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Raqesh Bapat is an Indian actor, model, and artist, born on September 1, 1978. He is recognized for his roles in films such as Tum Bin...: Love Will Find a Way (2001), Vrundavan (2016), and Savita Damodar Paranjpe (2018), as well as television shows like Saat Phere... Saloni Ka Safar (2005), Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? (2010), and Qubool Hai (2012).
His career began unexpectedly when he participated in Grasim Mr. India, winning the title at just 19. This victory opened doors for him in the glamour industry. He then represented India at the Mr. International pageant, where he secured the First Runner-Up position, establishing his presence in the spotlight.
His early success and work in advertisements led to Bollywood film opportunities, starting with Tum Bin...: Love Will Find a Way (2001), which was a significant commercial hit. That same year, he appeared in Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (2002).
Raqesh went on to act in films such as Wrong Number (2003), Kaun Hai Jo Sapno Mein Aaya (2004), Koi Mere Dil Mein Hai (2005), Naam Gum Jaayega (2004), Jai Santoshi Maa (2006), and Jadu Saa Chal Gaya (2006).
He launched his television career in 2005 with the drama Saat Phere... Saloni Ka Safar (2005-2008), a role that earned him instant recognition. Following its success, he appeared in several series including Ek Packet Umeed (2008), Seven - The Ashvamedha Prophecy (2010), Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? (2010)—noted for being the first Indian TV show to feature a homosexual storyline—and Simply Sapney (2011).
After a six-year hiatus from films, he returned in 2012 with both a Hindi and a Marathi film. He starred in Heroine (2012), a drama directed, written, and co-produced by Madhur Bhandarkar.
Raqesh made his Marathi film debut with Delinquent Dancers (2012). That same year, he took a lead role in a television drama series.
In 2013, he participated in the dance reality show Nach Baliye 6, and appeared in two films: Gippi (2013) and A New Love Ishtory (2013).
He replaced Karan Singh Grover in the lead role of the popular Hindi TV show Qubool Hai in 2014.
From 2015 onwards, Raqesh’s career in the Marathi film industry flourished with movies like Citizen (2015), Vrundavan (2016), and Sarv Mangal Savdhan (2016). In 2016, he also replaced Karan Grover as the lead character Shantanu Kant in Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant and had a brief role in Tu Aashiqui (2017-2018).
He starred in Savita Damodar Paranjpe (2018), which received positive acclaim.
In 2019, Raqesh played lead roles in two Marathi films, WhatsApp Love and Mumbai Apli Ahe. His performance earned him a nomination for Best Actor (Male) at the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards 2019. He also appeared in Forever (2019), a film exclusively released on Amazon Prime, reaching audiences worldwide.
