Some actresses become famous in one industry. Chaithra Rai managed it in two.
She grew up in Kodagu (Coorg), the hill district of Karnataka. She started out in Kannada serials and became a household name as Vishaka in Radha Kalyana. Then she crossed into Telugu television, where viewers came to know her as Swapna in Ashta Chamma. In 2026 she took her biggest step yet and entered the Bigg Boss Telugu Season 10 house.
Quick Facts About Chaithra Rai
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chaithra Rai (also spelled Chaitra Rai) |
| Date of Birth | 29 March (reported year: 1990) |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka, India |
| Profession | Television and film actress |
| Known For | Vishaka in Radha Kalyana; Swapna in Ashta Chamma |
| Husband | Prasanna Shetty |
| Father | B.D. Vasu Rai |
| Mother | Gulabi Rai |
| Education | Bachelor of Hotel Management |
| Industries | Kannada and Telugu television, Kannada cinema |
| Reality Show | Bigg Boss Telugu Season 10 (2026) |
| Nationality | Indian |
Early Life & Education
Chaithra Rai was born on 29 March in Coorg, Karnataka. Her parents are B.D. Vasu Rai and Gulabi Rai, and she has a younger brother.
Before acting, she studied hotel management and earned a Bachelor’s degree in the subject. It was a practical choice, and not an obvious step towards the camera. Even so, she soon moved into television.
Career Journey
Kannada Television – Where It All Began
Chaithra began in Kannada TV. Her first show was Kusumanjali, but the serial that made her recognisable was Radha Kalyana on Zee Kannada. Her role as Vishaka won her a wide audience across Karnataka.
Her other Kannada serials include:
- Gejje Pooje
- Nagamani
- Pournami
- Yuggadi
- Bannada Buguri
Crossing Into Telugu Television (2013)
In 2013 she began acting in Telugu television. Her debut there was Ashta Chamma on Star Maa, where she played Swapna. The role made her a familiar face for Telugu viewers, and she went on to appear in several other Telugu serials.
Films
Chaithra has also appeared on the big screen, including a role in the Kannada film Jamboo Savari. Television has remained the core of her career.
Awards
She is reported to have won:
- Best Actress – Star Parivar Award
- Best Debut – Zee Kutumbam Award (Zee Telugu)
- Best Actress – Zee Kutumbam Award
Chaithra Rai in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 10
In September 2026 Chaithra entered the Bigg Boss Telugu Season 10 house. The show is hosted by Nagarjuna, airs on Star Maa and streams on Disney+ Hotstar. This season began with 16 contestants, a mix of TV stars, comedians, influencers and commoners.
She arrived with a personal story of her own. Reports say she came into the house after a major physical transformation, having lost around 20 kg. That made her one of the contestants viewers were curious about from day one.
Family & Personal Life
Husband – Prasanna Shetty
Chaithra Rai is married to Prasanna Shetty. The couple keep most of their personal life away from the spotlight.
Parents and Brother
Her roots in Kodagu are a big part of her identity. She is the daughter of B.D. Vasu Rai and Gulabi Rai, and she has a younger brother.
Beyond Acting – Her YouTube Channel
Chaithra also runs a YouTube channel where she shares beauty, skincare, haircare, health and lifestyle tips along with recipes. It lets her connect with fans directly outside her serials.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early career | Starts in Kannada TV with Kusumanjali |
| Kannada years | Plays Vishaka in Radha Kalyana (Zee Kannada) |
| 2013 | Enters Telugu television with Ashta Chamma (Star Maa) |
| Later | Appears in more Telugu serials and the Kannada film Jamboo Savari |
| 2026 | Enters Bigg Boss Telugu Season 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaithra Rai
1. Who is Chaithra Rai?
Chaithra Rai is an Indian television actress who works in Kannada and Telugu entertainment. She is best known for Radha Kalyana and Ashta Chamma.
2. What is Chaithra Rai’s age?
She was born on 29 March, and the reported birth year is 1990. That makes her about 36 years old in 2026.
3. Who is Chaithra Rai’s husband?
She is married to Prasanna Shetty.
4. Where is Chaithra Rai from?
She is from Coorg (Kodagu) in Karnataka.
5. Which serials has Chaithra Rai acted in?
Her Kannada serials include Kusumanjali, Radha Kalyana, Gejje Pooje, Nagamani, Pournami, Yuggadi and Bannada Buguri. In Telugu she is known for Ashta Chamma.
6. Is Chaithra Rai in Bigg Boss Telugu 10?
Yes. She entered Bigg Boss Telugu Season 10 as a contestant in September 2026.
7. What is Chaithra Rai’s education?
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management.
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