Rupali Barua has emerged as an inspiring figure in the Indian fashion entrepreneurship landscape, captivating audiences with her remarkable journey from Assam to Kolkata.
Born on April 21, 1973, in Guwahati, this 52-year-old entrepreneur has built an impressive legacy through her handloom fashion boutique NAMEG Store and café ventures.
Known widely as the wife of celebrated Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi, Rupali’s identity extends far beyond this association.
With an estimated net worth between ₹8-10 crores and a thriving business empire, she embodies resilience, cultural pride, and modern Indian womanhood, proving that second chances can lead to extraordinary success.
Quick Facts About Rupali Barua
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rupali Barua |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1973 |
| Age (2026) | 53 years old |
| Birthplace | Guwahati, Assam, India |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Nationality | Indian and British (Dual Citizenship) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Profession | Fashion Entrepreneur, Model, Businesswoman |
| Business | NAMEG Store (Kolkata) |
| Café | Café Na-Ru-Meg (Kolkata) |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹8-10 Crores (INR) / $1-1.2 Million (USD) |
| Education | MA in Anthropology (Gauhati University) |
| First Husband | Dr. Mitam Barooah (Deceased) |
| Current Husband | Ashish Vidyarthi (Married May 25, 2023) |
| Children | Daughter: Rushka; Stepson: Arth Vidyarthi |
| @ru.pa.li.73 (15.9K+ followers) | |
| Father | Ambika Barua (Deceased) |
| Mother | Kamali Barua |
| Sister | Meghali B L |
Early Life and Childhood
Rupali Barua spent her formative years in the culturally rich city of Guwahati, Assam, surrounded by the region’s vibrant textile traditions. Growing up in a middle-class Hindu family, she developed an early appreciation for handloom crafts and traditional Assamese culture.
Her father, Ambika Barua, was a respected figure who encouraged educational pursuits and instilled strong values in his daughters. Her mother, Kamali Barua, became her pillar of strength throughout life’s challenges. Rupali shares a close bond with her sister, Meghali B L, who currently works at Medica Superspeciality Hospital in Kolkata.
The scenic beauty and rich traditions of Guwahati shaped Rupali’s aesthetic sensibilities. She witnessed firsthand the intricate artistry of traditional Assamese textiles, which would later become the foundation of her entrepreneurial journey. Her childhood was marked by simple joys, family gatherings, and a deep connection to her cultural roots.
From a young age, Rupali displayed natural flair for fashion and creativity. She participated in local modeling contests and beauty pageants, showcasing her confidence and grace. Her stunning appearance and stage presence attracted attention from talent scouts and fashion photographers early on.
Educational Background and Academic Achievements
Rupali Barua’s educational journey reflects her intellectual curiosity and commitment to personal development. She began her schooling at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Guwahati, where she excelled academically and participated actively in extracurricular activities.
After completing her secondary education, Rupali pursued higher studies in Anthropology, a field that deepened her understanding of cultures, traditions, and human societies. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Cotton University in Guwahati, one of Assam’s most prestigious institutions.
Her thirst for knowledge led her to continue with postgraduate studies. She completed her Master of Arts in Anthropology from Gauhati University, further developing her analytical and research skills. This academic background proved invaluable in understanding traditional crafts, artisan communities, and cultural preservation.
Her education in Anthropology gave Rupali unique insights into the cultural significance of handloom textiles. It helped her appreciate the stories woven into every fabric and understand the socio-economic importance of supporting rural artisans. This knowledge became instrumental when she launched her fashion ventures focused on traditional Indian crafts.
First Marriage and Life in England
Rupali Barua’s first chapter of married life began when she married Dr. Mitam Barooah, a medical professional based in England. This marriage marked a significant transition in her life, taking her from India to the United Kingdom where new opportunities and challenges awaited.
The couple relocated together to Birmingham, England, where Rupali embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. In 2010, Rupali and Mitam founded Reel and Weave, a clothing retail business specializing in Indian handloom fabrics. Their vision was to bring authentic Indian textiles to the British market.
