Raageshwari Loomba

{{Short description|Indian singer and actress (born 1977)}} {{distinguish|text=Rajeshwari Sachdev, who is also Indian actress and singer}} {{BLP sources|date=February 2013}}

{{Infobox person  | name = Raageshwari | image = Raageshwari 5 (cropped).jpg | image_size =  | caption = Raageshwari in 2006 | birth_name = Raageshwari Loomba | other_names = {{ublist|Paashu (original nickname)|Raaga (2nd nickname)|Rags (3rd nickname)|Raageshwari Loomba Swaroop|Raageshwari World|VJ Raageshwari}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1977|07|25}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-24 |title=BDay Special: सैफ की इस हीरोइन को हुआ था पैरालिसिस अटैक, योग ने दी नई जिंदगी |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/entertainment/bollywood/on-birthday-of-raageshwari-loomba-know-her-unknown-life-facts/717125 |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Zee-Hindi |language=hi}}</ref> | origin = | birth_place = Bombay, Maharashtra, India | death_date = | occupation = Singer, Actress, Model, VJ, Anchor, Writer, Television Personality, Mindfulness Speaker | years_active = 1993{{ndash}}present | alma_mater = Auxilium Convent High School Loyola College, Madras (dropped out) | works = {{hlist|Discography|Filmography|Bibliography}} | awards = See below | honours = | parents = Trilok Singh Loomba (father) Veera Singh Loomba (mother) | spouse = {{marriage|Sudhanshu Swaroop|2014}} | children = 1 | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | background = solo_singer | genre = Indian pop, Sufi, Spiritual | label = {{ublist|Bertelsmann Music Group|Magnasound|Saregama|Venus}} | instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|keyboard|piano}} | website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20140107195112/http://raageshwari.com/ www.raageshwari.com] at the Wayback Machine (archived 7 January, 2014) [https://www.raageshwariworld.com/ www.raageshwariworld.com] }} }} '''Raageshwari Loomba''' (born 25 July 1977), professionally known as '''Raageshwari''', is an Indian singer, actress, model, former VJ, ancbor, author, television personality, and mindfulness speaker.

==Biography== Raageshwari attended the Auxilium Convent High School.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1081710 | title = 18 till i die with Raageshwari Loomba | publisher = DNA | date = 23 February 2007 | accessdate = 17 August 2007 }}</ref>

As a teenager, Raageshwari begin her acting career with her first film ''Zid'' in 1992, for which she had officially signed; however, the project faced delays, preventing it from being her first film to reach theaters. The first film to be released was the 1993 film ''Aankhen'', featuring Govinda and Chunky Panday, during which she signed for her second film. Her second film ''Zid'', originally intended to be her debut, was ultimately released in January 1994. Following this, she appeared in her third film ''Main Khiladi Tu Anari'' (1994), her fourth film ''Dil Aa Gaya'' (1995) and her fifth film ''Tum Jiyo Hazaron Saal'', in which she was supposed to release in late 1996, but it was delayed until 2002.

Her sixth film release was ''Dil Kitna Nadan Hai'' (1997), in which she took a break from acting to join MTV as a VJ. Later, her debut album ''Duniya'' was released on 17 March 1997 under BMG Crescendo, and debuted at no. 1. The music video was shot in the Maldives, marking it as the first Indian pop music video recorded on a beach and the second Indian pop music video shot outside of India, following Lucky Ali's music video "O Sanam" from his debut album ''Sunoh'' (1996) also under BMG Crescendo, which was filmed in Egypt.

Raageshwari signed a deal with Coca-Cola to do a series of concerts all over India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe/daily/20000331/faf26061.html |title=Life is a song |author=Surabhi Khosla |publisher=Indian Express |date=31 March 2000 |accessdate=17 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165125/http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe/daily/20000331/faf26061.html |archivedate=30 September 2007 }}</ref>

