Raai Laxmi continues to set social media ablaze with her stunning photos that showcase why she’s been South Indian cinema’s glamour icon for nearly two decades. With 9 million Instagram followers, the actress keeps fans engaged through beach vacation pictures, fitness posts, and glamorous photoshoots that prove age is just a number.
From her early days as Lakshmi Rai to becoming a multi-industry star, Raai Laxmi has built an impressive career spanning Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema—earning recognition as one of South India’s most bankable glamour actresses.
Raai Laxmi: Quick Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lakshmi Raibagi |
| Born | May 5, 1989, Belgaum, Karnataka |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| @iamraailaxmi (9M followers) | |
| Debut Film | Karka Kasadara (2005, Tamil) |
| Notable Films | Mankatha, Julie 2, Dhaam Dhoom, Khaidi No. 150 |
| Famous For | Item numbers and glamorous roles |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
Career Journey: From Model to Multi-Industry Star
Early Beginnings
Born into a Gujarati family in Belgaum, Karnataka, Raai Laxmi started her career as a model before making her acting debut at just 16 years old in the Tamil film Karka Kasadara (2005). Speaking about her entry into films, she revealed: “I have developed some kind of obsession towards arts, be it dancing, stage shows, or even modeling. I always carried my portfolio, and when director Udaykumar saw it, he signed me up immediately.”
Multi-Language Success
Tamil Cinema – After her debut, Raai appeared in numerous Tamil films including Kundakka Mandakka (2005), Dharmapuri (2006), and Nenjai Thodu (2007). Her breakthrough came with Dhaam Dhoom (2008), where she played a lawyer caught in a drug smuggling web. Behindwoods praised her performance, noting she “sizzles even as she plays the court professional.” This role earned her first Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Malayalam Cinema – Her Malayalam debut Rock n’ Roll (2007) opposite Mohanlal launched a successful run including Annan Thampi (2008), 2 Harihar Nagar (2009), Evidam Swargamanu (2009) with Mohanlal, and Chattambinadu (2009) with Mammootty.
Kannada & Telugu – Valmiki (2005) with Shiva Rajkumar marked her Kannada debut. She later appeared in Telugu blockbusters, most notably performing an item number in Chiranjeevi’s landmark 150th film Khaidi No. 150 (2017).
Bollywood – Her Hindi lead role came with Julie 2 (2017), though she’s best known for special appearances and item numbers in Bollywood.
The Item Song Queen
Raai Laxmi earned the title “Item Queen” for her electrifying special appearances in films like Mankatha (2011) with Ajith Kumar, Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva (2017) with Raghava Lawrence, and Khaidi No. 150. Her dance numbers became chartbusters, with her glamorous presence adding star value to major productions.
Recent Work & Current Projects
2021-2023 Projects – Raai starred in the Tamil horror film Cinderella (2021). She made her OTT debut and continues exploring digital platforms alongside theatrical releases.
Recent Photos – In November 2025, Raai’s Maldives vacation pictures went viral, with her wearing a neon yellow beach outfit that showcased her fitness dedication. Gulte noted she looked like she was “having the time of her life, with pictures screaming sunshine and good vibes.”
Personal Life: The MS Dhoni Chapter
The Relationship That Won’t Fade
Raai Laxmi was rumored to be dating cricket legend MS Dhoni during 2008-2009. They were frequently spotted together at IPL parties, and Dhoni even attended her birthday celebration with CSK teammate Suresh Raina.
At the time, Raai said: “Dhoni is a gem of a person. He is the kind of guy any girl would want to marry—very affectionate and balanced.”
Moving Past the Past
Years later, Raai called the association a “daag” (stain) that wouldn’t fade: “I’ve begun to believe that my relationship with Dhoni is like a scar which won’t go away. Every time TV channels dig into Dhoni’s past, they bring up our relationship. I’ve had three or four relationships after Dhoni, but no one seems to have noticed.”
She clarified the breakup was mutual: “I knew him really well. We still have respect for each other. He has moved on and gotten married. That’s the end of the story.”
Social Media Presence & Lifestyle
With 9 million Instagram followers, Raai Laxmi maintains one of South cinema’s largest social media presences. Her feed features:
- Fitness inspiration – Regular gym posts and workout routines
- Beach vacations – Tropical getaways showcasing glamorous swimwear
- Pet love – She’s an animal lover who frequently posts with her dog and cat
- Fashion moments – Both traditional Indian wear and modern western outfits
Her active presence keeps fans engaged even during gaps between film releases, proving her enduring appeal transcends just her on-screen work.
What Makes Raai Laxmi Enduring?
At 36, Raai Laxmi continues defying age-related stereotypes in an industry often obsessed with youth. Her success factors include:
Fitness Dedication – Her toned physique and commitment to health inspire fans and keep her relevant for glamorous roles.
Multi-Industry Appeal – Working across five language industries gives her diverse opportunities unavailable to single-industry actresses.
Social Media Savvy – Understanding digital platforms helps maintain visibility between projects.
Fearless Glamour – Never shying from bold roles or revealing outfits, she owns her image unapologetically.
Longevity – Twenty years in cinema (2005-2025) demonstrates staying power rare among glamour actresses.
Recognition & Awards
According to IMDb, Raai Laxmi is known for her performances in Mankatha, Dhaam Dhoom, and Vaamanan. While she hasn’t won major acting awards, her Filmfare nomination and consistent box office appeal across industries validate her commercial viability.
Her real achievement lies in longevity—few actresses maintain active careers spanning two decades across multiple industries while commanding the same attention and fan following.
Family & Personal Details
Family – Father Ram Rai (Ram Raibagi), Mother Manjula Rai, Sister Reshma Raai, Brother Ashwin Raai
Lifestyle – Non-vegetarian, non-drinker, non-smoker; passionate about dancing, reading, watching movies, and traveling
Hobbies – Professional dancer, enjoys exploring new places and cuisines
Where to Follow
Stay updated with Raai Laxmi’s latest photoshoots, film updates, and lifestyle posts on her official Instagram at @iamraailaxmi. For more South Indian cinema news, actress galleries, and entertainment updates, visit TechnoSports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raai Laxmi doing now in 2025?
Raai Laxmi remains active in South Indian cinema with recent projects including the Tamil horror film Cinderella (2021) and various OTT ventures. She maintains a strong social media presence with 9 million Instagram followers, regularly sharing fitness content, vacation photos, and photoshoots. Her November 2025 Maldives vacation pictures went viral, showcasing her dedication to fitness and glamorous lifestyle. While she takes selective film projects now, she continues to be one of South cinema’s most followed actresses, proving her enduring appeal nearly 20 years after her 2005 debut.
