Rupali Barua is not just a name in fashion circles—she’s a woman whose life story blends love, loss, reinvention, and success. Known widely today as the second wife of Indian actor Ashish Vidyarthi, Rupali’s journey from Guwahati to the UK and back to India is filled with personal milestones and professional achievements. Her marriage to Ashish in May 2023 brought her into the spotlight, but her work in fashion and entrepreneurship had already made her a respected figure in her own right.
She is the founder of NAMEG Store, a handloom clothing brand based in Kolkata, and co-owner of Café Na-Ru-Meg, a cozy café that reflects her creative spirit. Rupali also models for her own fashion line and shares her love for sarees and dance through social media. Her Instagram feed is filled with graceful poses in traditional attire, lip-sync videos, and glimpses of her everyday life. These posts have helped her connect with thousands of followers who admire her style and personality.
Early Life & Background
Rupali was born on April 21, 1973, in Guwahati, Assam. She grew up in a traditional Assamese household that valued culture, education, and family bonds. Her father, Ambika Barua, has passed away, but he played a key role in shaping her early values. Her mother, Kamali Barua, continues to be a strong presence in her life. Rupali also has a sister named Meghali B L, who works at Medica Superspecialty Hospital in Kolkata.
Guwahati, her hometown, is known for its scenic beauty and rich traditions. Rupali’s upbringing in this environment gave her a deep appreciation for Indian textiles and handloom fashion, which later became the foundation of her business. She often speaks about her childhood with warmth, remembering the simple joys of growing up in Assam.
Family & Siblings
Rupali shares a strong emotional bond with her mother, Kamali Barua. Her mother has been her pillar of strength throughout life—from her school days in Guwahati to her difficult transition back to India after her husband’s death. In interviews and social media posts, Rupali often hints at her deep respect for the values her mother instilled in her: humility, determination, and compassion.
Kamali has stayed largely out of the spotlight, but friends say she’s proud of her daughter’s achievements. Rupali credits her mother for teaching her how to stay calm during storms and think with clarity during difficult choices.
Rupali Barua – Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rupali Barua |
| Profession | Fashion Entrepreneur, Model, Café Co-owner |
| Date of Birth | 21 April 1973 (Saturday) |
| Age (as of 2023) | 50 Years |
| Birthplace | Guwahati, Assam, India |
| Nationality | British |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Hometown | Guwahati, Assam |
| Height | 170 cm / 1.70 m / 5’7” |
| Weight | 57 kg |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Education | B.A. in Anthropology – Cotton University, Guwahati M.A. in Anthropology – Gauhati University |
| School | St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Guwahati |
| Marital Status | Married |
| First Husband | Dr. Mitam Barooah (Late; doctor in England) |
| Second Husband | Ashish Vidyarthi (Actor; married on 25 May 2023 at Kolkata Club) |
| Parents | Father – Ambika Barua (Late) Mother – Kamali Barua |
| Sibling | Sister – Meghali B L (works at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata) |
| Business Ventures | Reel and Weave (Birmingham, UK – dissolved in 2016) NAMEG Store (Kolkata) Café Na-Ru-Meg (Kolkata) |
| Net Worth | ₹5 Crore INR (approx; as of 2025) |
| @ru.pa.li.73/ |
Educational Journey
Rupali began her education at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Guwahati. The school is known for its focus on discipline and academic excellence. Rupali was a bright student who enjoyed subjects like history, literature, and social studies. But it was anthropology that truly caught her attention. She was fascinated by how people live, dress, and express themselves through culture.
After finishing school, Rupali enrolled at Cotton University in Guwahati, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. The subject allowed her to study human societies, traditions, and cultural patterns. She learned how clothing, rituals, and customs shape people’s lives—a theme that would later influence her fashion business.
Entrepreneurial Debut in the UK
In 2010, Rupali took her first major leap into the business world by launching a clothing retail company called Reel and Weave in Birmingham, United Kingdom. It was a joint venture with her first husband, Dr. Mitam Barooah, who was a practicing doctor in England. This was more than just a business—it was a shared dream. Rupali brought creativity and passion for textiles, while her husband handled the financial side and planning.
They registered the company as a limited business on October 6, 2014. The store focused on Indian ethnic wear, especially handloom and sarees, targeting the growing South Asian diaspora in the UK. Rupali’s eye for detail helped shape the store’s collections, offering graceful designs that honored tradition while fitting into modern lifestyles. Customers appreciated how the brand celebrated Indian heritage with quality and authenticity.
