Rasika Dugal is recognised as one of India’s finest acting talents and a trailblazer in the new wave of digital content. With roots in Jamshedpur and a career spanning over 15 years, she embodies the perfect blend of intelligence, artistic curiosity, versatility, and genuine warmth.
Family and Roots
Rasika Dugal was born on January 17, 1985, in the Circuit House Area of Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, to Punjabi Sikh parents Jessie and Raveen Dugal. Her parents, who spent their early years in Burma, later moved to India to raise their daughters, Rasika and Upneet Dugal. The family valued education, artistic pursuits, and close ties, a grounding still evident in Rasika’s life and career.
Education and Early Interests
A precocious child, Rasika attended Sacred Heart Convent School, excelling academically. She initially aspired to be a doctor but gravitated toward mathematics, completing her BSc in Mathematics (Honours) from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi. She then pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Communications Media at Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai, followed by Acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
Her college years were defined by participation in theatre, a passion that quietly redrew her life’s map. She entered the professional world as a research assistant and NGO worker, earning her very first paycheck of ₹7,000. It was a friend’s recommendation that opened the doors to Bollywood.
Key Details:
Career: A Journey of Versatility
Bollywood and Beyond
Rasika’s on-screen career began with a cameo as Deepti in Anwar (2007). She continued to take on varied, sometimes small but always complex roles in films like No Smoking (2007), Hijack (2008), Aurangzeb (2013), Qissa (2015), and her Malayalam debut, Kammatti Paadam (2016).
Her critically acclaimed performances in independent movies like Qissa, Kshay (2012), and especially Manto (2018) garnered her festival attention. She walked the Cannes red carpet with the Manto team. Hamid (2018), a poignant film, won her national-level awards for Best Actress.
Breakthrough on Digital Platforms
The turning point in Rasika’s career was her role as Beena Tripathi in the Amazon Prime series Mirzapur (2018, present). The show’s popularity and her bold, layered portrayal made her a household name, earning her the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation Award and multiple nominations for best actress.
Mirzapur was followed by lead roles in Delhi Crime (Netflix), Out of Love (Hotstar), A Suitable Boy (BBC/Netflix), and OK Computer (Disney+ Hotstar). Each performance showed her ability to embody vastly different personalities, whether as a fiery femme fatale, an upright police officer, or a conflicted spouse.
Work in Television, Podcasts, and Theatre
Rasika’s versatility extends to television serials (Powder, Rishta.com, Kismat, Dariba Diaries, P.O.W. – Bandi Yuddh Ke), short films (Chutney, Banana Bread, The School Bag), and web comedies (Permanent Roommates, Humorously Yours, Made in Heaven, Adhura).
She also demonstrated her comedic skills with the Audible podcast Uncovidable and worked as a presenter for Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik. She remains passionate about stage acting, having performed in various Hindi theatre plays after completing FTII.
Achievements, Awards, and Honours
Rasika Dugal’s artistry has earned her numerous accolades:
- NETPAC Award for Qissa (2015)
- Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation Award: Best Actress for Mirzapur (2019)
- Flame Award (2019) and FOI Online Award: Special Mention for Hamid
- Bollywood Life Award (2020)
- Iconic Achievers Award: Most Versatile Actor (2021)
- Golden Glory Award, Brand Impact: Most Loved Female Lead in OTT (Mirzapur, 2021)
- Indian Film and Television Award: Best Supporting Actress (Mirzapur, 2021)
- Forbes India Award: Icon of Excellence (2022)
- Part of the Emmy Award-winning series Delhi Crime (2019)
- Multiple Screen and Indian Television Academy Award nominations
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Family
Marriage to Mukul Chadda
Rasika met fellow actor Mukul Chadda at a theatre workshop. Their friendship blossomed, quickly turning romantic, and they married in 2010 after about a year of dating. The couple remains supportive of each other’s craft, frequently collaborating, most notably on the short film Banana Bread.
Other Relationships and Interests
Though Rasika and Mukul have no children, their bond is fueled by shared interests in literature, fitness, theatre, and animal welfare. Rasika is a devoted dog lover with several pets.
She is also an unapologetic Shah Rukh Khan fan, often calling it a “long-distance relationship” in jest.
Public Persona and Hobbies
Rasika Dugal stands out for her humility, grounded approach, and a refreshing refusal to buy into celebrity hype. She enjoys reading, especially Urdu poetry; learning music; dancing; gym workouts; writing poetry; and trying new recipes and cuisines.
She actively promotes theatre and indie films, uses her voice for social causes, and has graced major magazine covers, from Cosmopolitan to Hello! Her fans admire her earthiness and wit, characteristics that also shine through in interviews.
Lifestyle, Fitness, and Social Media
She is noted for her commitment to fitness, regular workouts, and balanced eating. Her food preferences include both Punjabi classics and modern café fare.
Rasika has over a million followers on Instagram, where she shares behind-the-scenes work, family moments, reading lists, travel, and pictures with her dogs, making her relatable to young audiences.
Net Worth and Finances
As of 2025, Rasika Dugal’s net worth is estimated at ₹22 crore (about $2.6 million), making her one of the highest-paid digital actresses in India. She reportedly earned ₹4-5 lakh per episode for Mirzapur Season 3 and commands significant fees for lead roles in films, endorsements, and public appearances.
Her financial success is a testament to her steady career and smart choice of impactful, popular projects.
Recent News and Upcoming Projects
In 2025, Rasika earned critical acclaim for her performance in Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, a film praised for both its content and her lead performance. She also featured in Postcards from Jharkhand on National Geographic, reconnecting with her roots.
Her upcoming slate includes multiple OTT originals, independent films, and experimental collaborations, reaffirming her place among India’s most bankable and versatile actresses.
Anecdotes and Lesser-Known Facts
- She once worked as a research assistant and for an NGO before switching to acting.
- Rasika’s first Bollywood job came via a friend’s recommendation.
- She walked the Cannes red carpet for Manto.
- Her voice is considered similar to Waheeda Rehman’s.
- She wrote, shot, and acted in Banana Bread during the 2020 lockdowns.
- She loves red wine, ragi chips, and chocolate desserts.
- Famed for switching her phone off and going out of coverage, a personal quirk.
FAQs About Rasika Dugal
Who are Rasika Dugal’s parents?
Jessie and Raveen Dugal, Punjabi Sikhs with roots in Burma, later relocated to Jamshedpur.
What are her most famous roles?
Beena Tripathi in Mirzapur, cop Neeti Singh in Delhi Crime, and Safia in Manto have been her most iconic roles.
Is Rasika Dugal married?
Yes, she married actor Mukul Chadda in 2010 after quickly bonding over theatre.
How much is Rasika Dugal paid per project?
For Mirzapur Season 3, she earned about ₹4–5 lakh per episode. Her net worth is estimated at close to ₹22 crore.
5Which awards has she won?
She has won the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation Award, NETPAC Award, Forbes India Award, and many more.
What are her hobbies and personal interests?
Rasika enjoys poetry, reading, gym, dog care, writing, and music.
Has she ever faced scandals or major controversies?
No significant controversies. She is outspoken for complex female roles and is known for her professionalism.
What are her upcoming projects?
Rasika is leading in Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, with more web series and indie films lined up for 2025 and beyond.
Does she have children?
No, Rasika and Mukul Chadda have opted to focus on their careers and creative pursuits as of 2025.
Which languages has she worked in?
Besides Hindi, she has acted in Malayalam cinema (notably Kammatti Paadam).
