Early Life and Origins
Rupali Barua was born on 21 April 1973 in Guwahati, Assam, a city known for its rich cultural heritage in Northeast India.
Growing up in Assam, she completed her schooling at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Guwahati.
For her higher education, she studied Anthropology, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Cotton University, Guwahati, and later a Master’s degree from Gauhati University.
Her educational background in anthropology suggests she was exposed to cultural studies, traditions, and human societies — an exposure that may have influenced her later interest in fashion, handloom, and traditional textiles.
Age and Personal Profile
As of the year 2025, Rupali Barua is 52 years old, since she was born in 1973.
Some published profiles list her a bit variably — e.g. as 50 years old in 2023 or 51 years old in 2024. But the widely accepted date of birth (21 April 1973) aligns with age 52 today.
Physically, she is described as being about 170 cm (5’7”) in height, with black hair and brown eyes. As for other measurements often speculated online (weight, body measurements), those vary by source and are not uniformly verified.
Rupali is also described as having a dual cultural connection: while she hails from Assam and has Indian roots, some public profiles mention British nationality or residency, likely owing to past residence abroad.
Professional Journey — From Assam to Entrepreneurship
Rupali’s educational foundation in anthropology might have given her insights into cultural heritage and traditions, which later found expression in her professional life. Over time she has carved out a space for herself in the fashion and textile industry.
Her career narrative includes a chapter in the United Kingdom: with her first husband (a doctor), she co-founded a clothing retail company called “Reel and Weave” in Birmingham, UK. That business was registered in 2014 but dissolved by 2016.
After her husband’s untimely passing, she returned to India. Eventually, she settled in Kolkata, where she launched a handloom-focused boutique named NAMEG Store. The store is known for traditional textiles, often bringing Assam’s rich weaving heritage to a broader audience.
Apart from the fashion store, Rupali is also reportedly a co-owner of a café in Kolkata, Cafe Na‑Ru‑Meg, combining her interest in lifestyle, design, and entrepreneurship.
Through these ventures, she has established herself as a successful businesswoman — blending traditional Indian weaving and textile artistry with contemporary entrepreneurship.
Personal Life: Love, Loss and New Beginnings
Rupali Barua’s personal life has seen several transitions. Her first marriage was to a doctor in England, named Mitam Barooah. Together, they launched “Reel and Weave,” but after his death, she returned to India.
Later, destiny brought her in touch with celebrated actor Ashish Vidyarthi. The couple reportedly married on 25 May 2023 in a registered court marriage in Kolkata.
At the time of their marriage, media coverage often mentioned that Rupali was “around 50 years old,” though given the date of birth, she actually turned 50 in April 2023.
Ashish Vidyarthi, in public statements, acknowledged an age difference between them but emphasized that “age doesn’t matter when it’s about happiness.”
Rupali reportedly became step-mother to Ashish’s son from his previous marriage.
Her wedding to Ashish attracted widespread media attention — partly because of the age difference and partly because of her journey: from Assam to the UK, then back to India, rebuilding life, and rising as an entrepreneur. Many articles described the marriage as a “new chapter” in her life.
Public Image, Identity and Social Presence
Rupali’s public profile is shaped not just by her business but also by her cultural roots and heritage. Her journey often highlights the blending of traditional Assamese textile values with modern fashion sensibilities.
Despite being in the public eye — especially after her marriage to a well-known actor — she tends to maintain a relatively low social media profile. Some reports mention that she is “not an avid social media user,” even though she shares occasional glimpses of her life and fashion taste online.
Her public persona often centers on dignity, cultural pride, resilience, and entrepreneurship rather than glamour or celebrity flamboyance. Many view her as a woman who navigated personal loss and challenges and rose to build a stable identity and career on her own terms.\
The Significance of Age in Her Story
Discussing age — especially for a woman in public life — can be sensitive. In Rupali’s case, her age has been referenced in media frequently, mostly in context of her marriage to Ashish Vidyarthi. Some sources called her “50-year-old entrepreneur,” while others, using her date of birth, give her age as 52 (as of 2025).
What stands out, though, isn’t just the number. Her story challenges stereotypes around age, success, and how a woman’s life evolves across different phases. From student to London-based businesswoman, to widow, to entrepreneur back in India, and now partner to a prominent actor — Rupali’s journey underscores that age can be just a number when determination, ambition, and self-worth lead the way.
In interviews connected to her marriage with Ashish, the actor himself addressed age openly: highlighting mutual respect, shared values, and happiness over societal expectations.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Number
Rupali Barua’s story is a multifaceted one — blending education, culture, entrepreneurship, personal resilience, and the complexities of relationships. Her age — 52 as of 2025 — marks more than just years lived: it signals experiences, growth, and a journey traversed across continents, challenges, and transformations.
From Assam’s heartland to the UK and back to India, from loss to new beginnings, from a student of anthropology to a fashion entrepreneur promoting handloom heritage — Rupali’s life reflects courage, adaptability, and self-belief.
