Drashti Dhami stands tall among Indian television’s most accomplished and popular stars, blending beauty, talent, and resilience into a remarkable life journey. Her story is a blend of family values, professional pursuits, unwavering ambition, and grace in handling public scrutiny, a tale that inspires millions as of 2025.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 10, 1985, in Mumbai, Drashti grew up in a conservative Gujarati family rooted in tradition yet supportive of her dreams. A Capricorn by zodiac, she attended Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School in Borivali and earned a Sociology degree from Mithibai College, credentials that hint at her depth beyond the glamour.
Before TV stardom, Drashti taught dance and took modelling assignments, quickly becoming a recognised face in music videos and ad campaigns. Her early video credits include “Saiyaan Dil Mein Aana Re,” “Humko Aaj Kal Hai,” and “Nachle Soniyo Tu”.
Family and Bonds
Drashti comes from a close-knit family, including her parents and elder brother, Jaysheel Dhami. She shares a special bond with her sister-in-law, actress Suhasi Dhami, and counts actor Karan V. Grover among her cousins. These connections made her journey into entertainment smoother, with family always standing as her pillar.
She married Neeraj Khemka, a businessman, on February 21, 2015. The couple maintains a private and supportive relationship, welcoming their daughter Leela in October 2024. Their family portrait is admired for its warmth and the balance between public and personal life.
Key Details:
Television Journey: Early Steps to Superstardom
Drashti’s first major television role came in 2009 as Dr Muskaan Chadda on “Dill Mill Gayye”. Her big break came with “Geet- Hui Sabse Parayi,” where she portrayed Geet Handa with heartfelt realism; this role catapulted her to national fame.
She cemented her place with “Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon,” playing the titular role for 500+ episodes and winning critical and popular acclaim. Further, her performances in “Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani” and “Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka” showcased her range and adaptability.
Her digital leap includes lead roles in ZEE5’s thrilling “Duranga” and the historical web series “The Empire,” which have earned her an ever-wider audience for her talent. She even turned down an offer to act in the Bollywood film “Singham Returns,” choosing instead to honour her TV commitments, a testament to her loyalty to the small screen.
Reality Shows and Brand Endorsements
Drashti’s star power extended to reality TV. She won the dance contest “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6” in 2013, impressing the nation with her moves and stage presence. Her appearances, both as a performer and a guest, keep her relevant with changing audience tastes.
She is a sought-after face for commercial endorsements, having represented brands like SoColor by MATRIX and Hindustan Tin Works’ “Save Our Planet”. Her philanthropic side shines as brand ambassador for Canvironment Week and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan campaigns.
Achievements, Accolades, and Recognition
Drashti Dhami’s awards shelf is brimming; her tally stands at 4 major wins and 14 nominations, with much of it owed to her roles in “Geet,” “Madhubala,” and high-profile reality shows. In 2012, Eastern Eye ranked her the 12th “World’s Sexiest Asian Woman,” and she once ranked 3rd, ahead of stars like Deepika Padukone.
Her fashion sense and frequent spotlights at red-carpet events further cement her reputation as a trendsetter. She is respected for both her expressive acting and dynamic personality, admired by fans, peers, and critics alike.
Net Worth, Lifestyle, and Income Sources
As of 2025, Drashti’s estimated net worth is around ₹8 crore (about $1 million), with her television fee pegged at ₹1 lakh per episode, putting her among the highest-paid Indian TV actresses.
Key Income Sources:
- Lead roles and recurring appearances in TV serials and web series
- Reality show winnings and guest slots (“Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” especially)
- Brand endorsements with leading beauty, lifestyle, and eco-conscious brands
- Social media sponsorships across Instagram, Twitter, and beyond
- Personal appearances and live show performances
She balances commercial savvy with social influence, collaborating with top brands and using her massive digital reach for both commerce and cause.
Relationships, Personal Life, and Interests
Drashti’s love story with Neeraj Khemka is a rare example of sustained privacy in a hyperscrutinized industry. They were together for years before marrying and have nurtured a grounded family away from rumour-mongers.
