Rupali Barua is a trailblazing fashion entrepreneur, best known for her transformative journey from Assam to the UK and ultimately Kolkata. Rising to national acclaim for her entrepreneurial pursuits and her marriage to celebrated actor Ashish Vidyarthi, Barua’s story exemplifies resilience, innovation, and modern Indian womanhood.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 21, 1973, in Guwahati, Assam, Rupali Barua grew up in a supportive Assamese family. Her father, the late Ambika Barua, and mother, Kamali Barua, played foundational roles in shaping her values of determination and cultural pride. After attending St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Guwahati, she pursued a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Anthropology, first at Cotton University and later at Gauhati University.
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International Experience and Family
Barua’s career and personal trajectory took a significant turn when she married Dr. Mitam Barooah, a British-based doctor. Relocating to Birmingham, UK, along with her new family, she co-founded the clothing retail venture “Reel and Weave” in 2010. The couple’s partnership resulted not just in business growth but also in a daughter, Rushka.
However, personal tragedy struck when Dr. Barooah passed away in 2016, leaving Rupali widowed. Demonstrating courage and adaptability, she chose to bring her experience and new perspective back to India, specifically Kolkata, along with her daughter.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Success
Barua’s comeback was marked by the founding of “NAMEG,” a Kolkata-based handloom and contemporary saree boutique. With a mission to connect India’s traditional weaves to millennial sensibilities, NAMEG flourished, empowering local artisans and bringing Assamese and Bengali textile heritage into the spotlight. Barua’s hands-on approach extended beyond management; she models her collections and engages directly with customers through social media.
She later diversified into the food industry as a co-founder of “Café Na-Ru-Meg,” which combines her business acumen with her passion for building partnerships and creating unique local experiences. NAMEG and Café Na-Ru-Meg have become renowned destinations for lovers of culture, food, and fashion in Kolkata.
Marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi and Public Image
On May 25, 2023, Barua married nationally known actor Ashish Vidyarthi in a private ceremony in Kolkata. The marriage, which brought together two established professionals from different domains, garnered massive media attention, primarily because of their ages, previous marriages, and openness to finding love later in life.
Despite swirling online debates, Barua and Vidyarthi addressed public curiosity with dignity, emphasising the importance of personal happiness and normalising second chances in life and relationships. The couple’s union also blended their families, with Barua’s daughter Rushka and Vidyarthi’s son Arth sharing a new chapter together.
Net Worth, Lifestyle, and Recognition
Barua’s net worth is estimated at around ₹8-₹10 crores (USD 1 million–1.2 million), primarily sourced from her successful fashion and café ventures, modelling, and social collaborations. She is recognised as one of Kolkata’s most dynamic entrepreneurs, balancing her professional commitments with an active social media presence and frequent contributions to events and causes around women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and artisan welfare.
Hobbies, Interests, and Social Influence
Rupali Barua enjoys travelling across India and the globe, reading, dancing, and celebrating food from both the North-East and Bengal. Her Instagram is filled with vibrant saree looks, dance reels, and motivational content for fellow entrepreneurs, especially women. She often collaborates online with artisans and fellow designers, expanding her influence beyond immediate business operations.
Media Presence, Influence, and Controversies
Barua’s increased public profile after her marriage has made her both a trendsetter and a target of viral debates, especially concerning second marriages, women’s independence, and age norms in Indian society. She routinely receives coverage in lifestyle magazines, business journals, and entertainment tabloids, reinforcing her status as a modern icon of success.
While controversies around her personal life (especially related to social media scrutiny post-marriage) have surfaced, Barua has always responded with grace, keeping her focus on her business, family, and community.
FAQs About Rupali Barua
Who is Rupali Barua?
Rupali Barua is a British-Indian fashion entrepreneur and the founder of NAMEG, a handloom-focused boutique in Kolkata. She is also known as the wife of Indian actor Ashish Vidyarthi.
What is Barua’s educational background?
Rupali Barua holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Anthropology from Cotton University and Gauhati University in Assam.
What businesses has she run?
She co-founded “Reel and Weave” (Birmingham, UK) and currently runs NAMEG in Kolkata and co-owns Café Na-Ru-Meg.
What is Rupali Barua’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is ₹8-₹10 crores (1–1.2 million USD), thanks to her successful businesses and social media collaborations.
Has she been involved in controversies?
Barua faced public scrutiny and debate upon her marriage to actor Ashish Vidyarthi, mostly in relation to age and remarriage, but addressed these with dignity.
Who are her family members?
Her family includes her late father Ambika Barua, mother Kamali Barua, sister Meghali Barua, daughter Rushka, stepson Arth Vidyarthi, and husband Ashish Vidyarthi.
What are her main interests and hobbies?
She is known for travel, dancing, reading, and promoting traditional handloom weaves, as well as vibrant saree fashion and dance videos online.
Is she active on social media?
Yes, Rupali shares regularly on Instagram, showcasing business updates, fashion looks, travel photos, and creative reels.