They officially registered Reel and Weave as a limited company on October 6, 2014, demonstrating their commitment and business acumen. The venture was built on principles of authenticity and sustainability, sourcing traditional handloom fabrics directly from Indian artisans. Their business gained recognition for genuine craftsmanship and ethical sourcing practices.
During her years in England, Rupali honed her business management skills, developed international networks, and gained valuable experience in retail operations. She learned to navigate cross-cultural business environments and established relationships with suppliers, customers, and industry professionals. These years shaped her entrepreneurial identity significantly.
However, tragedy struck when Dr. Mitam Barooah passed away unexpectedly. The circumstances of his death—whether accident or illness—remain private. This devastating loss not only ended their marriage but also led to the closure of Reel and Weave on November 8, 2016.
Return to India and New Beginnings
After losing her first husband, Rupali Barua made the difficult decision to return to India with her daughter. Leaving behind the life she had built in England, she came back to her homeland to start afresh. This period marked one of the most challenging phases of her life.
Returning to Kolkata, a city known for its cultural richness and creative energy, Rupali found solace and new inspiration. Despite the grief and uncertainty, she refused to give up on her entrepreneurial dreams. Her resilience during this period showcased her inner strength and determination.
Kolkata’s vibrant arts scene, appreciation for traditional crafts, and fashion-conscious population provided the perfect environment for Rupali’s comeback. The city embraced handloom fashion and sustainable textiles, aligning perfectly with her vision. She decided to channel her pain into purpose by building something meaningful.
In 2018, Rupali launched NAMEG Store, a boutique specializing in handwoven sarees, stoles, and lifestyle items. The name “NAMEG” represented simplicity, elegance, and storytelling through fabric. Her boutique quickly gained popularity among professionals who valued comfort and quality over fleeting trends.
Her approach combined traditional Indian textiles with contemporary silhouettes, creating timeless pieces that appealed to modern women. She worked directly with weavers and artisans, ensuring fair compensation and preserving traditional weaving techniques. NAMEG became more than a business—it became a movement celebrating Indian handloom heritage.
NAMEG Store: Building a Fashion Empire
NAMEG Store emerged as Rupali Barua’s signature brand, establishing her as a respected name in Kolkata’s fashion scene. Located in Kolkata, the boutique offers carefully curated collections of handloom sarees, kurtas, stoles, and accessories that celebrate India’s rich textile heritage.
Rupali’s design philosophy centers on three core principles: authenticity, sustainability, and empowerment. She believes in preserving craft heritage by supporting traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. Every piece sold at NAMEG tells a story of artisan skill and cultural legacy.
Sustainability guides every business decision at NAMEG. Rupali exclusively uses eco-friendly, natural fabrics that minimize environmental impact. She chooses cotton, silk, and blended materials with soft colors and rich textures. Chemical dyes are avoided in favor of natural coloring processes.
Empowerment drives her sourcing strategy. NAMEG works directly with rural artisans, particularly women weavers, ensuring fair wages and dignified working conditions. This direct relationship eliminates middlemen, maximizing benefits for craftspeople while maintaining quality standards. Rupali has become a champion for artisan rights and sustainable fashion.
Her collections draw inspiration from regional crafts, especially from Assam and Bengal. The boutique showcases Assamese silk sarees, Bengali tant sarees, and fusion wear that blends traditional motifs with modern cuts. Each collection reflects meticulous attention to detail and respect for craftsmanship.
Rupali herself models her own designs, demonstrating to customers how the fabrics drape and move in real life. This personal touch builds trust and authenticity. Customers appreciate seeing the designer wear and endorse her own creations, creating genuine connection.
Café Na-Ru-Meg: Diversifying Business Ventures
Beyond fashion, Rupali Barua expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio by co-founding Café Na-Ru-Meg in Kolkata. This cozy café reflects her creative spirit and appreciation for community spaces. The name cleverly combines the initials of the three owners, creating a personal and inviting brand identity.
Café Na-Ru-Meg embodies principles of creativity, tranquility, and cultural celebration. The café serves as a gathering place for artists, creatives, and culture enthusiasts who appreciate thoughtful spaces. Its ambiance combines traditional aesthetics with contemporary comfort, much like Rupali’s fashion philosophy.
