Introduction
Rochelle Rao is a name that resonates with glamour and talent in the Indian entertainment industry. Her journey from a small town girl to a renowned model, actress, and TV host is nothing short of inspiring. With her intelligence, confidence, and elegance, she has not only conquered the world of beauty pageants but also carved a niche for herself in the world of television and modeling.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Rochelle Rao was born on November 25, 1988, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to a multicultural family. Her father, Nicolas V Rao, has Telugu-German ancestry and is a naturalist, while her mother, Wendy Rao, is of Anglo-Indian descent. Rochelle’s family also includes her sister, Paloma Rao, who is an actress and VJ, and two brothers, Fritz David Rao and the late Noel Rohn Rao, who were twins. It’s worth noting that Noel Rao, a U.S. citizen, tragically lost his life while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan in 2006.
Rochelle Rao’s educational journey took her from her Chennai schooling to pursuing a BSc degree in electronic media from M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women in Chennai. It was during her college days that her interest in media and journalism began to blossom. She took her first step into the world of television as an anchor with the Chennai-based channel, Channel UFX.
Miss International India 2012
Rochelle Rao’s journey into the world of glamour and beauty began when she participated in the Pantaloons Femina Miss India South pageant in January 2012. Though she was the first runner-up, it was just the beginning. Her determination and perseverance led her to the Femina Miss India 2012 contest, where she was crowned Femina Miss India International 2012. She didn’t stop at the main title; Rochelle also clinched three coveted subtitles: “Miss Glamorous Diva,” “Miss Ramp Walk,” and “Miss Body Beautiful.”
Miss International 2012
Rochelle Rao then went on to represent India at the Miss International 2012 pageant, which was held in October 2012 in Okinawa, Japan. She competed with 67 other contestants from different countries and made it to the top 15 semi-finalists. She also won the Miss Internet award (3rd runner-up) and the Best National Costume award (1st runner-up) for her stunning outfit inspired by the peacock feather. She was praised for her elegance, grace, and confidence on stage. She impressed the judges and the audience with her confidence, intelligence, and beauty. She also showcased her talent by performing a classical dance on the song “Jai Ho” from the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
Rochelle Rao’s Miss International journey was not only a proud moment for her but also for India. She proved that she is a beauty with brains and talent who can shine on any platform. She also became an inspiration for many young girls who aspire to pursue their dreams.
Modeling and Television Career
With the Miss India crown on her head, Rochelle Rao became a sought-after model, gracing the covers of magazines, featuring in advertisements, and becoming the Kingfisher Calendar Girl in 2014. Her beauty and poise were hard to ignore.
Rochelle Rao’s television career started gaining momentum as she hosted the sixth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013. This stint skyrocketed her popularity among cricket fans. Her engaging presence and charisma made her a favorite choice for various events and shows, including Extraaa Innings T20, India’s Best Dramebaaz Season 2, and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 9.
Rochelle Rao made her acting debut in the Tamil film “Aasai Nayagi” in 2014, marking her presence in the film industry. But it was on television where she truly shone. She participated in reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 5, Bigg Boss Season 9, and Nach Baliye Season 9, creating a strong fan base.
However, it was her role as “Lottery” (the nurse) in the immensely popular comedy show, “The Kapil Sharma Show,” that truly showcased her versatility. Her impeccable comic timing, dancing skills, and ability to step into various characters made her a household name.
Rochelle Rao also ventured into the world of web series, with projects like “The Good Vibes” and “The Casino.” Her career continues to thrive, with exciting new projects in the pipeline.
Love and Marriage
Rochelle Rao’s personal life took a beautiful turn when she crossed paths with model and actor Keith Sequeira. The two met at a friend’s party in 2015 and fell in love. Their journey together took them to the Bigg Boss Season 9 house, where they participated as a couple and won the hearts of many with their chemistry and loyalty. Their love story culminated in a picturesque beach wedding in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, in 2018.
As a couple, Rochelle Rao and Keith have become one of the most adored pairs in the entertainment industry. They frequently share glimpses of their life on social media, giving fans a peek into their heartwarming relationship.
Rochelle’s Commitment to Causes
Rochelle Rao is not just a talented and beautiful face in the entertainment industry; she is also a socially conscious individual who advocates for various causes and lends her support to charitable initiatives.
One of the causes dear to Rochelle Rao’s heart is her association with the Smile Foundation, an NGO committed to the education and empowerment of underprivileged children in India. Rochelle serves as the ambassador of the Smile Foundation, actively raising awareness and funds for the organization. She has visited numerous Smile Foundation projects across the country, interacting with children and their families. She has also participated in various events and campaigns organized by the Smile Foundation, such as the Ramp for Champs fashion show, the Cook for a Smile initiative, and the #SheCanFly campaign. Rochelle believes that education is a powerful tool for transforming the lives of children and building a better society.
