Rupali Barua Age, Career, Net Worth & Married? 2026

Rupali Barua age has become one of the most searched topics since her marriage to veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi in May 2023.

Born on April 21, 1973, Rupali Barua is currently 52 years old as of 2026. This British-Indian fashion entrepreneur has captivated public attention not just for her marriage but also for her successful business ventures and inspiring life journey.

From establishing a handloom clothing business in Kolkata to co-owning a café, Rupali’s story is one of resilience, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Let’s explore everything about Rupali Barua’s age, career achievements, net worth, married life, and personal journey in detail.

Rupali Barua – Quick Facts (2026)

Who is Rupali Barua? A Brief Introduction

 

Rupali Barua is a successful British-Indian fashion entrepreneur who rose to prominence following her marriage to acclaimed Indian actor Ashish Vidyarthi. Born and raised in Guwahati, Assam, she holds dual nationality—Indian and British.

Her professional journey spans fashion retail, handloom clothing, and hospitality. Rupali is the founder of NAMEG Store, a handloom clothing boutique in Kolkata that celebrates traditional Indian textiles with contemporary designs.

Beyond her business ventures, Rupali is known for her love of traditional sarees, travel, and singing. Her Instagram profile showcases her passion for Indian fashion and culture, where she regularly shares glimpses of her lifestyle with her 15,900+ followers.

Rupali Barua Age and Early Life Background

Rupali Barua age is 52 years as of 2026. She was born on April 21, 1973, in Guwahati, Assam, making her zodiac sign Taurus. Her age has been a topic of interest, especially after her marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi, who is 10 years older than her.

Growing up in Assam, Rupali was exposed to rich cultural heritage and traditional handloom crafts. Her childhood was spent in Guwahati with her parents and sister, where she developed an early appreciation for fashion and entrepreneurship.

Rupali completed her schooling at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Guwahati. She then pursued higher education at Cotton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Her academic journey continued at Gauhati University, where she completed her Master of Arts in Anthropology.

Rupali Barua’s First Marriage and Personal Loss

Before her marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi, Rupali Barua was married to Dr. Mitam Barooah, a British doctor. The couple started their life together in England, where they built a family and established business ventures.

In 2010, Rupali and her first husband founded Reel and Weave, a clothing retail company in Birmingham, United Kingdom. They officially registered it as a limited company on October 6, 2014, showcasing their entrepreneurial ambitions.

From her first marriage, Rupali has a daughter named Rushka. The family lived in England for several years, where Rupali gained valuable international exposure to fashion retail and business management.

Tragedy struck when Dr. Mitam Barooah passed away. The exact circumstances of his death—whether it was an accident or illness—remain private. After her husband’s demise, Rupali made the difficult decision to return to India from England with her daughter.

Career Journey: From UK to Kolkata Fashion Scene

Rupali Barua’s career is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Her professional journey can be divided into distinct phases that showcase her adaptability and business acumen.

Early Fashion Ventures in the UK

While living in Birmingham, England, Rupali ventured into fashion retail with her first husband. Their company, Reel and Weave, focused on clothing retail and aimed to blend traditional Indian textiles with contemporary designs.

The business operated for several years before being dissolved on November 8, 2016. Despite this setback, the experience provided Rupali with valuable insights into fashion retail, business operations, and international market dynamics.

Establishing NAMEG Store in Kolkata

After returning to India following her husband’s death, Rupali channeled her grief and experience into creating something meaningful. She established NAMEG Store, a handloom clothing boutique in Kolkata that has become her signature venture.

NAMEG specializes in authentic handloom sarees and traditional Indian garments. The store has gained recognition for its commitment to supporting local artisans and preserving traditional weaving techniques while making them accessible to modern consumers.

Rupali didn’t just stop at running the business—she became the face of her brand. She frequently models her own clothing line, showcasing various handloom sarees on her social media platforms, which has helped build a strong brand identity.