The café menu features both traditional and contemporary offerings, with emphasis on quality ingredients and authentic flavors. Rupali’s involvement ensures that the café maintains high standards in food preparation and presentation. Her husband Ashish Vidyarthi has featured the café in his travel vlogs, bringing additional visibility.
This diversification into hospitality demonstrates Rupali’s business acumen. By creating multiple revenue streams, she builds financial stability while pursuing her passions. The café complements her fashion boutique by creating a lifestyle brand around culture, creativity, and quality.
Both NAMEG Store and Café Na-Ru-Meg have become recognized destinations in Kolkata. They attract customers who value authenticity over mass-produced experiences. Rupali has successfully created spaces that reflect her values while achieving commercial success.
Marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi: A Second Chance at Love
On May 25, 2023, Rupali Barua married veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi in an intimate ceremony at Kolkata Club. The wedding surprised many, generating widespread media attention due to the couple’s ages, previous marriages, and their decision to find love later in life.
Ashish Vidyarthi, born on June 19, 1965, is a celebrated Indian actor known for his versatile performances across multiple film industries. He has worked in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Odia, and English cinema. His accolades include a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards.
The couple’s love story blossomed through mutual friends and organic connection. They bonded over shared values—love for travel, appreciation for culture, art, and belief in living authentically. Their relationship grew from friendship to romance based on mutual respect and understanding.
The wedding ceremony was simple yet meaningful, featuring a court marriage in the morning followed by intimate celebrations with close family and friends. No elaborate Bollywood-style festivities, just genuine joy and commitment. Both Rupali and Ashish prioritized meaningful connection over public spectacle.
Their marriage faced criticism and trolling on social media, with some questioning the age difference and second marriage status. Rupali was 50 and Ashish was 58 at the time of marriage, with approximately 8 years age gap. However, the couple handled negativity with grace and dignity, choosing not to engage with critics.
Both Rupali and Ashish have emphasized that their union proves love transcends age, past experiences, and societal expectations. They’ve built a partnership based on respect, independence, and shared adventures. Their relationship normalizes second chances and challenges ageist stereotypes about marriage.
Blended Family Dynamics
Rupali Barua’s marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi created a beautiful blended family that exemplifies modern family structures. From her first marriage to Dr. Mitam Barooah, Rupali has a daughter named Rushka. While Rupali maintains privacy about her daughter’s details, she has ensured Rushka has a normal life away from media spotlight.
Ashish Vidyarthi was previously married to Rajoshi Vidyarthi (also known as Rajoshi Barua), an Indian singer and actress. From that marriage, he has a son named Arth Vidyarthi. Both Rupali and Ashish brought children from their previous relationships into their new marriage.
The blended family dynamic has been remarkably positive. Rupali has developed a warm and friendly relationship with her stepson Arth Vidyarthi. Sources close to the family describe their bond as respectful and caring. She has embraced her role as stepmother with grace and understanding.
Ashish has similarly welcomed Rupali’s daughter Rushka into the family fold. The couple has worked consciously to create an environment where both children feel valued and loved. Their approach to blended family life demonstrates maturity and commitment to everyone’s wellbeing.
Family gatherings often include Rupali’s mother Kamali Barua and sister Meghali B L, creating extended family bonds. Ashish has been spotted in Kolkata multiple times, integrating into Rupali’s family circle and participating in her business ventures. Their family life balances traditional values with modern flexibility.
The couple’s ability to blend families successfully serves as inspiration for others navigating similar situations. They prove that with mutual respect, communication, and genuine love, blended families can thrive and create new traditions together.
Professional Career and Entrepreneurial Journey
Rupali Barua’s professional journey showcases remarkable evolution from aspiring model to successful fashion entrepreneur. Her career began in her youth when she participated in regional modeling contests and beauty pageants in Assam. Her natural beauty and stage confidence quickly garnered attention.