In late 1999, Raageshwari and her father collaborated on another album, ''Y2K Saal Do Hazaar''. Raageshwari was suffering from malaria, while shooting for the video "Ikki chikki chikita." The album was released with a concert on the eve of the year 2000. Just a week after the concert, Raageshwari was diagnosed with Bell's palsy,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=fe5bf953-e52f-4126-9165-6acf27cc0f67&&Headline=A+magical+bond | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195846/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=fe5bf953-e52f-4126-9165-6acf27cc0f67&&Headline=A+magical+bond | url-status = dead | archive-date = 27 September 2007 | title = A magical bond | author = Reema Gehi | work = LifeStyle | publisher = Hindustan Times, Mumbai | date = 12 May 2007 | accessdate = 17 August 2007 }}</ref> which left her with a paralysed left side of the face and a slur in her voice. Over the next year, she rehabilitated herself with help of physiotherapy, electrical stimulation and yoga. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/raageshwari-career-halt-at-25-illness-debut-with-govinda-pop-icon-mtv-vj-dangerous-trap-10519110/|title=After debut with Govinda, life as a pop icon and MTV VJ, Raageshwari's career came to a halt post illness at 25; called stardom a 'dangerous trap'|date=7 February 2026|access-date=24 May 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260524203326/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/raageshwari-career-halt-at-25-illness-debut-with-govinda-pop-icon-mtv-vj-dangerous-trap-10519110/|archive-date=24 May 2026|website=Indian Express}}</ref> She did television shows such as ''Ek do teen'' and ''Baar baar dekho'' on MTV, and was one of her founding MTV VJ members. Her other television shows such as ''Kuch Kehti Hai Yeh Dhun'' on Sony, ''Quest'' for BBC and ''One on One With Raageshwari'' on TEN Sports.

Raageshwari married London-based human rights lawyer, Sudhanshu Swaroop KC on 27 January 2014, in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/singer-raageshwari-marries-london-barrister-sudhanshu-swaroop-photos-536409|title=Singer Raageshwari Marries London Barrister Sudhanshu Swaroop [PHOTOS]|first=Arijita|last=Bhowmik|date=29 January 2014|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}}</ref> She gave birth to a baby girl on 11 February 2016 in London.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/raageshwari-blessed-with-a-baby-girl/articleshow/51140570.cms|title=Raageshwari blessed with a baby girl - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017 }}</ref>

Apart from singing and acting, Raageshwari made her debut as an author where she released her first book ''Building a Happy Family'' under Penguin Random House. Initially, it released in May 2020 as an E-Book format, it was later made available in January 2021 in a physical hardcover format.<ref name="TimesofIndia.Indiatimes.com">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/raageshwari-pens-book-provides-tips-on-building-happy-family/articleshow/75623511.cms|title=Raageshwari pens book provides tips on building happy family|date=8 May 2020|access-date=30 April 2026|website=Times of India}}</ref>

==Filmography== ===Films=== Raageshwari has acted in following films: {| class="wikitable" | style="background:#FFFFCC;"| {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}} | Denotes films that have not yet been released |}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" width="100%" ! scope="col" width=7% | Year ! scope="col" width=20% | Title ! scope="col" width=15% | Role ! scope="col" width=15% | Language ! scope="col" width=15% | Notes |- |1993 |Aankhen |Priya Mohan |rowspan="8" |Hindi |Debut film as an actress |- |rowspan="3" |1994 |''Zid'' |Sonia Modi |Second film as an actress <ref>{{Cite web |title=Zid {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/zid |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |''Dil Aa Gaya'' | | |- |''Main Khiladi Tu Anari'' |Shivangi |Her first breakthrough film |- |1996 |''Naam Kya Hai'' | |Unreleased film |- |1997 |''Dil Kitna Nadan Hai'' |Kiran |Her final film prior to her acting break, during which she concentrated on her MTV musical show as a VJ and subsequently released her debut album ''Duniya''. |- |2002 |''Tum Jiyo Hazaron Saal'' |Sunanda Kohli |Soundtrack of this film was released in August 1996. It was not released in theatres until 2002. |- |2003 |''Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost'' |Star TV Reporter Priya | |- |2005 |''Zubeen-Manasor Jatra'' |Herself (Attendee) |Assamese |Direct-to-Video musical concert film Uncredited role |- |2006 |''The Making of Sagari Rayn'' |Herself |Hindi |Short documentary film about the music video of "Sagari Rayn". Filmed entirely in Oman. |- |2024 |''Savi'' |Simrit |Hindi |Her first film as an actress in the last two decades. Filmed entirely in London |- |2025 |''Roi Roi Binale'' |Herself |Assamese |Archive footage |}

