Television actor Ram Kapoor recently stirred a debate by pointing out that small-screen stars like Sakshi Tanwar and Ronit Roy have built enough wealth to support four generations, thanks to their TV careers and wise investments. But beyond those success stories, one former TV actor took an entirely different path — exiting the industry at her prime to embark on a business journey that has since blossomed into a Rs 1,200 crore enterprise. That actor is Aashka Goradia, and here’s a closer look at her transition from TV to entrepreneurship.
Aashka Goradia’s TV journey
Aashka began her career in television with the show Achanak 37 Saal Baad in 2002. She went on to star in various TV shows like Bhabhi and Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan. However, it was Ektaa Kapoor’s show Kkusum in 2003 that made Aashka a household name. She was also a part of Ektaa’s cult hit Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and featured in other popular shows like Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka, Naagin, among others.
After making a name in fiction shows, Aashka also participated in various reality TV shows like Bigg Boss 6, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4, Nach Baliye 8, and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 4.
Aashka appeared on the small screen for the last time in the 2019 show Daayan and as a contestant the same year on Kitchen Champion 5. After two decades in the industry, she formally announced her retirement from acting in 2021 to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
Pivot to business
A year before she bid goodbye to acting, Aashka had launched her makeup brand Renee Cosmetics in 2018 in Ahmedabad. She co-founded the brand with Priyank Shah and Ashutosh Valani, who are also known for launching the men’s grooming brand Beardo.
In a post on LinkedIn, Aashka explained how her experience in the entertainment industry gave her a strong foundation in makeup, which she then transformed into a business venture. She had written, “Being in the spotlight for years has taught me that makeup has the power to transform an individual. Driven by an unwavering passion, I chose a path towards a different horizon, one that would allow me to channel my creativity and vision in a profound way. And thus, RENÉE was born—a venture that sums up my entrepreneurial spirit and the essence of my artistic soul.”
Building a business empire
Renee was launched in 2018 as an internet-first brand, initially selling its products only online. The brand was launched with an initial investment of Rs 50 lakh and quickly expanded its digital footprint through retail platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, and Myntra. Over time, it established an offline presence also.
The brand strategically priced its products to cater to women across age groups and geographies, especially targeting both Tier I and Tier II cities. Its competitive pricing made Renee a strong contender against established beauty brands like Lakmé, Maybelline, MyGlamm, and Sugar Cosmetics. Despite being a new player in a crowded beauty market and selling online initially, Renee hit Rs 100 crore in revenue within its first two years of launch, as per reports.
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Aashka’s net worth and her brand’s valuation
Renee’s success skyrocketed Aashka’s personal net worth. According to Financial Express, the brand was valued between Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400 crore in 2024 after raising Rs 100 crore in a funding round.
Aashka purchased a house when she was 23
Aashka has been a smart investor since the beginning of her career. In an earlier interaction, Aashka shared that she came to Mumbai at the age of 16 to become an actor. By the time she was 23, she had purchased her dream home in the city. She told housing.com, “When I bought my first house, I was 23 and at that time, owning a home was big thing. Looking back, it has turned out to be a wise investment, which has appreciated. Moreover, I am happy to have my own home. I came to Mumbai from Gujarat, when I was 16. Initially, I lived as a paying guest and then, in a rented house. Buying property is a huge investment in this city, as the property rates are sky-high. It is a dream come true for me.”
Aashka tied the knot with her American boyfriend Brent Goble in 2017. They shifted to Goa in 2019, where Brent began teaching yoga at their studio. The couple welcomed their son in 2023 and have been living in Goa since then.
