For television viewers, Mahhi Vij is not a new face.
From playing Nakusha in Laagi Tujhse Lagan to Nandini in Balika Vadhu, she became one of the recognisable faces of Hindi television. Years later, she returned to fiction with Seher Hone Ko Hai and has now entered Bigg Boss 20, hosted by Salman Khan.
Her entry comes at an important point in her career and personal life. Vij recently ended her 14-year marriage to actor and television host Jay Bhanushali, while both have said they remain committed to co-parenting their children.
So, who is Mahhi Vij, and how did she reach the Bigg Boss house?
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Who Is Mahhi Vij?
Mahhi Vij was born on 1 April 1982 in New Delhi. She grew up in a middle-class family and later moved to Mumbai at the age of 17 to pursue modelling.
Her early years in Mumbai were not easy.
Vij has recalled that there were times when she struggled to pay rent. She had told her father that she would not become a financial burden on him, so she worked towards supporting herself through modelling assignments.
Before entering showbiz, she also worked as a kindergarten teacher, according to an interview with India Today.
Modelling eventually opened the door to music videos and acting. One of her early appearances came in the music video Tu, Tu Hai Wahi in the early 2000s.
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Her Career Journey
Mahhi Vij began with films including Telugu Tapana, Malayalam Aparichithan with Mammootty and Kannada Ganga Kaveri, before appearing on TV in Akela (2006), followed by Ssshhhh...Koi Hai, Kaisi Laagi Lagan and Shubh Kadam.
Her breakthrough came as Nakusha Patil in Laagi Tujhse Lagan (2009–2012), earning her a Gold Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role in 2011. She later appeared on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4, won Nach Baliye 5 with Jay Bhanushali in 2013, played adult Nandini in Balika Vadhu and competed in Khatron Ke Khiladi 7.
Vij married Bhanushali in 2011. They became foster parents to Rajveer and Khushi in 2017, though Vij later clarified they were not legally adopted. Their daughter Tara was born in 2019.
After denying divorce rumours in October 2025, the couple announced their separation in January 2026 after 14 years of marriage and said they would continue prioritising their children. Vij later rejected alimony-related speculation.
She returned to fiction in December 2025 after nearly nine years, playing Kausar in Seher Hone Ko Hai, before joining Bigg Boss 20 in 2026.
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Why Is Mahhi Vij In Bigg Boss 20?
Vij entered Bigg Boss 20, which premiered on 6 September 2026.
Speaking about her decision, she said she had received offers for the show earlier but felt that the timing was right this year. She also made it clear that she did not enter the house simply to revive her acting career. Instead, she wanted to try something different.
Her personal life is naturally expected to become a topic of interest inside the house. But Vij has already drawn a boundary around one subject.
She told The Times of India that she does not want to discuss her separation from Bhanushali on the show because she considers it too personal. She also said that, despite their separation, they continue to discuss important decisions concerning their daughter.
As Bigg Boss 20 begins, Vij therefore enters the house with something most contestants already have: a long television history.
But this time, the audience gets to see Mahhi Vij not as Nakusha or Nandini, but as herself.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
Who is Mahhi Vij?
Mahhi Vij is a Delhi-born model and television actress best known for Laagi Tujhse Lagan and Balika Vadhu.
How did Mahhi Vij start her career?
She moved to Mumbai at 17, worked in modelling and music videos, and later moved into films and television.
What is Mahhi Vij's biggest TV role?
Her breakthrough came with Nakusha in Laagi Tujhse Lagan, followed by her role as Nandini in Balika Vadhu.
Why is Mahhi Vij in the news now?
She entered Bigg Boss 20 in September 2026 after returning to fiction television with Seher Hone Ko Hai in 2025.
What happened between Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali?
The couple announced their separation in January 2026 after 14 years of marriage and said they would continue to co-parent their three children.
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