband Varun Badola, demonstrating her dancing prowess and adding to her reputation for versatility across entertainment formats.

Awards and recognition

Film awards

Rajeshwari Sachdev won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 44th National Film Awards in 1997 for her role as the younger sister Sakina in Benegal's film Sardari Begum (1996). This prestigious honor, conferred by the under the , acknowledged her sensitive depiction of familial bonds and emotional depth in the Urdu-language drama. In addition to the national recognition, Sachdev earned the State Film Award for in 1991 for her debut performance in the Marathi film Aayatya Gharat Gharoba. She received further accolades from the State Film Awards, including a for Best Supporting Actress in 2019 for Firebrand. These awards, primarily from the and , underscored Sachdev's strong presence in Marathi and parallel , with the National Film Award particularly elevating her profile for nuanced supporting roles in art films.

Television and hosting awards

Rajeshwari Sachdev received the in 1998 for her lead role as in the eponymous serial, marking her first major television accolade and highlighting her breakthrough performance in a exploring personal and societal conflicts. In 2017, she won the Indian Television Academy Award (ITA) for in a Supporting Role for portraying Radhabai in the Peshwa Bajirao, where her depiction of the Maratha queen's resilience earned critical praise for adding depth to the ensemble cast. Sachdev secured another ITA Award for in a Supporting Role in for her role as Mamta Noon in the family saga , a performance that showcased her versatility in handling emotional family dynamics and contributed to the show's popularity on Star Plus. These television honors, particularly the ITA wins in the late , solidified Sachdev's reputation as a prominent supporting actress on Indian television, enhancing her visibility beyond hosting stints like and paving the way for subsequent roles in serials such as .

Filmography

Films

YearTitleRoleLanguage
1991Aayatya Gharat GharobaN/AMarathi
1992Suraj Ka Satvan GhodaJamunaHindi
1993Little BuddhaYasodharaEnglish
1994MammoRiyaz's motherHindi
1994TriyacharitraN/AMarathi
1995Param Vir ChakraRadhaHindi
1996Sardari BegumSakinaHindi
1996English Babu Desi MemKatariyaHindi
1998QilaN/AHindi
2000Hari BhariN/AHindi
2001RahulN/AHindi
2001Meri Pyaari Bahania Banegi DulhaniaN/AHindi
2004Ek Aur Amar PremN/AHindi
2008Welcome to SajjanpurN/AHindi
2009Dombivli ReturnN/AMarathi
20107 Days in Slow MotionN/AEnglish
20137 RojulloN/ATelugu
2013IssaqParo KashyapHindi
2013Arjun: The Warrior PrinceDraupadi (voice)Hindi
2013SamarN/AHindi
2013SamhitaHemangini/BhairaviMarathi
2014Bazaar-E-HusnN/AHindi
2015Runh: The DebtN/AMarathi
2019FirebrandDivya Patel PradhanMarathi
2022Nazar AndaazMouniHindi
2023ChidiakhanaN/AHindi
2024OuthouseN/AHindi
2025Tu Me Ani AmairaN/AMarathi

Television shows

Rajeshwari Sachdev began her television career as a co-host on the popular musical Antakshari and has since appeared in a variety of serials, reality programs, and OTT series, often portraying strong, nuanced female characters. Her hosting roles highlight her singing background, while her acting credits span dramatic narratives on crimes against women, historical events, and family dynamics. She has also ventured into digital platforms with political and thriller genres. The following is a chronological overview of her television series, hosting gigs, and OTT appearances:
Year(s)TitleRole/CapacityNetwork/Platform
1994–2001Co-host
1996Sakina (TV film)
1997Margarita (lead)
2005RihaeeMadhavi (lead) TV
2007–2008K for KishoreHost TV
2008Ustaadon Ka UstaadContestant (with ) TV
2008–2009Meet Mila De RabbaChanni (Geet's aunt) TV
2014Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
2014–2015Lavanya SwaikaStar Plus (Life OK)
2015–2016Mangla Devi
2017Peshwa BajiraoRadhabai TV
2018–2020Mamta TV
2020–2021Kusum KothariStar Plus
2022–Purva's Mother
2025Maharani (Season 4)Gayatri Upadhyay

References

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