Her breakthrough came when she won the title of “Miss Guwahati” in a beauty pageant. This victory validated her potential and opened doors to larger modeling opportunities. Encouraged by success, Rupali moved to Mumbai, India’s fashion capital, to pursue bigger dreams in the modeling industry.
In Mumbai, Rupali’s modeling career flourished. She signed contracts with renowned modeling agencies and walked the ramp for well-known fashion designers. Her appearances at significant fashion weeks and events established her as a recognized face in India’s fashion circuit. Her height of 5’7″ and elegant bearing made her ideal for traditional Indian wear modeling.
However, Rupali’s ambitions extended beyond modeling. Her marriage to Dr. Mitam Barooah and relocation to England provided opportunities to explore entrepreneurship. In Birmingham, she co-founded Reel and Weave in 2010, marking her transition from model to business owner. This venture taught her invaluable lessons about retail operations, inventory management, customer relations, and sustainable sourcing.
After returning to India and establishing NAMEG Store in 2018, Rupali demonstrated remarkable business acumen. She positioned NAMEG as a premium handloom boutique with clear brand identity and values. Her marketing strategy leveraged her modeling background—she became the face of her own brand, wearing and promoting her collections.
Her entrepreneurial success extends to social media marketing. Rupali maintains an active Instagram presence (@ru.pa.li.73) with 15.9K+ followers. She shares fashion content, business updates, family moments, travel experiences, and cultural celebrations. Her posts featuring traditional sarees styled with modern accessories showcase her signature aesthetic.
Rupali Barua’s Fashion Philosophy
Rupali Barua’s approach to fashion is deeply rooted in cultural preservation and sustainable practices. She believes that true style is about comfort created deliberately, not following fleeting trends. Her fashion philosophy can be summarized in several key principles.
Authenticity Over Trends: Rupali prioritizes timeless elegance over fast fashion. She creates pieces that women can wear for years, not just one season. Her collections feature classic designs that never go out of style, made with quality that ensures longevity.
Comfort as Foundation: Every NAMEG piece is designed with wearability in mind. Rupali tests all fabrics personally, ensuring they feel good against skin and drape beautifully. She rejects the notion that fashion requires suffering—beautiful clothing should enhance life, not complicate it.
Cultural Storytelling: Each saree, stole, or garment tells a story about regional traditions, artisan communities, and weaving techniques. Rupali educates customers about the cultural significance of their purchases, creating deeper appreciation for handloom crafts.
Sustainable Practices: Environmental consciousness guides all business decisions. NAMEG uses natural, biodegradable fabrics and avoids harmful chemical processes. Rupali partners with artisans who employ traditional, eco-friendly production methods. Packaging is minimal and recyclable.
Artisan Empowerment: Rupali views her business as vehicle for social impact. By providing fair wages and steady work to rural weavers, especially women, she contributes to economic empowerment and skill preservation. She maintains long-term relationships with artisan communities, ensuring mutual benefit.
Personal Expression: Rupali encourages customers to develop their own style rather than copying others. She believes fashion should reflect individual personality and lifestyle. Her consultative approach helps clients discover what works for their unique preferences and needs.
Love for Traditional Sarees
One of Rupali Barua’s most distinctive characteristics is her profound love for traditional Indian sarees. Her Instagram feed serves as a visual tribute to this quintessential Indian garment, featuring her in stunning drapes that blend tradition with contemporary styling.
Rupali doesn’t just wear sarees—she celebrates them as art forms and cultural symbols. Her collection includes Assamese silk sarees with intricate motifs, Bengali tant sarees in vibrant colors, and handloom weaves from various Indian regions. Each saree in her wardrobe represents craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Her styling approach modernizes traditional draping. She pairs classic sarees with statement jewelry, contemporary blouses, and modern accessories. This fusion creates looks that honor tradition while appealing to contemporary sensibilities. Her style proves that sarees can be both traditional and trendy.
Rupali’s saree posts on Instagram generate significant engagement. Followers appreciate her authentic love for the garment and her ability to make traditional wear look effortlessly chic. She often shares the stories behind specific sarees—where they’re from, who wove them, what makes them special.
