Small-screen stars like Sakshi Tanwar and Ronit Roy have built enough wealth to support four generations, thanks to their TV careers and good investments. But beyond those success stories, one former TV actor took an entirely different path, exiting the industry at her peak to embark on a business journey.
The actress 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 her famous.
She was 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.
She 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.
Aashka Goradia is the actress who completely changed her career path. A year before she bid goodbye to acting, Aashka 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. She wrote, “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.”
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 the beauty market, Renee hit Rs 100 crore in revenue within its first two years of launch, as per reports.
According to Financial Express, Renee Cosmetics was valued between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,400 crore in 2024 after raising Rs 100 crore in a funding round. Aashka has been a smart investor since the beginning of her career. By the time she was 23, she had purchased her dream home in the city. 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.