Café Na-Ru-Meg: Diversifying Business Interests

Beyond fashion, Rupali expanded into the hospitality sector by co-owning Café Na-Ru-Meg in Kolkata. The café’s unique name is derived from the initials of its three owners, demonstrating Rupali’s collaborative approach to business.

The café has become a popular spot in Kolkata, offering a cozy ambiance and quality food and beverages. This venture showcases Rupali’s ability to identify business opportunities across different sectors.

Modeling and Brand Ambassador Work

Rupali has also worked as a model for her own clothing line and other handloom brands. Her social media presence is filled with photographs of her wearing elegant sarees, which serve both as personal expression and professional marketing.

Her modeling work extends beyond her own brand, as she collaborates with various handloom and fashion brands to promote traditional Indian textiles. This has helped her establish herself as a fashion influencer in the traditional clothing segment.

Rupali Barua Net Worth and Financial Success

Rupali Barua’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $2 million USD, which translates to around ₹16 crores in Indian currency as of 2026. This substantial wealth comes from multiple income streams that she has developed over the years.

Her primary source of income is NAMEG Store, her handloom clothing business in Kolkata. The boutique has built a strong reputation and customer base, contributing significantly to her financial portfolio.

Café Na-Ru-Meg, which she co-owns, provides another steady income stream. The hospitality business adds diversity to her financial portfolio and reduces dependency on a single revenue source.

Additionally, Rupali earns through modeling assignments, brand collaborations, and social media partnerships. Her Instagram following of over 15,900 provides opportunities for sponsored content and brand endorsements.

Her international experience in the UK fashion retail industry, combined with her understanding of Indian handloom traditions, gives her a unique market position that commands premium pricing for her products.

Marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi: A New Chapter

Rupali Barua married veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi on May 25, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Kolkata Club. The wedding was a private affair attended by close friends and family members.

The couple had a court marriage in the morning, followed by an evening get-together. Their decision to keep the ceremony low-key reflected their preference for privacy despite Ashish’s celebrity status.

Ashish Vidyarthi, born on June 19, 1965, is 10 years older than Rupali. The actor is renowned for his powerful performances in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Odia, Marathi, and Bengali films.

How They Met and Fell in Love

According to interviews, Rupali and Ashish met through mutual connections some time before their wedding. Ashish had been visiting Kolkata regularly for work, and their paths crossed during one of these visits.

In a video shared on social media, Ashish explained that he had expressed his desire to find a life partner. He shared how he met Rupali and discovered they had interesting things in common, eventually deciding to walk through life together as husband and wife.

Both Rupali and Ashish emphasized that despite their age difference—with Rupali being 50 and Ashish 57 at the time of marriage—age didn’t matter when two people find genuine connection and companionship.

Dealing with Public Scrutiny and Trolling

The announcement of their marriage created significant buzz on social media and news channels. Many people trolled the couple, particularly focusing on the age factor and Ashish’s previous marriage.

Rupali handled the negativity with remarkable grace and maturity. In interviews, she stated that she didn’t give much attention to negative comments because she doesn’t know those people, and their opinions don’t matter to her.

She emphasized that the support from her close friends and family was what truly mattered. Rupali made it clear that she didn’t need validation from strangers on the internet.

Meeting Ashish’s Son Arth Vidyarthi

Ashish Vidyarthi has a son named Arth from his previous marriage to actress Rajoshi Barua. Rupali met Arth before the wedding, and she described the interaction as positive.

In an interview with Behindwoods TV, Rupali called Arth a sweet boy who behaved very politely and kindly toward her. This respectful meeting helped establish a foundation for their blended family dynamics.

The mature approach both families took toward the new relationship demonstrates the emotional intelligence and consideration involved in navigating such situations.

Ashish Vidyarthi’s Previous Marriage

Before marrying Rupali, Ashish Vidyarthi was married to Rajoshi Barua (also known as Piloo), daughter of veteran Bengali actress Shakuntala Barua. The couple was married for twenty-two years and has a son together.

