Mohit Singh
Nikki Tamboli is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in South Indian cinema and Hindi television. Born on August 21, 1996, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, she gained nationwide fame through her participation in Bigg Boss 14, where she emerged as the 2nd runner-up. She has appeared in multiple reality shows including Khatron Ke Khiladi 11, Bigg Boss Marathi 5, Celebrity MasterChef India, and is currently competing on The 50.
Nikki Tamboli Wiki / Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Nikki Tamboli |
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Figure Measurements | 32-28-32 |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Medium Brown |
| Hometown | Aurangabad, Maharashtra |
| Debut Film | Chikati Gadilo Chithakotudu (2019, Telugu) |
| Boyfriend | Arbaz Patel |
| Net Worth | $1 million (approximately ₹8 crore) |
Nikki Tamboli Early Life
Nikki Tamboli was born on August 21, 1996, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. She grew up in a middle-class family in Aurangabad where she spent her childhood and teenage years. Her father worked at Exide Industries while her mother was a homemaker.
Nikki completed her schooling and graduation in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. She never initially planned to become an actress but gradually developed an interest in modeling and acting. After completing her education in her hometown, she moved to Mumbai to pursue an acting course.
Nikki Tamboli Education
Nikki Tamboli completed her schooling in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. She also finished her graduation from a college in Aurangabad. After her graduation, she pursued an acting course in Mumbai to refine her skills for the entertainment industry.
In an interview, Nikki revealed that acting was not her original plan. She stated that she is now embracing and loving being in front of the camera. The acting course in Mumbai helped her transition from modeling to acting.
Nikki Tamboli Family
Nikki Tamboli’s father is Digambar Tamboli, who worked at Exide Industries. Her mother is Pramila Bodkhe Tamboli, who is a homemaker. She maintains a close relationship with her family despite her busy schedule in the entertainment industry.
Specific details about siblings or other family members are not publicly disclosed. Nikki occasionally shares pictures with her family on social media but generally keeps her family life private.
Nikki Tamboli Career
Early Modeling Career
Nikki Tamboli began her career as a model. She appeared in commercials for various brands including Shein and Stalkbuylove. Her modeling work helped her gain initial recognition in the fashion industry.
Film Debut and South Indian Cinema
Nikki made her acting debut with the Telugu film Chikati Gadilo Chithakotudu in 2019. The same year, she appeared in the Tamil horror-comedy film Kanchana 3, playing the role of Divya, Raghava’s cousin. She also played police officer Mounika in the Telugu suspense thriller film Thippara Meesam (2019).
Her work in South Indian cinema established her as a promising actress in the Telugu and Tamil film industries.
Bollywood Debut
In 2020, Nikki made her Bollywood debut with the film India Fashion Factory. She shared screen space with Namashi Chakraborty, son of veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty.
Reality Television Success
Bigg Boss 14 (2020)
Nikki gained nationwide fame through her participation in Bigg Boss 14 in 2020. She emerged as the 2nd runner-up, which significantly boosted her popularity across India. Her bold personality and confident attitude made her a fan favorite during the season.
Times of India Recognition
Following her Bigg Boss 14 appearance, Nikki appeared in the Times of India’s “Most Desirable Women on Television” list of 2020, where she was ranked 8th.
Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 (2021)
In 2021, Nikki participated in the adventure reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11. The show tested her physical and mental strength through various stunts and challenges.
Bigg Boss Marathi 5 (2024)
Nikki appeared on Colors Marathi’s reality show Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5 in 2024. She was the highest-paid contestant of the season. She emerged as the 2nd runner-up and met her current boyfriend Arbaz Patel during this show.
Celebrity MasterChef India (2025)
In 2025, Nikki participated in Sony TV’s reality show Celebrity MasterChef India. She showcased her cooking skills and emerged as the 1st runner-up.
The 50 (2026)
Currently, Nikki is competing on Colors TV’s reality show The 50, which premiered in February 2026. She is participating alongside her boyfriend Arbaz Patel. Initially, she was hesitant to join the show due to the large number of competitors, but agreed after meeting with the producers at Endemol’s office.