===Television=== {| class="wikitable" !Year !Title !Role !TV Channel(s) !Notes !Ref(s) |- |1994–1996 |''BPL Oye'' |Co-host |Channel V |Debut television show |rowspan="4" |<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jan24/sunday/filmtv.htm|title=Tribuneindia... Film and tv|website=www.tribuneindia.com|access-date=21 November 2021|archive-date=29 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929230002/https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jan24/sunday/filmtv.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=My VJ - Raageshwari|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010413092302/http://mtvindia.com/mtv/mymtv/vjs/rageshwari/|url=http://mtvindia.com/mtv/mymtv/vjs/rageshwari/|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 April 2001|access-date=20 May 2026|website=MTV India}}</reF> |- |1996–1997 |''Bar Bar Dekho Tum'' |rowspan="3" |Host/VJ |rowspan="3" |MTV | |- |1997-2001 |''MTV Ek Do Teen'' |- |1998-1999 |''MTV Most Wanted'' |- |1999-2000 |''Mini Super Stars'' |Host |DD Metro |Indian voice kids show | |- |rowspan="2" |2002 |''Heart Throbs: Hrithik Roshan World Tour Live'' |Host/Performer |Zee TV |He was the hostess and one of the performers | |- |''One on One with Rags'' |Host |TEN Sports | | |- |2002–2003 |''Kuch Kehti Hai Yeh Dhun'' |Host |SET India |Indian music game show |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030803/spectrum/tv.htm|title=The Sunday Tribune - Spectrum - Television|website=The Tribune|access-date=1 June 2026|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124212046/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030803/spectrum/tv.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |2003 |''Zip Zap Zoom'' |Host |ARY Digital (Pakistan) | | |- |2005 |''Queen's Baton Relay'' |Host | | |- |2007 |''Show on Indian Mythologies'' on ''BBC Quest'' | |BBC | | |- |rowspan="2" |2011 |Bigg Boss 5 |Celebrity Contestant |Colors TV |Evicted on Day 21 (Week 3) | |- |''Jeene Ki Aasha'' | |NDTV | | |- |2012 |''Sab Gol Maal Hai'' | ||SAB TV | | |- |2017 |Mr India 2017 |Co-host |Zoom Facebook YouTube (via. live telecast) |Her debut digital television show Also aired on YouTube and Facebook live streaming. | |- |2020–2022 |''Mindful Mondays with Raageshwari'' |Host |FitTak |Digital motivational show Filmed at her home in London during COVID-19 Pandemic era. | |- |2021 |''Mayabini Raatir Bukut'' |Cameo |NK TV |Assamese television musical talk show Unseen footage | |- |2026 |''Zubeen-Manasor Jatra: Web-Series Edition'' |Herself (Attendee) |Luit |Archive footage; Assamese musical concert mini-web series, contains previously unseen live concert footages between 2004 and 2005. Uncredited role |<ref>{{cite news|title=A Nostalgic Tribute: Manas Robin to Release "Zubeen-Manasor Jatra" Web Series This Rongali Bihu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260512190643/https://pragnews.com/en/a-nostalgic-tribute-manas-robin-to-release-zubeen-manasor-jatra-web-series-this-rongali-bihu|url=https://pragnews.com/en/a-nostalgic-tribute-manas-robin-to-release-zubeen-manasor-jatra-web-series-this-rongali-bihu|archive-date=12 May 2026|date=13 April 2026|last=Gogoi|first=Parikalpita|newspaper=Prag News|access-date=12 May 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> |}

==Theatre== Raageshwari debuted as a lead in the musical comedy ''The Graduate'' alongside Zeenat Aman.