Beyond personal wearing, Rupali uses her platform to educate about saree varieties, draping techniques, and care instructions. She demystifies handloom sarees, making them accessible to younger generations who might feel intimidated by traditional wear. Her advocacy helps preserve saree-wearing culture in modern India.
Social Media Presence and Digital Influence
Rupali Barua has cultivated a meaningful social media presence that balances personal authenticity with business promotion. Her Instagram account (@ru.pa.li.73) serves as her primary platform for connecting with followers, showcasing her work, and sharing her lifestyle.
With over 15.9K followers and 685+ posts (as of recent counts), Rupali maintains consistent engagement without chasing influencer status. Her approach prioritizes genuine connection over vanity metrics. She shares content that reflects her true interests and values rather than manufactured perfection.
Her feed features diverse content types: fashion photoshoots showcasing NAMEG collections, behind-the-scenes glimpses of boutique operations, café updates and menu highlights, travel adventures with Ashish Vidyarthi, family moments with loved ones, cultural celebrations and festivals, and dance and lip-sync videos that reveal her playful side.
The dance and lip-sync reels particularly resonate with followers, showing Rupali’s joyful personality. These lighthearted posts balance the elegant saree photographs, creating a well-rounded portrait of a multifaceted woman. They make her relatable and approachable despite her success.
Rupali’s social media strategy serves multiple business purposes. She uses Instagram to showcase new NAMEG arrivals, announce café specials and events, share customer testimonials and reviews, provide styling tips and inspiration, and build community among handloom fashion enthusiasts.
Her captions are simple yet warm—just enough to convey thoughts without oversharing. She maintains healthy boundaries between public persona and private life. While she shares family moments with Ashish and references to her mother and sister, she protects her daughter’s privacy completely.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2026, Rupali Barua’s estimated net worth ranges between ₹8-10 crores (approximately $1-1.2 million USD). Various sources report slightly different figures, with estimates ranging from ₹8 crores to as high as ₹19 crores depending on valuation methods and included assets.
This substantial wealth is entirely self-made through dedication, smart business decisions, and entrepreneurial vision. Rupali’s financial success is particularly impressive considering she rebuilt her career from scratch after returning to India following personal tragedy.
Primary Income Sources: NAMEG Store generates significant revenue through handloom saree sales, traditional clothing, accessories and lifestyle items, custom orders and special commissions, and seasonal collections and limited editions. The boutique has established loyal clientele willing to pay premium prices for quality and authenticity.
Café Na-Ru-Meg contributes additional income through food and beverage sales, event hosting and private bookings, café merchandise, and partnerships with local suppliers. The café benefits from Rupali’s brand recognition and Ashish Vidyarthi’s promotion through his vlogs.
Secondary Income: Rupali’s modeling work for her own brand and occasional collaborations, social media partnerships and sponsored content, fashion consultation and styling services, speaking engagements at design events and entrepreneurship forums, and brand endorsements aligned with her values.
Her annual income reportedly exceeds ₹1 crore, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. This substantial earning demonstrates NAMEG’s commercial success and the viability of sustainable fashion businesses in India. Rupali has proven that ethical business practices and profitability can coexist.
Her financial management appears prudent. She reinvests profits into business expansion, artisan support programs, and quality improvements. She maintains comfortable lifestyle in Kolkata without ostentatious displays of wealth. Her approach reflects values over materialism.
Lifestyle and Personal Interests
Rupali Barua’s lifestyle reflects balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment. She maintains residence in Kolkata, a city that perfectly suits her cultural sensibilities and business needs. Her home serves as sanctuary where she can retreat from public attention and enjoy family time.
Her daily routine balances business responsibilities with self-care and creative pursuits. Mornings often include yoga and meditation, practices she credits for maintaining physical health and mental clarity. She follows traditional Assamese dietary principles, favoring nutritious, natural foods that support wellbeing.
Traveling ranks among Rupali’s greatest passions. She explores new destinations with Ashish, experiencing different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Their travels often appear in Ashish’s YouTube vlogs and Rupali’s Instagram posts. She views travel as education and inspiration for her creative work.
