Zainab Ravdjee has emerged as a fascinating figure in India’s art and entertainment circles, particularly following her engagement to Telugu cinema star Akhil Akkineni, son of superstars Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni. Set to marry on June 6, 2025, Zainab is more than just the fiancée of a celebrity; she is an accomplished contemporary artist, self-taught perfumer, and lifestyle blogger who has carved a unique niche for herself. Known for her vibrant abstract paintings and her popular fragrance blog, Once Upon The Skin, Zainab brings creativity, elegance, and a global perspective to her endeavors. Hailing from a prominent business family in Hyderabad, her journey from a culturally rich upbringing to becoming a celebrated artist and soon-to-be member of the Akkineni family has captivated public attention.
Early Life and Background
Zainab Ravdjee was born and raised in Hyderabad, Telangana, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. Growing up in a nurturing and affluent family, she was exposed to various forms of art and creativity from a young age. Her father, Zulfi Ravdjee, is a renowned industrialist with over three decades of experience in the construction industry, considered a pioneer in his field. Her brother, Zain Ravdjee, is the Chairman and Managing Director of ZR Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd, a company making strides in sustainable energy solutions. Despite her family’s business-driven environment, Zainab chose to follow her creative passions, forging a path distinct from her family’s legacy.
Zainab’s early years were marked by a global outlook, with experiences in cities like Dubai, London, and Mumbai. This international exposure enriched her artistic sensibilities, blending Indian cultural roots with contemporary influences. While specific details about her education are not widely publicized, sources indicate she was encouraged to explore her talents in a supportive environment, which laid the foundation for her career in art and perfumery.
Career and Creative Achievements
Zainab Ravdjee is a multifaceted creative whose work spans art, perfumery, and blogging. Her primary claim to fame is her artistry, particularly her colorful and abstract paintings. Exhibitions like “Reflections” in Hyderabad have showcased her ability to captivate audiences with vibrant colors and innovative techniques. Her artwork reflects a deep emotional and aesthetic resonance, earning her recognition in India’s contemporary art scene.
Beyond painting, Zainab is a self-taught perfumer who has gained acclaim for her fragrance blog, Once Upon The Skin. The blog explores the art and science of perfumery, offering insights into scents, their emotional impact, and their cultural significance. Her passion for fragrances has established her as a unique voice in the lifestyle and creative space, blending sensory experiences with storytelling.
Zainab also dabbled in acting, making a notable appearance in the film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, directed by the legendary artist M.F. Husain. This foray into cinema, though brief, highlighted her versatility and willingness to explore diverse creative avenues. Currently based in Mumbai, Zainab continues to balance her artistic endeavors with her growing public profile, maintaining a low-key yet impactful presence in the creative industry.
Personal Life and Engagement to Akhil Akkineni
Zainab Ravdjee’s personal life came into the spotlight with her engagement to Akhil Akkineni, the younger son of Telugu cinema icons Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, on November 26, 2024. The couple, who have been in a long-standing relationship, kept their romance largely private until the engagement announcement. Akhil shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt post: “Found my forever. Happy to announce that Zainab Ravdjee and I are happily engaged,” accompanied by pictures from the intimate ceremony at the Akkineni family home in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
The engagement was a close-knit affair attended by family members, including Nagarjuna, who expressed his joy on social media, calling Zainab an “ideal match” for his son. The Akkineni family’s warmth toward Zainab was evident, with Nagarjuna writing, “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Zainab into our family”. Zainab’s presence at Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala’s wedding on December 4, 2024, further highlighted her integration into the family. She stunned in a beige saree, appearing in family photos alongside Akhil, Naga Chaitanya, and Sobhita.
The couple’s wedding is scheduled for June 6, 2025, at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, a venue with sentimental value for the Akkineni family, as it also hosted Naga Chaitanya’s wedding. Rumors of additional celebrations in Rajasthan have circulated, though no official confirmation has been made. Zainab and Akhil’s relationship, built on mutual respect and shared values, has been described as strong and enduring, with their engagement marking a significant milestone in their love story.