==Discography== ===Films=== {| class="wikitable" !Year !Film title !Song !Language(s) !Music Director !Lyrics !Co-singer !Note(s) |- |1989 |''Oonch Neech Beech'' |"Gaadi Aati Hain Koi Aayega" |rowspan="5" |Hindi |Laxmikant–Pyarelal |Rahi Masoom Raza |Suresh Wadkar, Kamlesh Avasthi |Debut film as a child artist playback singer |- |1997 |''Dil Kitna Nadan Hai'' |(Score) |Anu Malik |{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |Uncredited score vocals role Only appeared in the theatrical film This score was not included on the film's soundtrack. |- |1998 |''Bombay Boys'' |"Oye Shaava" |Ashutosh Phatak, Dhruv Ghanekar, Trilok Singh Loomba |Trilok Singh Loomba |Solo | |- |rowspan="2" |2001 |''One 2 Ka 4'' |"Osaka Muraiya" |A.R. Rahman |Majrooh Sultanpuri |Sonu Nigam | |- |Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai |"Guncha Hai Gul Hai" |Anu Malik |Sameer |Sonu Nigam, Zubeen Garg |Background vocal only Not featured in the theatrical film Uncredited role |- |2002 |''Jonaki Mon'' |"Osina Dekhot" (Female version) |Assamese |Zubeen Garg |Jibaraj Barman |Solo |Only appeared in the theatrical film. This song was not included on the film's soundtrack. |- |2024 |''Sikaar'' |(Score) |Assamese, Baganiya, English, Hindi |Poran Borkotoky | |{{n/a}} |British–Indian film Uncredited score vocals role |}

===Albums=== * ''Duniya'' (March 1997) * ''Sach Ka Saath'' (January 1998) * ''Pyaar Ka Rang'' (July 1998) * ''Y2K - saal do hazaar'' (December 1999) * ''Sagari Rayn'' (December 2006) * ''Raageshwari's daily affirmation by Louis Hey'' (June 2013) * ''Lifting the Veil – Ismaili Ginans''(to be released)

====''Duniya''==== ''Duniya'' is a debut pop album. Originally scheduled for release in 10 March 1997, the album release was delayed by a week to 17 March 1997 due to The Notorious B.I.G.'s gunshot. All music and lyricist were done by Trilok Singh Loomba. She was nominated the Channel V Music Awards for the Best Debut Indian Pop Album. ''Duniya'' was considered one of the first two albums to enter Audio CD format in Assam and the northeast region, with the other being Shaan's album ''Love-Ology''. The music video was shot in the Maldives, marking it as the first Hindi pop music video recorded on a beach and the second Hindi pop music video shot outside of India, following Lucky Ali's music video "O Sanam" from his debut album ''Sunoh'' (1996), which was filmed in Egypt. The music video was directed by her brother Rishabh Singh Loomba, who marked his directorial debut. Tracks include: * ''Duniya'' (music video) * ''Chaahat'' * ''Raftaar'' * ''Kudi E' Punjab Di'' * ''Medley'' * ''Poore Karen Khwaab'' * ''Rafta-Rafta'' * ''Oye Saathi'' * ''Kal Ki Na Fiqar'' * ''Oye Shaava'' (music video)

====''Sach Ka Saath''==== ''Sach Ka Saath'' is a Patriotic Folk Music album by National Award-winning Music director/Singer 'Trilok Singh Loomba'. The album released in January 1998. The album featured 'Raageshwari' as a guest singer for the track 'Sach Ka Saath' The other tracks include: * ''Sach Ka Saath'' (music video) * ''Bharat Banaayen Milkar'' * ''Yeh Desh Hamaara'' * ''Maya Jaal'' * ''Pyaari Duniya'' * ''Anushaasan'' * ''Zindagi Kya Se Kya Hui'' * ''Aatanki Aadam''

====''Pyaar Ka Rang''==== ''Pyaar Ke Rang'' is a second pop album released in July 1998. Tracks include: * ''Pyaar Ka Rang'' (music video) * ''Jawanion Ke Din'' * ''Baby Go For It'' * ''Saat Samundar Par'' * ''Haakan'' * ''Party'' * ''Pyaar Ka Khel'' (music video) * ''Mere Mehboob'' (music video)

====''Y2K: Saal Do Hazaar''==== ''Y2K: Saal Do Hazaar'' is a third pop album released in December 1999. Tracks include: * ''Y2K Saal Do Hazaar'' (music video) * ''Y2K Dance Mix'' (music video) * ''Mahiya'' * ''Pehachaan'' * ''Haakan'' (remix) * ''Zakham'' * ''Dil Sheesha'' * ''Ikki Chikki Chikita'' (music video)