Return to India and Reinvention
After losing her husband, Rupali decided to leave England and return to India. She moved to Kolkata—a city known for its culture, art, and history. It was both a fresh start and a homecoming. Though she was born in Guwahati, Rupali felt Kolkata could give her a new direction, both personally and professionally.
With limited resources and heavy emotions, she began building a new life. Her experience in fashion gave her confidence, and her love for handloom fabrics remained strong. She started working on a new idea—a store that would connect artisans with urban consumers. Her goal was simple: support Indian weavers and offer customers beautiful, authentic clothing.
Launch of NAMEG Store
Rupali’s passion turned into reality when she launched NAMEG Store in Kolkata. This store became her signature brand—offering handloom sarees, kurtas, and accessories. The name “NAMEG” stood for simplicity, elegance, and storytelling through fabric. The designs drew inspiration from regional crafts, especially from Assam and Bengal.
Rupali worked directly with weavers and craftspeople to ensure every piece had a personal touch. She chose sustainable fabrics and traditional techniques, making sure the store promoted ethical fashion. Her collections included cotton, silk, and blended materials with soft colors and rich textures.
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Modeling & Personal Branding
One of the most striking things about Rupali is her love for sarees. She doesn’t just wear them—she celebrates them. Her Instagram feed is a tribute to Indian textiles, with photos of her in traditional drapes styled in modern ways. Whether it’s a cotton saree on a sunny afternoon or a silk drape at a wedding, her choices are timeless and personal.
Rupali began modeling for her own brand not out of vanity, but to set an example. She wanted women to see real, middle-aged Indian women in fashion—graceful, confident, and stylish. Her photos show minimal makeup, natural poses, and genuine smiles. The goal was authenticity, and her followers appreciated that.
Co-Founder of Café Na-Ru-Meg
In addition to her fashion work, Rupali co-founded a café in Kolkata called Café Na-Ru-Meg. The name comes from the initials of the three owners. It’s a quiet, artsy spot that serves coffee, food, and warmth. The idea was to create a space where people could relax, talk, and enjoy simple pleasures.
Rupali brought her aesthetic sense into the café’s design—choosing soft lights, handmade decor, and earthy colors. The menu included teas, snacks, and fusion dishes. More than just a business, this café became a reflection of her values: comfort, community, and culture.
First Marriage to Dr. Mitam Barooah
Rupali’s first marriage was to Dr. Mitam Barooah, a respected medical professional in England. Together, they lived a well-balanced life in Birmingham, blending personal joys with shared professional goals. Mitam was not just her husband but also her partner in building Reel and Weave, their ethnic fashion business. Their life overseas reflected quiet ambition—they were working professionals who also believed in creativity and cultural values.
Friends recall their relationship as one built on mutual respect and shared dreams. Rupali often credited her husband with encouraging her to pursue fashion as a serious career. His support helped shape her confidence as an entrepreneur.
Marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi
Rupali’s marriage to actor Ashish Vidyarthi surprised many. Ashish, known for his work in Hindi and regional cinema, had always kept his personal life fairly private. When news broke of their wedding on May 25, 2023, at Kolkata Club, it quickly made headlines. The ceremony was intimate, with close friends and family present, and photographs were shared online with warm wishes pouring in.
The couple met in Kolkata and bonded over shared interests. Ashish appreciated Rupali’s grace and vision, while Rupali respected Ashish’s grounded personality and artistic career. Their connection was organic—not driven by media but by mutual understanding.
Net Worth & Business Assets
As of March 2025, Barua’s estimated net worth is around ₹5 crore. This figure includes income from her fashion brand NAMEG Store, co-ownership in Café Na-Ru-Meg, and her modeling ventures. While she doesn’t display wealth on social media, her work and lifestyle reflect a comfortable, well-managed life built through persistence and smart choices.
Her earnings are spread across retail sales, café profits, and online collaborations. NAMEG’s customer base has steadily expanded, and the brand is now considered one of Kolkata’s more respected handloom fashion labels. Rupali also receives invitations to speak at design events and participate in collaborative campaigns.
Social Media Presence
Barua’s Instagram account is a blend of fashion, life updates, and personal expression. She regularly shares pictures wearing sarees, often styled with minimal jewelry and soft makeup. Her poses are elegant, and her captions are simple but warm—just enough to let her personality shine through without oversharing.
She also posts short videos where she dances or lip-syncs to popular songs. These clips are light-hearted and show her playful side. Fans appreciate the balance—graceful sarees one day, joyful reels the next. It’s a rare mix of tradition and fun.
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