Another advocacy close to Rochelle Rao’s heart is natural healing and herbal extracts, a passion she inherited from her father, Dr. N. V. Rao. She champions a holistic approach to health and wellness, promoting the benefits of natural remedies and therapies. Rochelle has endorsed several herbal products and brands based on Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. She firmly believes that natural healing can contribute to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Rochelle Rao’s compassion extends to animal welfare and environmental conservation. An ardent animal lover, she cares for two dogs, a cat, and a turtle. She has even adopted a tiger through the Wildlife SOS organization, which rescues and rehabilitates wildlife in distress. Rochelle has actively participated in various animal welfare initiatives, such as supporting the PETA campaign to ban animal testing for cosmetics, advocating for the World For All campaign to promote the adoption of stray animals, and contributing to the WWF campaign to protect endangered sea turtles. For Rochelle, animals are integral to our ecosystem and deserving of respect and compassion.
A Role Model for Social Responsibility
Rochelle Rao is more than just a pretty face; she is a role model for social responsibility and charity work. Her commitment to various causes reflects a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society. She demonstrates how fame and influence can be harnessed for the greater good, using her platform to raise awareness and support for causes she holds dear.
Her journey from a small-town girl with big dreams to a renowned beauty queen, model, actress, and TV host is a testament to her determination, hard work, and unwavering passion. Rochelle Rao is a source of inspiration for young girls aspiring to chase their dreams and passions, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is achievable.
What is Rochelle Rao Up to Now?
You might be wondering what Rochelle Rao is currently up to in her career and personal life. The answer is that she remains actively engaged in the world of entertainment and beyond.
In her personal life, Rochelle tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, Keith Sequeira, in a beautiful beach wedding in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, in 2018. The couple, who met at a friend’s party and later participated in Bigg Boss Season 9 as a couple, continue to share their love story with fans. Their social media accounts are filled with romantic pictures and heartwarming videos that show their strong bond.
Professionally, Rochelle continues to shine. She is an integral part of the immensely popular comedy show, “The Kapil Sharma Show.” On the show, she takes on various roles such as Lottery (a nurse), Chingari (a reporter), and Rajesh Arora’s wife, among others. Her impeccable comic timing, expressive acting, and versatility have garnered her praise from both the audience and critics.
Rochelle has also extended her talents to hosting various events and shows. Notably, she hosted “India’s Laughter Champion” in 2022 and served as a host for “Miss Diva 2021.” Her charismatic presence adds value to these shows.
Besides her work in television, Rochelle has ventured into web series, such as “Hanna” in 2019, where she played the role of an assassin. Her acting prowess has translated well to the digital medium.
Rochelle’s future plans are filled with promise. She has expressed her desire to start a family with her husband, Keith Sequeira. Professionally, she is keen to explore different genres of acting, including drama and thriller. Her aspirations also include working in films and web series with compelling scripts and roles. Furthermore, Rochelle has expressed her interest in writing a book about her life experiences and journey.
In a nutshell, Rochelle Rao is a multi-talented and ambitious individual who has achieved remarkable success in her career. She balances her career with humility and a down-to-earth nature, cherishing her fans and family. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to pursue their dreams and passions. We eagerly await her future projects on the screen, confident that she will continue to leave an indelible mark in the world of entertainment.
Conclusion
Rochelle Rao is more than just a pretty face; she is a multi-talented individual who has made India proud with her achievements in the world of beauty pageants, modeling, acting, and television hosting. Her journey from her early years in Chennai to representing India on the international stage is nothing short of inspirational. She has not only gained fame and success but has also used her platform to support causes close to her heart, such as education, natural healing, animal welfare, and environmental conservation. Rochelle is a role model for social responsibility and charity work.
She continues to be active in the entertainment industry, with a successful stint on “The Kapil Sharma Show” and various other projects. Her personal life is filled with love and happiness as she enjoys her marriage to Keith Sequeira. Rochelle Rao is a true example of beauty with brains, a sense of humor, and a compassionate heart. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors, confident that she will continue to shine in whatever path she chooses to follow. Rochelle Rao is a true inspiration to many young individuals who aspire to make a mark in the world, not just with their talent but also with their kindness and commitment to social causes.
Read about “Alankrita Sahai (Miss Earth India 2014): A Journey from Miss Diva to Rising Star“.