Reading provides intellectual stimulation and relaxation. Rupali enjoys diverse genres from anthropology texts that connect to her academic background, to contemporary fiction, cultural studies, and biographies of successful entrepreneurs and artists.
Dancing expresses her joyful, spontaneous side. Her Instagram reels featuring dance and lip-sync videos reveal playfulness that balances her elegant public image. These moments of uninhibited fun resonate with followers who appreciate her authenticity.
Singing offers creative outlet during leisure time. While not a professional vocalist, Rupali enjoys music and occasionally shares musical moments on social media. Her appreciation for arts extends across multiple creative domains.
Photography captures her aesthetic eye. Beyond business photoshoots, Rupali enjoys photographing textiles, cultural moments, and beautiful scenes during travels. Her keen visual sense enhances both her fashion work and personal artistic expression.
Challenges Overcome and Resilience
Rupali Barua’s journey has been marked by significant challenges that tested her strength and resilience. Her ability to overcome adversity makes her story particularly inspiring for women facing their own difficulties.
The death of her first husband, Dr. Mitam Barooah, represented the most devastating challenge. Losing a life partner forced Rupali to confront grief while managing practical concerns—business closure, relocation, single parenthood, and financial uncertainty. Many would have been overwhelmed, but Rupali chose to persevere.
Returning to India after building a life in England required tremendous courage. She left behind familiar surroundings, professional networks, and established routines to start completely fresh in Kolkata. This transition demanded adaptability and faith in her abilities.
Starting NAMEG Store involved entrepreneurial risks. With no guarantee of success, Rupali invested resources, time, and emotional energy into building a new business. She navigated challenges of sourcing, branding, marketing, and customer acquisition in competitive Kolkata market.
Handling public scrutiny after marrying Ashish Vidyarthi tested her emotional resilience. Social media trolling and judgmental commentary could have been crushing. Instead, Rupali maintained dignity, focused on her happiness, and refused to justify her choices to strangers.
Balancing business ownership with personal life presents ongoing challenges. Running NAMEG and co-managing the café demands constant attention while maintaining relationships requires dedicated time and energy. Rupali navigates these competing demands with grace and organization.
Through all challenges, Rupali has demonstrated remarkable qualities: resilience in face of loss, adaptability to changing circumstances, courage to take calculated risks, emotional strength to handle criticism, determination to succeed on her own terms, and grace under pressure.
Impact on Handloom Industry and Artisan Communities
Rupali Barua’s work extends beyond personal business success to meaningful impact on India’s handloom industry and artisan communities. Through NAMEG Store, she contributes to preserving traditional weaving techniques and supporting rural livelihoods.
Her commitment to working directly with weavers eliminates exploitative middlemen who typically capture most value while artisans struggle with poverty. By establishing direct relationships, Rupali ensures artisans receive fair compensation for their skilled labor. This approach improves economic conditions for entire weaving communities.
NAMEG’s focus on handloom fashion helps preserve endangered weaving traditions. Many traditional techniques face extinction as younger generations abandon craft for urban employment. By creating market demand and paying well, Rupali incentivizes skill transmission from master weavers to apprentices.
Her emphasis on women artisans particularly empowers vulnerable populations. In many rural communities, women weavers face limited economic opportunities. NAMEG provides steady income that enhances their household bargaining power, children’s education prospects, and personal autonomy.
Rupali’s advocacy raises awareness about handloom value among urban consumers. Through social media and boutique interactions, she educates customers about craftsmanship involved in creating each piece. This education builds appreciation that justifies premium pricing, ultimately benefiting artisans.
Her sustainable sourcing practices set industry standards. By demonstrating that ethical fashion can succeed commercially, Rupali encourages other entrepreneurs to adopt similar models. Her influence extends beyond her own business to inspire broader industry transformation.
Cultural Ambassador for Assamese Heritage
As a proud Assamese woman, Rupali Barua serves as cultural ambassador for her home state’s rich heritage. Through her fashion choices, business practices, and public presence, she showcases Assamese culture to national and international audiences.
