Rasika Agashe is a prominent figure in Indian cinema and theatre, celebrated for her versatility as an actress, director, writer, and producer. Her work spans Hindi and Marathi films and plays, showcasing her dedication to the arts.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Tuesday, May 24, 1983, in Pune, Maharashtra, Rasika Agashe’s zodiac sign is Gemini. She completed her schooling at SNDT Kanyashala, Pune, and later pursued a Sanskrit degree at Fergusson College, Pune. Her passion for acting began in childhood, nurtured by her middle-class Marathi family’s love of theatre. She actively participated in theatre festivals during college, including the prestigious Purushottam Karandak. Before graduating, she enrolled in the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi.
After NSD, she relocated to Mumbai with her husband, Zeeshan. Her decision to study Sanskrit was driven by a strategic move, as the early morning class times left her afternoons free for theatrical pursuits.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’3″
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
Details about her parents and siblings remain largely private.
Husband & Children
Rasika Agashe married actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub on September 12, 2007, in New Delhi. Their marriage, registered under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, is a testament to their inter-faith relationship. They met and befriended at NSD, with Rasika being a year senior to Zeeshan. Together they have a daughter, Raahi.
Career
Theatre
Rasika’s journey in the entertainment industry started with theatre. After moving to Mumbai, she landed her first commercial Marathi play, *Popatpanchi*, in 2010. Her experience includes working with various theatre groups and performing in numerous Marathi, Hindi, and English plays. A notable role was as Salma in *Iss Kambakht Sathe Ka Kya Karein?* alongside her husband, Zeeshan.
Transitioning from commercial plays, she shifted her focus to socio-political themes, becoming a theatre director. She co-founded Being Association in 2013 with Zeeshan, a group committed to promoting performing arts and theatre education in India. The group’s initiatives, including the Sanhita Manch Theatre Festival, provide opportunities for new writers. Rasika’s directorial credits include *Sat Bhashe Raidas*, *HarusMarus*, *Museum of Species in Danger*, and several others. Her 2023 solo play, *Stand Up with D’ Girls*, showcases her continued commitment to the stage.
Film
Rasika’s film debut was in the Hindi comedy *BHK Bhalla@Halla.Kom* (2016). She has since appeared in several noteworthy films, including *1 Te 4 Band*, *Ajji*, *Mere Pyare Prime Minister*, and *Three of Us*, displaying her range and talent across different genres.
Web Series
Her digital debut was in Amazon Prime’s *Unpaused: Naya Safar* (2022), followed by *Pet Puraan* (2022) on SonyLIV. Her role as jail matron Meena Rane in Netflix’s *Scoop* (2023) brought her widespread recognition.
Awards
- Loksatta Tarun Tejankit Award (2021)
- 2022 Istanbul Film Award (IFA) for Best Debut Director – Feature Film for *Ticha Shahar Hona*
Favourites
| Category | Favourite |
|---|---|
| Actor | Shah Rukh Khan |
| Theatre | Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai |
| Theatre Director | Anuradha Kapur |
| Theatre Artist | Kumud Mishra |
| Playwright(s) | Vijay Tendulkar, Girish Karnad, Satish Alekar |
| Play Character | Mother From A Long Day’s Journey Into Night By Eugene O’Neill |
| Book | I am a Troll by Swati Chaturvedi |
| Music Director | Amod Bhatt |
| Production Designer | Aashish Mehta |
| Set Designer | Robin Das |
Facts
Rasika and her husband, Zeeshan, faced financial challenges after moving to Mumbai, initially believing Rs 40,000 would suffice but quickly depleting it due to a fraudulent broker. She is a non-vegetarian and has been vocal about her political views, participating in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2020.
She faced online trolling in 2020 after sharing a baby shower photo amid the Tanishq ad controversy, highlighting the complexities of navigating interfaith relationships in the public sphere.
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