Rushali Yadav is a name that has quickly become familiar to fans of Indian reality television and fashion. Known for her graceful presence and confident personality, Rushali first caught the public’s eye when she appeared on MTV India’s Next Top Model in 2018. Since then, she has built a career that spans modeling, entrepreneurship, and television. In 2024, she became one of the most talked-about contestants on MTV Splitsvilla X5, where her charm and strong opinions made her a fan favorite.
Born and raised in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Rushali’s journey from a small-town girl to a national celebrity is inspiring. She didn’t just rely on beauty to make her mark—she worked hard, studied fashion design, and built her own brand. Her story is one of determination, creativity, and a deep love for fashion and entertainment. Today, she is not only a successful model but also a businesswoman and a social media influencer.
Early Life and Background
Rushali was born on July 16, 1998, in Ajmer, Rajasthan. She grew up in a middle-class family that valued education and hard work. Her father, Rajesh Yadav, and mother, Sarita Yadav, supported her dreams from a young age. Ajmer, known for its rich culture and history, was the backdrop of Rushali’s early years. She attended St. Stephen’s Senior Secondary School, where she was known for being creative and confident. Her current age is 27 years as of 2025.
Even as a child, Rushali showed interest in fashion and modeling. She loved dressing up, watching fashion shows on TV, and sketching designs. Her teachers often praised her for her discipline and leadership skills. Though Ajmer is not a fashion capital, Rushali never let that stop her. She believed that with hard work, she could reach any goal.
Parents and Upbringing
Rushali’s parents played a big role in shaping her career. Her father, Rajesh Yadav, worked in a government job and always encouraged Rushali to follow her dreams. Her mother, Sarita Yadav, was her biggest cheerleader. She supported Rushali’s decision to study fashion and even helped her prepare for beauty contests. The family lived in Ajmer, and despite limited resources, they made sure Rushali had everything she needed to succeed.
Rushali often talks about how her parents taught her the value of honesty, hard work, and kindness. She credits them for helping her stay grounded even after becoming famous. In interviews, she has said that her parents never pressured her to choose a “safe” career and instead gave her the freedom to explore her passions.
Rushali Yadav Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rushali Yadav |
| Date of Birth | 16 July 1998 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 27 Years |
| Birthplace | Ajmer, Rajasthan, India |
| Hometown | Ajmer, Rajasthan |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 57 kg |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black with Dark Brown Highlights |
| School | St. Stephen’s Senior Secondary School, Ajmer |
| College / University | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in Leather Design |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Engagement Date | 3 March 2025 |
| Fiancé | Harsh Arora (Digital Creator, Model, Entrepreneur) |
| Father’s Name | Rajesh Yadav |
| Mother’s Name | Sarita Yadav |
| Profession | Model, Actress, Entrepreneur |
| Debut (TV) | India’s Next Top Model (2018) – Contestant |
| Debut (Music Video) | “Get With You” by Shantshakti (2024) |
| Talent Agency | Cocoaberry Talent Agency |
| Business Venture | Mania Walker (Founded in 2021 – Fashionable Footwear) |
| Known TV Shows | MTV Splitsvilla X5 (2024), MTV India’s Next Top Model (2018) |
| Film Appearances | CTRL (2024), Thank God (2022) |
| Awards | Face of India (2018) Extraordinary Award (NIFT, 2019) |
| Philanthropy | Supported Child Help Foundation (2020) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ₹6 crore INR (approx, as of 2025) |
| @rushaliyadavofc/ |
Physical Appearance
Yadav’s physical traits often draw attention. She stands tall at 5’9″ (175 cm), which is ideal for both runway modeling and screen roles. Her weight of 57 kg makes her lean yet strong, and she maintains her fitness through regular workouts and a balanced diet.
Her black eyes give her an intense look that suits both traditional and modern styling. Her black hair with dark brown highlights adds dimension to her overall appearance. She’s often seen experimenting with hairstyles, from sleek ponytails to beachy waves, but always keeps her signature highlights.
Education
Rushali completed her schooling at St. Stephen’s Senior Secondary School in Ajmer. She was a bright student who balanced academics with extracurricular activities. She participated in debates, fashion shows, and school plays. Her teachers noticed her leadership skills early on and often chose her to represent the school in competitions.
After finishing school, Rushali moved to Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, to study at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). She chose Leather Design as her major, a unique field that combines creativity with technical skills. At NIFT, she learned about materials, design techniques, and fashion trends. She also made important connections that helped her later in her career.