She is also known for her camaraderie with television peers like Sanaya Irani, Karan Singh Grover, and Kanika Maheshwari. Her off-screen interests include dancing, travelling, and culinary exploration, with favourites ranging from chocolate to khaakra and cakes.
Drashti is often admired for her discipline; she neither smokes nor (reportedly) drinks alcohol, and she wears glasses in daily life. Her personality fuses tradition and modernity, resonating with fans who appreciate authenticity.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Drashti’s commitment to social causes spans environmental activism, child health, and women’s empowerment. Her role as brand ambassador for “Canvironment Week” and her participation in Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan demonstrate a willingness to use her influence for the public good. She frequently appears in media campaigns urging positive habits and greater social responsibility.
Controversies, Rumours, and Media Attention
Like most celebrities, Drashti has weathered controversies:
- Co-star Clashes: Rumours of tension with Vivian Dsena (salary issues, “Madhubala”) and being branded a “tantrum queen” on the sets of “Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani”.
- Hosting Drama: She was abruptly removed as host from “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7” due to talk of chemistry issues between her and co-host Ranvir Shorey.
- Media Trolls: In 2024, she faced online trolling during her pregnancy announcement, but gained praise for her dignified response.
- Affair Speculations: Gossip columns repeatedly linked her to colleagues, notably Gurmeet Choudhary and Sidharth Shukla, though without substantiation.
- Missed Film Roles: Her refusal of “Singham Returns” due to scheduling conflicts was widely discussed in Bollywood circles.
Throughout, Drashti has handled speculation with poise, focusing on her work and public positives.
Recent News and 2025 Projects
As a trendsetter in both TV and the digital sphere, Drashti remains newsworthy with new show announcements, web series, and regular public event appearances. Her ongoing role in “Duranga,” web projects, and as a digital influencer keeps her in the popular imagination.
Her digital content, influencer campaigns, and environmental advocacy ensure she is as relevant off-screen as on, a rare feat many contemporary stars struggle to balance.
Social Media Influence
With millions of devoted followers and high engagement on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Drashti’s social media presence is a business and cultural force. She partners with national and international brands for sponsored content, blending entertainment, awareness, and commerce. Her posts often feature her signature style and glimpses into her family and travels.
Unique and Lesser-Known Facts
- Prior to acting fame, Drashti was an in-demand dance instructor and stage performer.
- She is one of the few TV celebrities to transition successfully into web series and maintain mainstream popularity.
- Eastern Eye once placed her #3 ahead of global names in Asian beauty rankings.
- She is known for her collection of spectacles, which she wears off-screen.
- Despite offers, she has so far resisted a major pivot to film, choosing to dominate television and the digital space.
FAQs About Drashti Dhami
What is Drashti Dhami’s age in 2025?
Drashti was born on January 10, 1985, making her 40 years old as of 2025.
Who is Drashti Dhami married to, and does she have children?
She married businessman Neeraj Khemka in 2015. Their daughter, Leela, was born in October 2024.
Which TV serials gave Drashti widespread fame?
She is renowned for “Geet- Hui Sabse Parayi,” “Madhubala- Ek Ishq Ek Junoon,” “Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani,” “Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka,” and “Duranga”.
What notable awards has Drashti won?
Besides winning “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6,” Drashti has four awards and over a dozen nominations, including Best Actress.
What is Drashti Dhami’s estimated net worth and main sources of income?
Her 2025 net worth is estimated at ₹8 crore, with primary earnings from TV acting, reality show victories, endorsements, influencer marketing, and digital series.
What controversies has Drashti faced?
She has handled co-star disputes, hosting removals, persistent media rumours, pregnancy trolling, and speculation about Bollywood roles, all with professionalism.
What was her early life before television?
Drashti was a professional dance instructor and model, featuring in music videos and high-visibility ads before her TV breakthrough.
What causes and brands is Drashti associated with?
Drashti supports environmental and social campaigns like Canvironment Week and Swachh Bharat, and endorses brands such as SoColor and Hindustan Tin Works.
What are Drashti’s hobbies and personal likes?
Her favourites include dancing, travelling, chocolate, khaakra, cakes, and close friendship with TV peers.
