Before lighting up the screen in films across India, Rashi Khanna was a young woman with a very different dream. The actress, who has worked alongside stars like John Abraham and Shahid Kapoor, was once preparing for the UPSC exams and aiming to become an IAS officer. But life had other plans.A bright student with big goalsBorn and raised in Delhi, Rashi always stood out for her sharp mind and hard work. As reported by Economic Times, she topped her Class 12 board exams and later graduated with a degree in English Literature from the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College. At the time, she had her eyes firmly set on cracking the UPSC exams and entering the civil services.Coming from a middle-class family with no background in films, Rashi’s goal was simple: to build a secure and respectable career. She has said in interviews that “acting wasn’t even a consideration”—a clear sign that she never thought she’d end up in the movies. For her, success meant hard work, self-reliance, and stability.Was a copywriter before stepping in front of the cameraAfter finishing her studies, Rashi began her professional life in the corporate world. She worked as a copywriter at an advertising agency, writing, thinking creatively, and doing what many young graduates dream of: landing a steady job.But even as she worked and studied for UPSC, people around her started to notice something special about her. Encouraged by those who believed in her potential, Rashi dipped her toes into the world of modelling. What started as a small side project slowly began to open new doors.Her first step in films: ‘Madras Cafe’ with John AbrahamIn 2013, everything changed for Rashi. She got a role in Shoojit Sircar’s political thriller ‘Madras Cafe’, where she starred opposite John Abraham. She played the role of the lead character’s wife. Although her screen time was short, it was enough to leave an impression. This debut marked her official entry into the Hindi film industry. For someone who hadn’t even considered acting as a career, being in a major Bollywood film was a huge shift. It was just the beginning.Finding fame in South Indian filmsAfter her Bollywood debut, Rashi chose to explore opportunities in South Indian cinema. She built a strong career in the Telugu and Tamil film industries, appearing in many popular movies such as ‘Imaikkaa Nodigal’ with Nayanthara, ‘Bengal Tiger’, ‘Jil’, and ‘Sardar’. These roles helped her grow as an actress and win hearts across the country.Making a mark on OTT platformsIn recent years, Rashi has become a familiar face on OTT platforms too. She appeared in the crime series ‘Rudra’ and also starred in ‘Farzi’ alongside Shahid Kapoor. These projects introduced her to a wider digital audience and showed her ability to take on different types of roles.Over a decade in the film industryFrom dreaming of the UPSC to making it big on the silver screen, her journey is full of unexpected turns. What stands out is her unique blend of intelligence, ambition, and creativity. Without any formal training or connections in the industry, she carved her own path. Now in her mid-thirties, Rashi has spent more than ten years in cinema. Her work spans languages, genres, and platforms. She is proof that sometimes life’s biggest opportunities come when you least expect them.