Her frequent wearing of traditional Assamese sarees and mekhela chadors highlights these distinctive textiles. She introduces wider audiences to Assamese silk varieties like Muga, Pat, and Eri. Her styling demonstrates how traditional Assamese wear can be fashionable and contemporary.
NAMEG Store features prominent Assamese textile collections, creating market access for Assamese weavers. This visibility helps Assamese artisans reach customers beyond regional markets, expanding their economic opportunities and recognition.
Rupali’s personal story—from Guwahati to international business to Kolkata success—represents Assamese achievement and potential. She challenges stereotypes about Northeast India and showcases the region’s talent, culture, and sophistication.
Her marriage to pan-Indian celebrity Ashish Vidyarthi further amplifies Assamese cultural visibility. Their relationship introduces Ashish’s broad fanbase to Assamese traditions, food, textiles, and values through his vlogs and their public appearances.
Rupali Barua in 2026: Current Life and Future Aspirations
As of 2026, at age 53, Rupali Barua enjoys a fulfilling phase of life marked by personal happiness and professional success. Her marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi continues to thrive, with the couple frequently traveling and supporting each other’s endeavors.
NAMEG Store has established itself as premier handloom destination in Kolkata with loyal customer base and strong brand recognition. The boutique continues expanding its collections, collaborating with new artisan groups, and reaching customers through both physical store and online presence.
Café Na-Ru-Meg has become popular gathering spot for Kolkata’s creative community. Plans for potential expansion or franchise opportunities may be under consideration, though Rupali maintains focus on quality over rapid growth.
Her social media influence grows steadily as more people discover her authentic approach to fashion and lifestyle content. She receives invitations for fashion events, panel discussions, and entrepreneurship forums where she shares her journey and insights.
Future Aspirations: Rupali has expressed interest in expanding NAMEG’s reach through e-commerce platform that serves customers across India and globally. This would amplify her impact on artisan livelihoods while making handloom fashion accessible to broader audience.
She may develop educational initiatives teaching sustainable fashion, ethical sourcing, and entrepreneurship to aspiring designers and business owners. Sharing her knowledge could inspire next generation of conscious entrepreneurs.
Advocacy for artisan rights and handloom preservation may become more prominent in her work. As established voice in the industry, Rupali can influence policy discussions and consumer awareness campaigns.
Potential collaborations with designers, brands, or cultural organizations could create exciting projects that merge creativity with social impact. Her reputation makes her attractive partner for meaningful initiatives.
Personal goals likely include deepening family bonds, continued travel adventures with Ashish, maintaining health and wellness through yoga and traditional practices, and finding balance between ambition and contentment.
Lessons from Rupali Barua’s Journey
Rupali Barua’s life story offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges or pursuing dreams:
Resilience Matters: Life’s setbacks don’t define you—your response does. Rupali transformed tragedy into motivation, using loss as catalyst for reinvention rather than excuse for giving up.
Second Chances Are Real: Whether in love, career, or personal growth, it’s never too late for new beginnings. Rupali’s second marriage and career rebuild prove that fulfilling chapters can follow difficult ones.
Authenticity Succeeds: Building business around genuine values and passions creates sustainable success. Rupali’s commitment to handloom preservation resonates because it’s authentic, not manufactured marketing.
Age Is Just a Number: Societal expectations about age-appropriate behavior limit unnecessary potential. Rupali challenges ageist assumptions by marrying at 50, dancing on Instagram, and continuously evolving.
Cultural Pride Pays: Embracing heritage rather than abandoning it for westernization can be competitive advantage. Rupali’s celebration of Assamese and Indian culture differentiates her brand and resonates with audiences.
Independence Empowers: Financial and emotional independence provide foundation for healthy relationships and life satisfaction. Rupali’s success ensures she chose marriage for love, not necessity.
Give Back: Success means little without positive impact on others. Rupali’s commitment to artisan welfare demonstrates that business can be force for social good while remaining profitable.
Media Coverage and Public Recognition
Rupali Barua’s marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi generated significant media coverage in May 2023, thrusting her into public spotlight. Major entertainment news outlets covered the wedding, analyzing everything from age difference to the couple’s previous relationships.
