Rishi Shahani is an actor, swimmer, and Special Olympics medalist. He acted in Sitaare Zameen Par, overcame health challenges, and represented India internationally, inspiring many with his journey despite being born with Down syndrome
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Bio:
Real Name: Rishi Shahani
Nickname: Water Baby
Profession: Actor, Swimmer, Motivational Personality
Famous For: Playing Sharmaji in Sitaare Zameen Par (2025)
Height
in centimeters – 148 cm
in meters – 1.48 m
in feet inches – 4′ 10″
Weight
in kilograms – Approx. 50 kg
in pounds – Approx. 110 lbs
Body Measurements: Not publicly known
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
Personal Life:
Date of Birth: 24 November 1982
Age (as of 2026): 44 Years
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra
School: Dilkhush Special School, Juhu, Mumbai
College: Not publicly known
Educational Qualification: Not publicly known
Religion: Hinduism
Food Habit: Vegetarian
Hobbies: Swimming, Yoga, Dancing, Reading Books, Travelling
Family:
Father: Prem Jethanand Shahani
Mother: Aruna Premchand Shahani (Writer and Author)
Siblings:
• Sister – Rinku Shahani
Wife: Unmarried
Children: None
Relationships and More:
Marital Status: Unmarried
Affairs or Girlfriend: Not publicly known
Controversies: None widely reported
Career:
Rishi Shahani started gaining recognition through swimming competitions and motivational activities from a young age. In 1999, he represented India at the Special Olympics World Games in the USA and won gold and silver medals in swimming. Despite facing health conditions like Down syndrome, peripheral neuritis, and seminoma cancer, he continued participating in sports and yoga activities. Rishi later became an inspiration for many through public appearances and motivational stories. In 2025, he made his acting debut with the film Sitaare Zameen Par, where he played Sharmaji and received appreciation for his natural performance and screen presence.
Career Highlights:
• Represented India at the Special Olympics World Games (1999)
• Won gold and silver medals in swimming
• National Award for Outstanding Creative Child (2020)
• National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• Practices yoga regularly for over 20 years
• Made acting debut with Sitaare Zameen Par (2025)
• Became an inspirational figure for people with disabilities
Notable Work:
Sitaare Zameen Par (2025)
Special Olympics World Games (1999)
Awards and Achievements:
• Gold Medal at Special Olympics World Games (1999)
• Silver Medal at Special Olympics World Games (1999)
• National Award for Outstanding Creative Child (2020)
• National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• Gold Medal in Badminton at National Games Chandigarh (2020)
Favorites:
Cricketer: Sachin Tendulkar
Actress: Juhi Chawla
Food: Vegetarian Indian Cuisine
Activity: Swimming and Yoga
Money Factor:
Net Worth (approx.): ₹50–70 Lakh
Income Source: Acting, Public Appearances, Sports Activities
Read Also: Romi Bhatia / Mohit Sehgal / Dr. Kamakshi Bhaskarla
FAQs:
Q1. Who is Rishi Shahani?
Rishi Shahani is an Indian actor, swimmer, and Special Olympics medalist known for Sitaare Zameen Par.
Q2. When was Rishi Shahani born?
He was born on 24 November 1982.
Q3. What is Rishi Shahani famous for?
He is famous for winning medals in Special Olympics and acting in Sitaare Zameen Par.
Q4. Which role did Rishi Shahani play in Sitaare Zameen Par?
He played the role of Sharmaji in the film.
Q5. Which sports medals has Rishi Shahani won?
He won gold and silver medals in swimming at the Special Olympics World Games.
Q6. What health challenges did Rishi Shahani face?
He battled Down syndrome, peripheral neuritis, and seminoma cancer.
