Imagine a woman who paints vibrant abstracts, crafts bespoke perfumes, and just happens to be married to a Tollywood heartthrob. That’s Zainab Ravdjee, a 40-year-old artist, perfumer, and entrepreneur from Hyderabad, now based in Mumbai. Her marriage to actor Akhil Akkineni in June 2025 made headlines, but Zainab’s story is more than a celebrity romance. From her early days mentored by M.F. Husain to her global art exhibitions, she’s a creative force with a knack for staying out of the spotlight—until now.
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Zainab Ravdjee Stats Table |
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Full Name |
Zainab Ravdjee |
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Date of Birth |
1985 (exact date unconfirmed) |
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Age (2025) |
40 years |
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Hometown |
Hyderabad, Telangana |
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Height |
5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
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Profession |
Artist, Perfumer, Entrepreneur |
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Notable Work |
Reflections Exhibition (2012) |
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Spouse |
Akhil Akkineni (m. 2025) |
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Children |
None (rumors unconfirmed) |
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Estimated Net Worth |
₹100–200 crore (unverified) |
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Social Media |
Instagram: @onceupontheskin (private personal account) |
Early Life: A Creative Spark in Hyderabad
Zainab Ravdjee was born in 1985 in Hyderabad, Telangana, into a wealthy Muslim family known for its business prowess. Her father, Zulfi Ravdjee, is a prominent industrialist in construction, while her brother, Zain Ravdjee, leads ZR Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd. Growing up in a culturally rich home, Zainab found her passion for art at age seven, painting under the guidance of legendary artist M.F. Husain. “I was hooked on colors and textures,” she once shared, reflecting on her childhood.
She studied at Gitanjali School and Nasr School in Hyderabad, later pursuing Fine Arts at Hamstech College of Creative Education. Her global exposure—living in Dubai, London, and Mumbai—shaped her unique blend of traditional and modern artistic styles. Art critic Neha Gupta says, “Zainab’s multicultural upbringing gives her work a universal appeal, blending Indian heritage with global flair.”
The Artistic Journey: From Paintings to Perfumes
Zainab’s career is a canvas of creativity. At 21, she moved to Dubai to organize art shows, showcasing her abstract and impressionistic paintings. Her 2012 exhibition, Reflections, at Hyderabad’s Kalakriti Art Gallery, earned rave reviews for its emotional depth and vibrant colors. “Her work feels like a conversation between heart and soul,” wrote a critic in The New Indian Express.
Beyond painting, Zainab is a trained perfumer, crafting bespoke fragrances for private clients. Her blog, Once Upon The Skin, shares skincare and scent tips, blending her love for aesthetics and wellness. She also dipped her toes in acting, appearing in M.F. Husain’s 2004 film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities alongside Tabu, though she chose art over cinema.
Table: Zainab Ravdjee’s Career Milestones
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Milestone |
Year |
Details |
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First Art Show |
~2006 |
Organized exhibitions in Dubai |
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Reflections Exhibition |
2012 |
Showcased at Kalakriti Art Gallery |
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Acting Debut |
2004 |
Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities |
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Perfumery Career |
~2015 |
Began crafting bespoke fragrances |
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Once Upon The Skin Blog |
~2018 |
Launched skincare and fragrance blog |
Love Story: Zainab and Akhil Akkineni
Zainab Ravdjee’s age—40 in 2025—became a talking point when she married Telugu actor Akhil Akkineni, who’s 31, on June 6, 2025, at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. Their nine-year age gap sparked buzz, but their love story is pure Bollywood magic. They met during horse-riding practice a few years ago, hit it off, and dated quietly for over two years. “Found my forever,” Akhil posted on Instagram in November 2024, announcing their engagement.
The wedding, attended by stars like Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan, was a blend of tradition and glamour. Nagarjuna, Akhil’s father, shared, “We watched a dream come true surrounded by love and laughter.” Zainab, in an ivory saree, and Akhil, in a kurta-dhoti, stole hearts. Their first post-wedding appearance at a Sufi night went viral, cementing their status as a power couple.
Table: Zainab and Akhil’s Relationship Timeline
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Event |
Year |
Details |
|---|---|---|
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First Meeting |
~2022 |
Met during horse-riding practice |
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Engagement |
Nov 2024 |
Announced by Akhil and Nagarjuna |
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Marriage |
Jun 2025 |
Traditional ceremony at Annapurna Studios |
Career Highlights: Zainab’s Top 5 Achievements
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Reflections Exhibition (2012): Her Hyderabad art show established her as a leading abstract artist.