Ashish and Rajoshi mutually decided to separate in 2021. Rajoshi clarified in media statements that their separation was amicable and that Ashish never cheated on her.

She emphasized that the narrative suggesting Rupali was responsible for their divorce was completely false. The couple filed for divorce in October 2022 and had been living separately even before the legal proceedings.

Rajoshi stated that while their marriage didn’t work out, they remained friends and co-parents to their son. Ashish also explained that staying together wouldn’t have given their son the kind of life they wanted for him.

This mature handling of their separation by both parties demonstrates their commitment to their son’s wellbeing above all else.

Rupali Barua’s Family Background

Rupali Barua comes from a well-educated and progressive family based in Guwahati, Assam. Her family has been supportive of her entrepreneurial ventures and personal decisions throughout her life.

Her father, Ambika Barua, has passed away. Rupali has shared emotional posts about her father on social media, indicating they shared a close bond. Her mother, Kamali Barua, continues to be an important part of her life.

Rupali has a sister named Meghali B L, who works at Medica Superspecialty Hospital in Kolkata. The sisters share a close relationship, and Meghali has been supportive of Rupali’s marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi.

Growing up in an Assamese family gave Rupali deep roots in the region’s rich cultural heritage, particularly in handloom traditions. This background significantly influenced her career choice in the fashion and handloom industry.

From her first marriage, Rupali has a daughter named Rushka, who currently lives with her. The mother-daughter duo returned to India together from England after Rupali’s first husband passed away.

Physical Appearance and Personal Style

Rupali Barua stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm), giving her a graceful presence. She has brown eyes and naturally black hair, which complement her Indian features.

Her fashion sense reflects her profession and personal preferences. Rupali has a particular love for traditional Indian sarees, which she wears with elegant simplicity and confidence.

Her Instagram account is filled with photographs of her dressed in various handloom sarees, showcasing different weaving styles from across India. This isn’t just professional marketing—it reflects her genuine appreciation for traditional textiles.

Rupali maintains a fit and healthy lifestyle. At 52 years old in 2026, she carries herself with confidence and grace that defies conventional age expectations.

Her personal style combines traditional elegance with contemporary sophistication. Whether attending events or casual outings, Rupali’s wardrobe choices reflect her identity as both a fashion entrepreneur and cultural ambassador.

Social Media Presence and Digital Footprint

Rupali Barua maintains an active presence on Instagram, where she has garnered over 15,900 followers. Her social media strategy effectively balances personal life with professional branding.

Her Instagram profile features a mix of content including saree photoshoots, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her business, travel photographs, and personal moments with family and friends.

Beyond static posts, Rupali also shares dance videos and lip-sync content, showing her fun and relatable side. This variety keeps her audience engaged and helps humanize her brand.

Her social media isn’t just about self-promotion. Rupali uses her platform to highlight the work of handloom artisans, educate followers about traditional weaving techniques, and promote sustainable fashion choices.

The comment sections of her posts reveal a supportive community that appreciates her authenticity, fashion sense, and entrepreneurial journey. Many followers seek advice about traditional sarees and handloom products.

Hobbies and Personal Interests

Beyond her professional commitments, Rupali Barua has cultivated several hobbies that enrich her life and provide balance.

Traveling is one of her greatest passions. Her Instagram features photographs from various destinations, showing her appreciation for exploring new places and cultures. These travel experiences also inspire her fashion collections.

Singing is another interest that Rupali enjoys during her free time. While she hasn’t pursued it professionally, music provides her with creative expression and relaxation.

Her love for traditional sarees goes beyond business—it’s a genuine personal interest. Rupali sees sarees as art forms that tell stories about different regions, communities, and weaving traditions across India.

Photography is an evident interest, as demonstrated by her well-curated Instagram feed. She has an eye for aesthetics and composition, which helps in presenting her fashion products attractively.

