1. Early life
Rhea Sharma's early life was marked by her upbringing in Mumbai and her academic pursuits before she transitioned into acting.
1.1. Birth and Family
Sharma was born on 7 August 1995, into a Hindu family in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
1.2. Education and Early Aspirations
She pursued her higher education at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, where she graduated. Before embarking on her acting career, Sharma initially aspired to become a journalist. However, she later chose acting as her professional path.
2. Career
Rhea Sharma's career began in television, quickly expanding to film and music videos, with several roles marking significant milestones in her journey.
2.1. Television Roles
Sharma's television career saw her take on a variety of roles, leading to widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
2.1.1. Debut and Early Roles (2014-2016)
Sharma made her acting debut in 2014, portraying Nishi Khanna Shah in the television series Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar, a role she continued until 2015, appearing opposite Mehul Vyas. In the same year, she also played Priyanka "Priya" Prabhakar Datar in Badi Doooor Se Aaye Hai.
In 2015, Sharma appeared as Chandini Kapoor opposite Darsheel Safary in an episode titled "Pyaar Mein 2nd" of Yeh Hai Aashiqui Sun Yaar Try Maar. The following year, in 2016, she returned to Yeh Hai Aashiqui to portray Shubhi Deshpande in the "Ex Convict" episode, acting alongside Kinshuk Vaidya. Also in 2016, she took on a lead role as Gauri Shukla opposite Karan Wahi in Kahani Hamari... Dil Dosti Deewanepan Ki, although the show concluded within a month of its premiere.
2.1.2. Breakthrough and Major Success (2017-Present)
From 2017 to 2018, Sharma portrayed Dr. Kanak Rathi Toshniwal in Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh, Piyaji opposite Avinesh Rekhi. This role proved to be a major turning point in her career, earning her a nomination for the Gold Award for Debut in a Lead Role (Female).
In 2018, she played Komal Mishra in an episode titled "Saree" of Laal Ishq, appearing opposite Ruslaan Mumtaz. The same year, she made a special guest appearance as Anjali Sharma in Kumkum Bhagya during the Saavan Mahotsav, acting alongside Vishal Singh.
Sharma achieved further success and widespread praise with her portrayal of Mishti Agarwal Rajvansh opposite Shaheer Sheikh in Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, which aired from 2019 to 2020. Her performance in this series earned her a nomination for the Gold Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role. The on-screen chemistry between Sharma and Sheikh was highly appreciated, leading them to win the Gold Best Onscreen Jodi Award at the same ceremony. Her role as Mishti was particularly noted for allowing her to explore challenging storylines that shed light on important social issues, which significantly contributed to a surge in her fan following.
During her time on Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, Sharma also made appearances as Mishti in integration episodes of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and performed a dance with Shaheer Sheikh on Nach Baliye 9.
2.2. Film Roles
Sharma's entry into the film industry marked a new dimension in her acting career.
2.2.1. Film Debut
Sharma made her Bollywood film debut in 2016 with Neeraj Pandey's biographical film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. In the film, she appeared in a cameo role as Ritu, a friend of Dhoni's wife. The movie featured Sushant Singh Rajput and Kiara Advani in lead roles.
2.3. Music Videos
In addition to her work in television and film, Rhea Sharma has also featured in music videos.
After a two-year hiatus from television, she returned in 2022, starring opposite Sumedh Mudgalkar in the music video "Tu Hi Toh Hai". The track was sung by Abhi Dutt and Shambhavi Thakur.
3. Awards and Nominations
Rhea Sharma has been recognized for her acting contributions through various awards and nominations.
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Gold Awards | Debut in a Lead Role (Female) | Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh, Piyaji | Nominated |
| 2019 | Gold Awards | Best Actress in a Lead Role | Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke | Nominated |
| 2019 | Gold Awards | Best Onscreen Jodi (With Shaheer Sheikh) | Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke | Won |
4. Public Image and Recognition
Rhea Sharma's public image has been shaped by her impactful roles and growing media presence, leading to notable recognition. In 2020, she was ranked 30th in Eastern Eye's "Top 50 Asian Celebrities" list. Commentator Manju Chandran highlighted that Sharma's fan following "skyrocketed in 2020, largely due to taking on challenging story tracks that shed light on important social issues." Her increasing prominence was further acknowledged in 2021 when Eastern Eye included her in their "Top 30 under 30 Global Asian Stars" list.