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M.F. Husain Mentorship: Trained under the iconic painter, shaping her artistic style.
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Perfumery Expertise: Crafts bespoke fragrances, earning a niche clientele.
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Once Upon The Skin Blog: Built a platform blending skincare and scent, showcasing her versatility.
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Global Art Presence: Exhibited in Dubai, London, and India, blending cultural influences.
Expert Insight: Art curator Priya Menon says, “Zainab’s ability to fuse emotion with technique makes her a standout. Her exhibitions draw crowds for their soulful depth.”
Net Worth: How Much Is Zainab Ravdjee Worth?
Zainab Ravdjee’s net worth is estimated at ₹100–200 crore ($12–24 million) in 2025, though this is speculative. Her wealth stems from her family’s construction and renewable energy businesses, plus her own art sales and perfumery ventures. Reports suggest her paintings fetch high prices, and her fragrance work adds a steady income stream.
Table: Zainab Ravdjee’s Income Sources
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Source |
Estimated Contribution |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
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Family Business |
60% |
Construction and renewable energy |
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Art Sales |
30% |
Abstract paintings and exhibitions |
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Perfumery/Blog |
10% |
Bespoke fragrances and Once Upon The Skin |
Controversies: Facing the Public Eye
Zainab Ravdjee’s age and marriage to Akhil Akkineni stirred online chatter. The nine-year age gap, with Zainab being older, drew comparisons to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. Some netizens trolled the couple for their age difference and religious backgrounds (Zainab is Muslim, Akhil is Hindu), prompting Akhil to disable Instagram comments. “They look good together, but he could’ve chosen someone younger,” one user remarked on X.
Pregnancy rumors also surfaced after their wedding, with fans speculating about a “baby bump” in photos. Zainab and Akhil haven’t addressed these claims, maintaining their privacy. A 2017 sighting with Siddharth Mallya at a wedding sparked brief romance rumors, but no evidence supports this.
Social Media Presence: Keeping It Private
Zainab keeps a low profile, with her personal Instagram account private. Her public page, @onceupontheskin, focuses on skincare and fragrance, boasting a modest but engaged following. She avoids X and other platforms, letting her art and blog speak for her. “Zainab’s privacy is her superpower,” says digital strategist Ankit Sharma. “She connects through her work, not oversharing.”
What’s Next for Zainab Ravdjee?
In 2025, Zainab is reportedly planning new art exhibitions and expanding her perfumery brand. Rumors of a lifestyle venture with Akhil are swirling, though unconfirmed. Her influence in art and wellness continues to grow, making her a cultural figure to watch.
Conclusion: Zainab Ravdjee’s Artistic Legacy
At 40, Zainab Ravdjee’s age is just one part of her vibrant story. From painting under M.F. Husain’s guidance to crafting fragrances and marrying Akhil Akkineni, she’s a blend of creativity and grace. Despite controversies, she stays focused on her art and private life, inspiring fans with her talent and poise. As she paints her next chapter, Zainab proves that true artistry shines beyond the spotlight.
Read Also:
Jyotika Dilaik Age, 5 Vibrant Career Highlights & Net Worth (2025)
FAQs
1. What is Zainab Ravdjee’s age in 2025?
Zainab Ravdjee is 40 years old, born in 1985 in Hyderabad, Telangana.
2. Who is Zainab Ravdjee married to?
She is married to Telugu actor Akhil Akkineni since June 6, 2025.
3. What is Zainab Ravdjee’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is ₹100–200 crore, based on family businesses and art ventures (unverified).
4. What is Zainab Ravdjee known for?
She’s known for her abstract paintings, perfumery, and Once Upon The Skin blog, plus her marriage to Akhil Akkineni.
5. Has Zainab Ravdjee acted in films?
Yes, she had a small role in M.F. Husain’s Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities (2004).
6. Why was Zainab Ravdjee’s marriage controversial?
Her nine-year age gap with Akhil Akkineni and their different religious backgrounds sparked online trolling.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from credible sources like news outlets, social media, and industry reports. Details such as net worth, age, and personal life are estimates and require verification from primary sources. For the latest updates, consult official profiles or interviews.