Beauty Pageant Journey
Yadav’s entry into the world of pageantry started in 2016 when she won the Campus Princess title at IIT Kanpur. This wasn’t just any student contest—it was a highly regarded platform that scouts fresh talent from top Indian colleges. Winning this contest gave Rushali visibility and sparked her modeling aspirations into action.
Just two years later, in 2018, Rushali took another bold leap and competed in the Face of India contest. Organized as part of the Asia Model Festival, this event connects India’s brightest modeling talents to international platforms. Rushali stunned judges and the audience, walking away as the winner. This win marked her official arrival in the modeling industry.
Engagement and Personal Life
Rushali’s personal life gained attention in 2025 when she got engaged to Harsh Arora, a model, digital creator, and entrepreneur. The couple’s journey began during their time on Splitsvilla X5, where they connected on-screen and developed a strong bond off-camera.
Their engagement ceremony took place on March 3, 2025, in a private beachside setting. Close friends and family attended the event, and the couple shared special moments through Instagram posts and stories. Harsh is known for his content around fashion, fitness, and travel, making him a perfect match for Rushali.
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LIVA Top Model Sub Contest Finalist (2020)
In 2020, Rushali appeared in the LIVA Top Model Sub Contest and made it to the top ten finalists. This wasn’t her first contest, but it showcased her ability to evolve with trends. While the pandemic disrupted most fashion calendars, Rushali adapted quickly, building her profile through virtual events and social media.
Her participation in LIVA showed her versatility—not just as a runway model but also as someone who could influence fashion movements. She played with textures, colors, and new-age fashion ideas. These contests polished her skills, from makeup techniques to understanding camera angles and garment aesthetics.
Modeling and Career Beginnings
Rushali made her TV debut in 2018 by entering India’s Next Top Model, a reality show on MTV India. This show was the Indian version of Tyra Banks’s American hit, where aspiring models compete through tough challenges—photoshoots, styling tasks, and public speaking trials. Rushali starred in 10 episodes, impressing both judges and viewers with her poise.
After the show, Rushali signed with Cocoaberry Talent Agency, a top name in Indian modeling. She quickly landed assignments for fashion shows, lifestyle brands, and magazine shoots. Cocoaberry helped her build a strong portfolio that featured both commercial and editorial styles.
Television Fame with MTV Splitsvilla X5
In 2024, Rushali joined MTV Splitsvilla X5, one of India’s most-watched reality dating shows. Known for its mix of drama, love, and competition, the show gave Rushali a national spotlight. She appeared across 39 episodes, becoming a household name among fans of reality television.
Her presence was electric from day one. Rushali entered the show not only with confidence but also with a bold voice that demanded attention. She formed meaningful connections, navigated dramatic situations, and showcased her charm. From fashion choices to her emotional intelligence, she quickly became a fan favorite.
Brand Mania Walker: Entrepreneurial Leap
In 2021, Rushali added another chapter to her career by founding her own brand, Mania Walker. The company focuses on creating fashionable, functional footwear that appeals to modern buyers. From chic sandals to trend-forward boots, Mania Walker’s collections reflect Rushali’s fashion sensibilities and design training.
What sets Mania Walker apart is its strong digital-first presence. Rushali used her influencer status to build brand awareness. She collaborated with other content creators and launched seasonal campaigns on Instagram and other platforms. Her fashion background helped her pick designs that are trendy, wearable, and affordable.
Bollywood & Music Video Appearances
In 2024, Rushali made a splash in mainstream entertainment with her role in CTRL, a drama-thriller film featuring Ananya Panday. Rushali played Sakshi Makhija, a pivotal supporting character whose storyline added intensity and mystery. While the film received moderate reviews (6.2 IMDb rating), Rushali’s role was appreciated for its depth and natural flow.
Rushali also appeared in the 2022 film Thank God, starring Ajay Devgn, Sidharth Malhotra, Rakul Preet Singh, and Nora Fatehi. She played the role of Apsara 2, a small yet eye-catching part. With a fantasy-style setup and vibrant sets, this film was more of a visual treat, and Rushali fit right in with her glam aura. In 2024, Rushali starred in the music video “Get With You” by Shantshakti.
Philanthropic Contributions
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rushali partnered with the Child Help Foundation, an NGO that supports underprivileged children suffering from serious health conditions. This wasn’t a photo-op. Rushali actively participated in fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and digital outreach programs.
She helped raise money and visibility for children who needed surgeries and long-term treatments. Her social media posts encouraged fans to donate. Rushali also used her platform to amplify stories of resilience and hope.
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