Daily Routine and Lifestyle
While Zainab Ravdjee maintains a private personal life, her lifestyle reflects a balance of creativity, discipline, and cultural engagement. As an artist, she likely dedicates significant time to her craft, working on paintings and curating content for her fragrance blog. Her move to Mumbai suggests a dynamic lifestyle, immersed in the city’s vibrant art and cultural scene. Zainab’s global experiences in Dubai and London have shaped her sophisticated yet grounded persona, evident in her elegant public appearances, such as at Naga Chaitanya’s wedding.
Her social media presence, though selective, showcases her artistic flair and personal style. A mirror selfie shared by Akhil, captured by Zainab, won hearts for its elegance and warmth, reflecting her ability to connect with audiences through subtle, authentic moments. As she prepares for her wedding, Zainab is likely balancing her creative projects with wedding planning, maintaining a low-profile yet impactful presence.
Recent News and Events
Zainab Ravdjee has been in the news frequently in 2025, primarily due to her engagement and upcoming wedding:
- Engagement Announcement (November 2024): Zainab and Akhil’s engagement on November 26, 2024, was a major talking point, with fans and media celebrating the couple’s chemistry. Nagarjuna’s heartfelt post welcoming Zainab into the family added to the buzz.
- Appearance at Naga Chaitanya’s Wedding (December 2024): Zainab attended Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala’s wedding, dispelling rumors of her absence. Her elegant appearance in a beige saree and inclusion in family photos highlighted her growing role in the Akkineni family.
- Wedding Preparations (June 2025): The Akkineni family’s invitation to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for Zainab and Akhil’s wedding underscored its prominence. The event is expected to be a star-studded affair at Annapurna Studios, with speculation about additional celebrations in Rajasthan.
- Public Appearances: Zainab’s mirror selfie with Akhil, shared in January 2025, went viral, showcasing their bond and her understated charm.
Controversies Surrounding Zainab Ravdjee
Zainab Ravdjee has largely maintained a controversy-free public image, but a few incidents have sparked discussion:
- Age Gap Trolling (November 2024): At 39, Zainab is reportedly older than Akhil, who is in his early 30s. This age difference led to online trolling following their engagement announcement, prompting Akhil to disable comments on his Instagram post. While some criticized the age gap, supporters defended the couple, emphasizing their compatibility and mutual respect. The controversy quickly subsided, with fans focusing on their love story.
- Speculation About Absence at Naga Chaitanya’s Wedding (December 2024): Rumors circulated that Zainab skipped Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala’s wedding, fueling speculation about family dynamics. Sources later clarified that she was present and featured in family photos, putting the rumors to rest.
FAQs About Zainab Ravdjee
- Who is Zainab Ravdjee?
Zainab Ravdjee is a contemporary artist, self-taught perfumer, and lifestyle blogger known for her abstract paintings and fragrance blog, Once Upon The Skin. She is engaged to Telugu actor Akhil Akkineni. - What is her family background?
Zainab hails from a prominent Hyderabad family. Her father, Zulfi Ravdjee, is a construction industry pioneer, and her brother, Zain Ravdjee, leads ZR Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd. - What are her career achievements?
She is recognized for her vibrant abstract paintings, featured in exhibitions like “Reflections” in Hyderabad, and her fragrance blog. She also appeared in M.F. Husain’s film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities. - When is Zainab Ravdjee getting married?
Zainab is set to marry Akhil Akkineni on June 6, 2025, at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, with possible additional celebrations in Rajasthan. - What controversies has she been involved in?
Zainab faced trolling over her age gap with Akhil Akkineni and rumors about her absence at Naga Chaitanya’s wedding, both of which were addressed and resolved. - Where can I follow her work?
Zainab’s artwork and fragrance blog, Once Upon The Skin, can be explored through her social media and exhibition announcements, though she maintains a low-key online presence.
Conclusion
Zainab Ravdjee is a remarkable blend of creativity, elegance, and resilience. From her vibrant abstract paintings to her innovative work in perfumery, she has established herself as a force in the creative world. Her engagement to Akhil Akkineni has thrust her into the spotlight, but it’s her talent and authenticity that truly define her. As she prepares to join the Akkineni family, Zainab continues to inspire with her art, her global perspective, and her ability to navigate public attention with grace. Her upcoming wedding on June 6, 2025, promises to be a celebration of love and creativity, cementing her place as a beloved figure in both art and entertainment.
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