Introduction: Who is Zainab Ravdjee?
Zainab Ravdjee is an Indian artist, perfumer, and entrepreneur whose name recently came into the limelight following her engagement and marriage to Telugu film star Akhil Akkineni. But beyond her high-profile union, Zainab has carved out her own identity in the realms of fine arts and luxury perfumery. Known for her distinct style and creativity, she exemplifies a blend of sophistication, independence, and quiet influence.
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Zainab Ravdjee |
Date of Birth | 1985 |
Age (as of 2025) | Approx. 39 years |
Place of Birth | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Education | Gitanjali School, Nasr School; Fine Arts from Hamstech College |
Profession | Artist, Fragrance Curator, Entrepreneur |
Known For | Abstract Art, Perfume Blog “Once Upon The Skin” |
Spouse | Akhil Akkineni (Actor; married in June 2025) |
Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; financially independent |
Religion | Islam |
Residence | Hyderabad, India |
Early Life and Background
Born in 1985 in Hyderabad, Telangana, Zainab hails from an affluent and respected Muslim family. Her father, Zulfi Ravdjee, is an industrialist in the construction sector, and her brother, Zain Ravdjee, is the Managing Director of ZR Renewable Energy. Growing up in an environment that valued education and culture, Zainab was exposed to the finer things in life from an early age.
She completed her schooling at prestigious institutions such as Gitanjali School and Nasr School in Hyderabad. Later, she pursued a Fine Arts course at Hamstech College of Creative Education, which laid the foundation for her career in visual arts.
Family Table: Zainab Ravdjee
Relation | Name / Description |
Father | Zulfi Ravdjee – Industrialist (Construction) |
Mother | Amina Ravdjee – Homemaker |
Brother | Zain Ravdjee – MD, ZR Renewable Energy |
Husband | Akhil Akkineni – Telugu actor |
Father-in-law | Nagarjuna Akkineni – Actor, Producer |
Mother-in-law | Amala Akkineni – Actress, Social Activist |
Career: A Journey Through Art and Fragrance
Zainab Ravdjee is best known for her work as an abstract and impressionistic artist. Her paintings are often centered around emotional experiences and inner transformation, incorporating rich textures and colors. She held notable art exhibitions like “Reflections”, which received praise from Hyderabad’s elite art circle.
In addition to visual arts, Zainab has a passion for fragrances. She launched her own boutique perfumery blog titled “Once Upon The Skin”, where she curates custom fragrances. Her work in scent creation reflects her sensitivity to memory, mood, and personal storytelling, traits that resonate deeply with her artistic philosophy.
Interestingly, Zainab also dabbled briefly in cinema. She had a minor role in “Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities”, the 2004 film directed by M.F. Husain, starring Tabu. Though her time in the film industry was short-lived, it added yet another dimension to her creative portfolio.
Marriage to Akhil Akkineni
Zainab became a public sensation in late 2024 when her engagement to Tollywood actor Akhil Akkineni was announced. The engagement took place on November 26, 2024, in a private yet elegant family ceremony attended by close friends and family members of the Akkineni and Ravdjee families.
The couple tied the knot on June 6, 2025, in Hyderabad. The wedding was a grand affair, blending traditional rituals with a touch of modernity, attended by top film stars, politicians, and business figures. While their 9-year age gap (Zainab being older) garnered media attention, both families expressed deep support, emphasizing compatibility and mutual respect.
Artistic Identity & Personal Values
Zainab is admired not just for her talents but for the grace with which she carries herself. She has consistently maintained a low public profile, preferring her art and work to speak for her. Friends and peers describe her as deeply introspective, spiritual, and emotionally intelligent, with a sharp eye for aesthetics and a heart tuned to nature and tradition.
Her art often reflects themes of resilience, transformation, and femininity, which mirror her life journey. Whether it’s through color on canvas or scent in a bottle, Zainab believes in evoking inner emotion and reflection.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
While her net worth is not publicly disclosed, Zainab comes from a financially established background and has her earnings through art sales, exhibitions, and perfumery. Her lifestyle is one of quiet luxury, characterized by travel, spiritual retreats, and boutique living.
Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
Build | Slim and elegant |
Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Eye Color | Hazel Brown |
Style | Minimalist, Indo-Western blend |
Presence | Graceful, poised, artistic aura |
Zainab is known for her understated elegance, often appearing in earthy-toned saris, flowy silhouettes, or hand-embroidered couture that reflects her artistic personality.
Social Media Presence
Currently, Zainab Ravdjee does not maintain public social media accounts. She is known for being private and media-shy, preferring to keep her personal life offline. Her perfumery blog, “Once Upon The Skin,” was once active as a private invitation-only platform but is currently inactive or archived.
Interesting Facts About Zainab Ravdjee
- Artist Turned Perfumer
Zainab is not only a visual artist but also a self-taught perfumer, blending bespoke scents that reflect memories and moods, a rare dual talent. - Film Cameo with a Legend
She made a brief appearance in M.F. Husain’s 2004 film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, showcasing her creative fluidity beyond the canvas. - Private by Choice
Despite marrying a major film star, Zainab keeps a low public profile and stays away from social media, maintaining a quiet and composed lifestyle. - Older Than Her Husband
Zainab is approximately 9 years older than Akhil Akkineni, breaking societal stereotypes around age dynamics in marriage. - Elite Educational Background
She studied at Hyderabad’s premier institutions, Gitanjali and Nasr School, and later pursued Fine Arts from Hamstech, an institute known for producing elite designers. - Art Reflects Emotion, Not Fame
Her paintings focus on emotional transitions and human depth, rather than commercial trends, attracting collectors who value introspective art. - Multi-Lingual and Globally Aware
Zainab is believed to be fluent in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Urdu, with a cosmopolitan sensibility rooted in Indian tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zainab Ravdjee
- Who is Zainab Ravdjee?
Zainab Ravdjee is an Indian artist, entrepreneur, and fragrance curator based in Hyderabad. She gained national attention after marrying Telugu film actor Akhil Akkineni in June 2025. - What is her educational background?
Zainab studied at prestigious schools in Hyderabad such as Gitanjali and Nasr School. She later pursued Fine Arts from Hamstech College of Creative Education, which set the stage for her career in abstract art. - What kind of art does she specialize in?
Zainab creates abstract and impressionistic artwork. Her paintings often explore emotional depth, transformation, and spiritual themes using texture and layered visuals. - Has she ever worked in films?
Yes, Zainab had a brief appearance in the 2004 art film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, directed by M.F. Husain. However, she did not pursue acting further and remained focused on her artistic journey. - Is she active on social media?
No, Zainab prefers a private life and does not maintain public social media profiles. She is known for her low-key and introspective lifestyle. - What was her blog about?
She once curated a niche perfume blog titled “Once Upon The Skin”, where she shared thoughts on scent as an art form and even created custom fragrances. The blog is currently inactive or archived. - How did she meet Akhil Akkineni?
Though exact details are not publicly revealed, it is believed that Zainab and Akhil met through mutual friends and family in Hyderabad’s elite circles, eventually leading to their engagement and marriage.
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