Rakhi Sawant, whose birth name is Neeru Bheda, was born on November 25, 1978. Rakhi went to Mumbai's famous Mithibai College, though she didn't complete her studies. At a very early age, Rakhi Sawant started working to support her family. (All photos/Rakhi Sawant's official Instagram account)

In 1997, Rakhi Sawant made her acting debut with Agnichakr. She had even changed her name to Ruhi Sawant for the movie

Rakhi Sawant then appeared in small roles in films such as Kurukshetra, Joru Ka Ghulam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Dum, Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne, Paisa Vasool, Main Hoon Na, Buddha Mar Gaya, Dil Bole Hadippa! and Ek Kahani Julie Ki

Rakhi Sawant rose to fame with the item song 'Jhoomka Gira Re Remix' (Sweet Honey Mix) and Pardesiya Yeh Sach Hai Piya Remix

In 2006, Rakhi Sawant created a lot of buzz when singer Mika Singh forcibly tried kissing the actress on his birthday. Soon after, Rakhi established her image as 'Controversy's favourite child'

In the same year, Rakhi Sawant entered Bigg Boss Season 1 and ever since then there was no looking back for the actress who gained popularity for her outspoken nature

Though she didn't emerge as the reality show's winner, Rakhi Sawant grabbed enough eyeballs for her tiffs and funny acts on the show

In 2007, Rakhi Sawant participated with her (then) boyfriend Abhishek Avasthi in Nach Baliye Season 3. The couple emerged as the runner-up of the season

In 2008, Rakhi Sawant hosted her talk show - 'The Rakhi Sawant Showz', on Zoom TV, that saw Bollywood's leading actors gracing the hot seat!

After breaking up with Abhishek Avasthi, Rakhi Sawant appeared on the reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamwar. The show was about choosing the perfect life partner for Rakhi with the help of viewers. 16 grooms, who came from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bulandshahr, Hrishikesh, Jaipur, Kanpur and Srinagar, and even from places as far away as Toronto, made every attempt to woo the lady in their unique styles

NRI businessman Elesh Parunjwala got engaged to Rakhi Sawant after the show. Although a wedding was expected at the show's finale, Rakhi and Elesh only got engaged. I was all set to marry Elesh on Sunday. But it was Elesh who said he wanted more time to get to know me. I'm very confident of him. But if he needs more time to get to know me, how can I force myself on him? I'm ready to wait as long as he wants, Rakhi had said then

However, Rakhi Sawant and Elesh Parunjwala soon broke up. She said that she was worried about him accepting her sexy image, her financial independence and, above all, she doesn't want him to be just known as Rakhi Sawant's husband

Will Elesh be able to support me financially? I don't want him to be known as Rakhi Sawant's husband. I need time. I agree Elesh is educated and he comes from a wealthy family. But all of it belongs to his father. He has nothing of his own in Mumbai, not even a home. He needs time to settle down, said Rakhi in 2009

Rakhi added, Elesh has to be financially independent. I want to marry a man who can support me. In India, wives are supposed to be looked after by husbands, not vice versa. I don't want him to come and stay in my house. I want to live in his house. I will wait for him to afford a house. And their love story ended there!

Pic/Suresh KK

Rakhi Sawant then said she is happy being single but is ready to do another season of the reality show 'Rakhi ka Swayamwar' to find her lucky man

I am happy being single. I feel blessed when I see Baba Ramdev, Narendra Modiji, Salman Khan and many other well-known personalities being single, Rakhi Sawant said in a statement

Rakhi Sawant, who has often courted controversy with her outspoken nature, wonders what's the point of living in a democracy if one is scared before speaking

In 2019, Rakhi Sawant left netizens surprised when she announced her wedding on social media. The actress, who was mired in controversies and publicity stunts many times before, was not even given the benefit of the doubt when she announced her marriage to a UK-based businessman

Rakhi claims to be married to a man named Ritesh and says that he is extremely shy and not media-friendly

Later, the actress's husband made an appearance on the reality show - Bigg Boss. After his elimination, the duo is said to be separated. Rakhi Sawant shared the news with her social media followers on Instagram

Rakhi was once quoted saying, I am as fearless as the Rani of Jhansi and I will fight against all those people who drag me in controversy. Now, Rakhi Sawant is dating Adil Khan Durani and the duo has made multiple public appearances together

Ritesh confessed that he became a Rakhi Sawant fan after watching one of her interviews. In an earlier interview with mid-day.com, Rakhi Sawant had said, "I am happy with my married life. I love my husband like God. I love my Jesus because Jesus has given me my Pati Parmeshwar, and I love my husband a lot. I don't care what people think about me."

Hey, Rakhi Sawant! Keep entertaining the world. You are the best at it!