Rupali also appears to enjoy cooking and experiencing different cuisines, which aligns with her co-ownership of Café Na-Ru-Meg and reflects her appreciation for culinary arts.

Educational Qualifications and Academic Background

Rupali Barua’s educational journey reflects her intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning. She pursued anthropology, a subject that studies human societies and cultures, which perfectly aligns with her later work in traditional fashion.

She completed her primary and secondary education at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Guwahati, one of the respected educational institutions in Assam.

For her undergraduate studies, Rupali enrolled at Cotton University in Guwahati, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in Anthropology. This foundation gave her insights into cultural practices and human behavior.

She continued her academic pursuit at Gauhati University, where she completed her Master of Arts in Anthropology. This advanced education deepened her understanding of cultural anthropology, which later influenced her appreciation for traditional crafts.

Her academic background in anthropology provides a unique perspective in her fashion business. It helps her understand the cultural significance of handloom traditions, the stories behind weaving techniques, and the socio-economic aspects of artisan communities.

This educational foundation enables Rupali to approach her business not just as commerce but as cultural preservation and celebration, adding depth and authenticity to her work.

Business Philosophy and Entrepreneurial Approach

Rupali Barua’s business philosophy centers on sustainability, cultural preservation, and women empowerment. Her approach to entrepreneurship demonstrates values-driven commerce that goes beyond profit.

She believes in supporting local artisan communities by providing them fair prices and consistent work opportunities. Her NAMEG Store directly sources from weavers, cutting out middlemen and ensuring artisans receive proper compensation.

Sustainability is a core principle in her business model. Handloom textiles are eco-friendly, require minimal mechanization, and preserve traditional skills that might otherwise disappear in the age of mass production.

Rupali also emphasizes quality over quantity. Rather than mass-producing garments, she focuses on curating authentic, well-crafted pieces that tell stories and last for generations.

Her collaborative approach is evident in how she co-owns Café Na-Ru-Meg with partners. This demonstrates her belief in shared success and collective growth rather than solo ventures.

As a woman entrepreneur who rebuilt her life after personal tragedy, Rupali serves as an inspiration for women who face adversity. Her journey shows that it’s never too late to start anew and build something meaningful.

Life Lessons from Rupali Barua’s Journey

Rupali Barua’s life story offers several valuable lessons about resilience, reinvention, and living authentically.

First, her ability to rebuild after personal tragedy demonstrates remarkable strength. Losing a spouse is devastating, yet Rupali channeled her grief into creating a successful business and building a new life in India.

Second, she shows that age is just a number. At 50, when many people might hesitate to make major life changes, Rupali confidently married again and continues to grow her businesses, proving that life’s opportunities don’t expire at any age.

Third, her handling of public scrutiny and trolling teaches the importance of focusing on what truly matters—the opinions of loved ones—rather than seeking validation from strangers.

Fourth, her career transition from the UK to India demonstrates adaptability. Rather than clinging to what was familiar, she embraced new opportunities and built something aligned with her roots and values.

Fifth, her business approach shows that commerce can be ethical and culturally meaningful. Success doesn’t require compromising values or exploiting others.

Finally, Rupali’s journey emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself. Despite public attention and criticism, she remained authentic in her choices and lifestyle.

Rupali Barua’s Contribution to Handloom Industry

Rupali Barua has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting India’s rich handloom heritage through her business ventures and advocacy.

Through NAMEG Store, she provides a platform for traditional weavers to showcase their craft to urban customers who appreciate authentic handloom products. This creates sustainable livelihoods for artisan communities.

Her work helps bridge the gap between traditional craft and contemporary fashion. By curating handloom sarees with modern sensibilities, she makes traditional textiles appealing to younger generations who might otherwise opt for machine-made alternatives.

Rupali’s modeling and social media presence serve as effective marketing for handloom products. Her elegant presentation of traditional sarees inspires others to explore and embrace handloom fashion.

