John Abraham's co-star is a DU Lady Shriram College topper; was prepping for UPSC but became movie actress instead

Before becoming a familiar face in Indian cinema, Rashi Khanna had an entirely different path mapped out for herself. Born and raised in Delhi, she excelled academically from a young age, topping her Class 12 board examinations and later her university as well. She graduated from Lady Shri Ram College with a degree in English Literature, where she initially set her sights on cracking the UPSC and becoming an IAS officer.

Coming from a middle-class background with no links to the entertainment industry, Rashi was never inclined toward films during her school years. In interviews, she has often shared that acting wasn’t even a consideration—her focus was on building a stable career through hard work and self-reliance.

First Steps Into Professional World

Rashi’s early professional life began in the corporate world, working as a copywriter at an advertising agency. It was during this phase that she began getting noticed for her presence and personality. While still preparing for the UPSC, she explored opportunities in modelling, largely due to the encouragement of people around her. What began as an experiment eventually opened doors to the entertainment world.

Bollywood debut with John Abraham

Rashi’s acting career took off in 2013 when she was cast in Shoojit Sircar’s political thriller Madras Cafe, opposite John Abraham. She portrayed the role of the protagonist’s wife in the film, marking her entry into the Hindi film industry. Though her screen time was limited, it was enough to leave an impression and pave the way for more prominent roles.

South Indian cinema and OTT

Following her debut, Rashi Khanna shifted focus to the South Indian film industry, where she built a strong portfolio. She starred in films like Imaikkaa Nodigal alongside Nayanthara, Bengal Tiger, Jil, and Sardar. In recent years, she has gained recognition in the OTT space with projects like Farzi, where she appeared alongside Shahid Kapoor, and the crime series Rudra.

Rashi has often credited her journey to a mix of fate and relentless effort. While her original goal was far removed from acting, her discipline and adaptability helped her excel in a completely different field. Her story reflects a rare blend of intellect, ambition, and creative passion—qualities that have allowed her to thrive in the entertainment industry without any formal background or connections.

Now in her mid-thirties and with over a decade in cinema, Rashi Khanna continues to evolve, balancing mainstream films, web series, and a strong presence on social media. From UPSC dreams to the film sets, her career remains a testament to how unexpected turns can often lead to fulfilling destinations.