Initial coverage focused heavily on the celebrity angle—veteran actor’s surprise second marriage. However, as media dug deeper, Rupali’s own accomplishments gained recognition. Journalists highlighted her entrepreneurial success, educational credentials, and independent identity.
Fashion and lifestyle publications have featured NAMEG Store in articles about sustainable fashion, handloom revival, and Kolkata’s boutique scene. Rupali’s approach to ethical business practices attracts positive attention from conscious consumers and industry observers.
Her appearances in Ashish Vidyarthi’s popular YouTube travel vlogs introduce her to his substantial subscriber base. These videos showcase their relationship dynamics, Rupali’s café, and their travels together, humanizing them beyond tabloid narratives.
Local Kolkata media celebrates Rupali as successful entrepreneur contributing to the city’s cultural economy. Her businesses create employment, support artisan communities, and enhance Kolkata’s reputation as handloom fashion destination.
Social media discussions about Rupali range from admiring her resilience and business acumen to praising her fashion sense and relationship with Ashish. While some negative commentary exists, overwhelming sentiment is positive and supportive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Rupali Barua’s age in 2026?
Rupali Barua is 53 years old in 2026, having been born on April 21, 1973, in Guwahati, Assam. Her zodiac sign is Taurus.
What is Rupali Barua’s net worth?
Rupali Barua’s estimated net worth is ₹8-10 crores (approximately $1-1.2 million USD) as of 2026, earned through her NAMEG Store boutique, Café Na-Ru-Meg, and various entrepreneurial ventures.
Who is Rupali Barua’s husband?
Rupali Barua is married to veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi. They got married on May 25, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Kolkata Club. This is her second marriage.
What happened to Rupali Barua’s first husband?
Rupali’s first husband was Dr. Mitam Barooah, a doctor based in England. He passed away unexpectedly, leading Rupali to return to India and start her life afresh in Kolkata.
What business does Rupali Barua own?
Rupali Barua owns NAMEG Store, a handloom fashion boutique in Kolkata specializing in traditional Indian sarees and textiles. She also co-owns Café Na-Ru-Meg, a popular café in the same city.
What is Rupali Barua’s educational qualification?
Rupali holds a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Anthropology from Cotton University and Gauhati University in Guwahati, Assam. She completed her schooling at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School.
Does Rupali Barua have children?
Yes, Rupali has a daughter named Rushka from her first marriage to Dr. Mitam Barooah. She also has a stepson, Arth Vidyarthi, from husband Ashish Vidyarthi’s previous marriage.
Is Rupali Barua active on social media?
Yes, Rupali is active on Instagram with the handle @ru.pa.li.73, where she has over 15.9K followers. She regularly shares fashion content, family moments, travel experiences, and dance videos.
What is NAMEG Store known for?
NAMEG Store is known for authentic handloom sarees, traditional Indian textiles, sustainable and ethical fashion practices, direct support to rural artisans, and high-quality craftsmanship combining traditional weaves with contemporary designs.
How did Rupali Barua and Ashish Vidyarthi meet?
Rupali Barua and Ashish Vidyarthi met in Kolkata through mutual friends and bonded over shared values including love for travel, appreciation for culture, and authentic living. Their organic connection led to marriage in 2023.
Conclusion
Rupali Barua’s journey from Guwahati to Kolkata, from personal tragedy to professional triumph, embodies the spirit of resilience and reinvention that defines modern Indian womanhood.
At 53 years old in 2026, she stands as testament to the power of second chances, proving that life’s most beautiful chapters can emerge from its darkest moments.
Her success with NAMEG Store and Café Na-Ru-Meg demonstrates that businesses built on authentic values, cultural preservation, and ethical practices can thrive commercially while creating meaningful social impact.
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements and estimated net worth of ₹8-10 crores, Rupali’s true wealth lies in the lives she touches—the artisan communities she empowers, the customers she inspires, and the cultural heritage she preserves.
Her marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi challenges societal conventions about age and second marriages, normalizing personal happiness at any life stage.