She educates her followers about different weaving techniques, regional specialties, and the stories behind various handloom traditions. This awareness-building is crucial for cultural preservation.

By running a successful handloom business, Rupali demonstrates that traditional crafts can be economically viable in modern markets. This encourages other entrepreneurs to invest in artisan-based businesses.

Her international exposure also positions her to potentially introduce Indian handlooms to global markets, creating broader opportunities for Indian weavers and promoting cultural exchange.

Future Plans and Aspirations

While Rupali Barua maintains privacy about specific future plans, several directions seem likely based on her current trajectory and interests.

Expanding NAMEG Store’s reach is a probable goal. This could involve opening additional retail locations, launching an e-commerce platform for wider accessibility, or creating pop-up stores in different cities.

Collaborations with other handloom brands, fashion designers, or cultural organizations could amplify her impact on preserving traditional crafts while reaching new audiences.

Given her café ownership experience, Rupali might explore additional ventures in hospitality, possibly creating spaces that combine cultural experiences with dining.

Her social media influence continues to grow, which could lead to opportunities as a fashion influencer, brand ambassador for sustainable fashion, or spokesperson for handloom initiatives.

Supporting her daughter Rushka’s aspirations and ensuring she has every opportunity will likely remain a priority for Rupali as a mother.

In her personal life, building a happy marriage with Ashish Vidyarthi and creating a harmonious blended family will continue to be important aspects of her future.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Rupali Barua age in 2026?

Rupali Barua age is 52 years old in 2026. She was born on April 21, 1973, in Guwahati, Assam, making her a Taurus by zodiac sign.

What is Rupali Barua net worth?

Rupali Barua’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million USD, which equals around ₹16 crores in Indian currency. Her wealth comes from her fashion business and café ownership.

Who is Rupali Barua married to?

Rupali Barua is married to veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi. They tied the knot on May 25, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Kolkata Club.

What does Rupali Barua do for a living?

Rupali Barua is a fashion entrepreneur who owns NAMEG Store, a handloom clothing boutique in Kolkata. She also co-owns Café Na-Ru-Meg and works as a model for traditional fashion brands.

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 Ashish’s previous marriage.

What happened to Rupali Barua’s first husband?

Rupali Barua’s first husband, Dr. Mitam Barooah, who was a British doctor, passed away. After his death, Rupali returned to India from England with her daughter.

What is the age difference between Rupali Barua and Ashish Vidyarthi?

The age difference between Rupali Barua and Ashish Vidyarthi is 10 years. Rupali was 50 and Ashish was 57 years old when they married in 2023.

Where is NAMEG Store located?

NAMEG Store, Rupali Barua’s handloom clothing boutique, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. The store specializes in traditional handloom sarees and authentic Indian textiles.

What is Rupali Barua’s educational qualification?

Rupali Barua holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Anthropology from Cotton University and Gauhati University respectively. She completed her schooling at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Guwahati.

Is Rupali Barua active on social media?

Yes, Rupali Barua is active on Instagram where she has over 15,900 followers. She regularly shares fashion content, personal moments, travel experiences, and promotes her handloom business.

Conclusion

Rupali Barua’s journey from Guwahati to becoming a successful fashion entrepreneur in Kolkata is truly inspiring.

At 52 years old in 2026, she continues to defy age stereotypes while building meaningful businesses and living authentically.

Her story encompasses personal loss, professional reinvention, and the courage to embrace new beginnings regardless of public opinion.

Through NAMEG Store and Café Na-Ru-Meg, Rupali has created not just businesses but platforms for cultural preservation and artisan empowerment.

Her marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi demonstrates that companionship and happiness can be found at any stage of life.

Despite facing trolling and criticism, Rupali remained dignified and focused on what truly mattered—her own happiness and the support of loved ones.

With an estimated net worth of $2 million, she has achieved financial independence while staying true to her values of sustainability and cultural celebration.