Today, January 17, 2026, marks the 41st birthday of Rasika Dugal, a celebrated Indian actress known for her impactful performances across various platforms, including OTT, independent cinema, and theatre. Dugal has carved a unique space for herself in the Indian entertainment industry through her nuanced acting skills and fearless choice of roles.
Born on January 17, 1985, in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, to Jessie and Raveen Dugal, Rasika initially pursued academics with dedication. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, in 2004. Later, she acquired a postgraduate diploma in Social Communications Media from Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai, and a diploma in acting from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
Dugal's acting career began in 2007 with a small role in the film Anwar. During the early stages of her career, she appeared in films like No Smoking (2007), Hijack, Tahaan, Agyaat, and Thanks Maa. However, her breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed film Qissa (2015), where she played the role of Neeli. The film garnered praise from both critics and audiences.
Rasika Dugal has delivered powerful performances in several web series. Her portrayal of Beena Tripathi in the Amazon Prime Video series Mirzapur earned her widespread recognition and a nomination for Best Actress in a Web Series at the Indian Television Academy Awards. Her role as Neeti Singh, a young IPS officer, in the Netflix series Delhi Crime, which won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, was also highly appreciated. Other notable web series appearances include Made in Heaven (2019), Out of Love (2019-2021), A Suitable Boy (2020), and OK Computer (2021).
Apart from her success in the digital space, Dugal has starred in several critically acclaimed films. In Nandita Das's biographical film Manto (2018), she played Safia, the wife of the writer Saadat Hassan Manto, earning her a Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also received the Best Actor Award at the Rajasthan International Film Festival for her role in Hamid (2018). Her performance in Darbaan (2020) was also praised by critics.
Rasika Dugal's versatility extends to television, where she has appeared in serials such as Powder (2010), Kismat (2010), Upanishad Ganga (2012), and P.O.W.- Bandi Yuddh Ke (2016). She also co-wrote a short film, Banana Bread, with her husband, Mukul Chadda. In 2020, she launched a comic podcast called Uncovidable, created by Vekeana Dhillon.
In recent years, Dugal has reflected on her career and the opportunities that OTT platforms have provided. She acknowledged that streaming services have given her a "lease of life," allowing her to reach a wider audience and showcase her talent in smaller films that may not have received the attention they deserved otherwise.
As Rasika Dugal celebrates her birthday, it is an opportune moment to reflect on her journey and appreciate her contributions to the world of entertainment. With a diverse range of roles and a commitment to meaningful storytelling, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