====''Sagari Rayn''==== ''Sagari Rayn'' is a fourth album and world music album released on 29 November 2006. This marked her first album after she recovered from severe endometriosis who diagnosed in late 2005. The majority of the songs were recorded during the period from 2003 to 2005, with the exception of the title track "Sagari Rayn," which was recorded in mid 2006. The music video was filmed entirely at Sharqiya Sands in Oman, marked her first music video in the Middle East. It was directed by her brother, Rishabh Singh Loomba. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://radioandmusic.com/news/raageshwari-launches-latest-album-sagari-rayn-with-music-today/?amp=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260512194239/https://radioandmusic.com/news/raageshwari-launches-latest-album-sagari-rayn-with-music-today/?amp=1|archive-date=12 May 2026|title=Raageshwari launches latest album ‘Sagari Rayn’ with Music Today|date=2006-11-29|access-date=2026-03-07|website=Radio and Music}}</ref> Music Tracks include: * ''Sagari Rayn'' (music video) * ''Kadmon Ke Nishan'' * ''Mast Qalandar'' * ''Jugni'' * ''Maavan Te Dhiyan'' * ''Dandiya Medley'' * ''Holidays'' * ''Hum'' * ''Josh'' * ''Balle Balle''

====''Raageshwari's Daily Affirmation by Louise Hey''==== ''Raageshwari's Daily Affirmation by Louise Hey'' is a fifth album and her first daily affirmation album. It was released on 29 June 2013 at Reliance Digital, Andheri East, Mumbai. Unlike her previous albums that featured songs, it was her first entirely spoken-word audio album containing no songs, focusing purely on positive mental health affirmation based on Louis Hey's global renowned healing philosophies. <ref>{{cite web|title=Shemaroo Entertainment release Raageshwari’s Affirmation CD|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260524202541/https://www.kemmannu.com/index.php?action=headlines&type=7497|archive-date=24 May 2026|url=https://www.kemmannu.com/index.php?action=headlines&type=7497|website=Keemanu|date=3 July 2013|access-date=21 May 2026|last=Balan|first=Girija}}</ref>

===Replaced songs=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Film/Album ! scope="col" | Song ! scope="col" | Languages ! scope="col" | Replaced By ! scope="col" | Composer ! scope="col" |Co-singer |- |rowspan="2" |2001 |rowspan="2" |''Daag'' |"Mayabini Ratir Bukut" |rowspan="2" |Assamese |Jonkey Borthakur |rowspan="2"; colspan="2"; style="text-align:center; |Zubeen Garg |- |"Jeni Jaba Xun" |Mahalakshmi Iyer |}

==Bibliography== {| class="wikitable" !Year !Title !Ref(s) |- |2020 |''Building a Happy Family'' |<ref name="TimesofIndia.Indiatimes.com"/> |- |}

==Awards== {|class="wikitable" |- style="background:#ebf5ff;" !Year !Category !Album !Result |- style="background:#bfd7ff;" | colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|'''Channel V Music Awards''' |- |1997 |Best Debut Indian Pop Album |''Duniya'' |{{nominated}} |- |1998 |Best Music Video |''Pyaar Ka Rang'' |{{nominated}} |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Raageshwari}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140107195112/http://raageshwari.com/ Official website] * {{IMDb name | id=0704667 | name = Raageshwari }} {{Bigg Boss 5}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Loomba, Raageshwari}} Category:Living people Category:1977 births Category:20th-century Indian actresses Category:20th-century Indian women singers Category:21st-century Indian actresses Category:21st-century Indian women singers Category:Assamese-language playback singers Category:Actresses from Mumbai Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema Category:Bengali-language playback singers Category:Female models from Mumbai Category:Hindi-language playback singers Category:Indian pop singers Category:Indian women pop singers Category:Indian film actresses Category:Indian game show hosts Category:Indian voice actresses Category:Indian women playback singers Category:Indian women television presenters Category:Indian television presenters Category:Indian video jockeys Category:Loyola College, Chennai alumni Category:Marathi-language playback singers Category:Punjabi-language playback singers Category:Singers from Mumbai Category:Women musicians from Maharashtra