Bigg Boss OTT: Raqesh Bapat's professional life, friendship with ex-wife Ridhi Dogra and relationship with Shamita Shetty, IN PICS

Raqesh Bapat has been in showbiz for several years. While there have been several highs that the actor has seen, he has also seen difficult times in both his professional and personal life. Here are some of the highlights from his life that have made news.

Not many may know that Raqesh had won a National Award for painting when he was in class 9. Not just that, he is also a gifted sculptor. (Photo: Instagram)

Raqesh made a smashing entry in the industry with Tum Bin (2001) where he played the role of Amar Shah. The film was a success at the box office. This was followed by Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (2002) where he essayed the role of Gaurav. (Photo: Instgaram)

Raqesh has been seen in a number of successful shows on the small screen including Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar, Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?, Qubool Hai, Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant among others. He is currently seen in Bigg Boss OTT.

Raqesh found love in Ridhi Dogra on the sets of his TV show Maryada Lekin Kab Tak?. The two tied the knot in May 2011.

After being together for more than seven years, the two got divorced with mutual consent in 2019. Talking about it and what led the two to go different ways, Raqesh had told ETimes TV, "Over a period of seven years, you get to know how someone fits in your life. So, there is no specific reason that I can point to. The vibes sometimes just don't work. We still love each other. It's just that the definition of love in our case has changed now."

As told by Raqesh to ETimes, Ridhi and Raqesh do not harbour any ill feelings for each other. When Raqesh had an emotional breakdown on Bigg Boss OTT after his fight with Pratik Sehajpal, Ridhi came out in his support and said, "By virtue of choosing goodness and humanity one is a winner. Being loud and twisting words and not letting people speak is unfortunately considered entertainment in this world. But there are some of us on the side of humanity. And that's what matters! @raqeshbapat." Considering it's his birthday today, she also wished him on her social media account.

In the house of Bigg Boss OTT, Raqesh seems to have found love again in Shamita Shetty. The two have been each other's connection since day one. They have also confessed to liking each other. Raqesh is often seen hugging and kissing Shamita, and teasing her.

It's not been all hunky-dory though. There have also been fights between the two. More recently due to Divya Agarwal. While Shamita wants Raqesh to refrain himself from speaking to Divya, he feels it's unavoidable in a house where they come across each other frequently.