The show features a unique format where a fan can walk away with a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh, making it unlike anything she has done before.
Nikki Tamboli Personal Life
Nikki Tamboli is known for her bold personality and confident attitude. She is a fitness enthusiast and maintains a strict workout routine to stay in shape. She regularly shares her fitness journey on social media platforms.
Nikki is an animal lover and often posts pictures with animals on her Instagram account. She once posted a picture kissing a dolphin with the caption “People who love animals are my favourite kinda people”.
She seeks acting inspiration from South Indian actress Nayanthara. In an interview, Nikki said she likes how Nayanthara gets into the skin of every character she portrays on screen.
Nikki Tamboli Boyfriend
Nikki Tamboli is currently unmarried. She is in a relationship with actor and reality TV star Arbaz Patel. The couple met on Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5 in 2024 and later confirmed their relationship publicly after coming out of the house.
Nikki and Arbaz’s love story began inside the Bigg Boss Marathi 5 house. They have been open about their relationship on social media, frequently sharing pictures and videos from their trips and personal moments. In September 2025, Nikki shared a sweet post for Arbaz when he was competing on Rise and Fall, writing “I feel lucky to have you. Every day, I find myself feeling incredibly lucky to have found you among the 8 billion people in this world”.
Before Arbaz Patel, Nikki was rumored to be dating DJ Rohit Gida from Mumbai and Manan Shah, though these relationships were never officially confirmed.
Controversy
Sukesh Chandrashekhar Extortion Case
In September 2022, Nikki Tamboli’s name appeared in the Rs 200 crore extortion case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. According to reports, she was paid Rs 1.5 lakh by Chandrashekhar’s aide Pinky Irani to meet him.
During their first meeting, Chandrashekhar gave her a Gucci bag and Rs 2 lakh. Other actresses including Chahatt Khanna (from Bade Achche Lagte Hai), Sophia Singh, and Arusha Patil were also named in the case.
According to investigation agencies, all four actresses met Chandrashekhar in the jail premises where he introduced himself as a producer of the southern film industry. This controversy brought unwanted media attention to Nikki during 2022.
Nikki Tamboli Net Worth
Nikki Tamboli’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million, which equals around ₹8 crore. Her income sources include film projects, reality show appearances, brand endorsements, modeling assignments, and social media collaborations.
She was reportedly the highest-paid contestant on Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5. Her participation in multiple high-profile reality shows has significantly contributed to her wealth.
Nikki Tamboli Physical Appearance
Nikki Tamboli stands 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 55 kg (121 lbs). Her figure measurements are 32-28-32. She has black eyes and medium brown hair.
She maintains her physique through regular workouts and a healthy lifestyle. Nikki is a fitness freak and often shares her workout routines on social media. She keeps herself fit and is very health-aware.
Interesting Facts about Nikki Tamboli
- Nikki Tamboli never planned to become an actress but gradually embraced the entertainment industry
- She was ranked 8th in Times of India’s “Most Desirable Women on Television” list of 2020
- She was the highest-paid contestant on Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5
- Nikki emerged as 2nd runner-up in both Bigg Boss 14 and Bigg Boss Marathi 5
- She became 1st runner-up in Celebrity MasterChef India 2025
- She owns an Audi Q5 car
- Her favorite perfume brand is Cartier
- She loves coffee and prefers Mac lipstick
- Her favorite fruits are oranges and she enjoys South Indian foods like Pongal and Dosa
- Her favorite dessert is Laddu
- She seeks acting inspiration from South Indian actress Nayanthara
- Nikki is an animal lover and has posted pictures with dolphins on her Instagram
- She initially said no to The 50 but changed her mind after a meeting with producers
- She and Arbaz Patel are the first confirmed couple to participate together on The 50
- Her boyfriend Arbaz Patel was recently eliminated from The 50 for physical violence