Manisha Rani was once a waitress earning Rs 500 a day. Now, she owns luxury flat and cars her dad only dreamt of

Time of India

23-04-2025

Manisha Rani
's inspiring rise from a small-town girl in Bihar to a well-known face in the entertainment industry is a story of sheer determination and perseverance. Once earning Rs 500 a day working as a waitress, she is now the proud owner of a luxury apartment in Mumbai and a high-end car her father only ever dreamt of. With a career shaped by rejection, risk, and resilience, Manisha's journey is proof that no dream is too big if the will to achieve it is strong enough.
Early Life and Career Rejection
Manisha Rani's life was marked by struggle from an early age. Her parents' separation when she was in the 5th grade left her father, Manoj Kumar, to raise her and her three siblings—Rohit, Raj, and Sharika—on his own. The family lived in a joint household in Bihar, where space was limited but memories were plenty. She spent most of her childhood in a single room, which she described as filled with photos and deep emotional significance.
Her dreams of becoming a performer met resistance at home. Though she was passionate about joining Dance India Dance, her father didn't approve. Not one to give up easily, Manisha left home and moved to Kolkata, where she began working at wedding events as a waitress. She earned Rs 500 per day, and soon transitioned into background dancing roles at events, inching closer to her ambitions.
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Breakthrough with Bigg Boss OTT 2
Facing limited opportunities, Manisha turned to social media to express her creativity. She began uploading dance and lip-sync videos on TikTok and later expanded to YouTube and Instagram. Despite lacking equipment—often using a drum and brick as makeshift video gear—she continued creating content, slowly gaining recognition for her energy and charisma.
Her big break came with
Bigg Boss
OTT 2. As a contestant, Manisha stood out for her candid and cheerful personality. Her bond with fellow participant Abhishek Malhan was especially appreciated by fans. She reached the finale and ended her run as the second runner-up, gaining massive popularity.
Living the Dream and Giving Back to Her Roots
Following her success on television, Manisha began achieving milestones she had once only imagined. She purchased a stylish, white-themed apartment in Mumbai and gave fans a glimpse of it in a vlog. Not long after, she bought her dream car—a Mercedes-Benz—celebrating another major achievement in her journey.
Despite her new lifestyle, Manisha hasn't forgotten where she came from. During a visit to her hometown, she gave fans a tour of the house she grew up in. She showcased a new 3BHK floor she and her father had built for her brother's future family on what was once the terrace of their home. The emotional value of these spaces, she said, keeps her grounded.
Manisha's current net worth is estimated to be between Rs 4–6 crore. Her income saw a massive boost after shows like Bigg Boss OTT 2 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, where reports suggest her salary increased by nearly 488.23%. Today, she enjoys luxurious vacations, continues her work in television, and maintains an active presence on social media.