Chum Darang is an Indian model, actress, social activist, and entrepreneur who rose to fame through beauty pageants like Miss AAPSU (2010) and Miss Earth India Water (2016). She debuted as an actress in “Paatal Lok” (2020) and gained acclaim for her role as a same-sex partner in “Badhaai Do” (2022).
Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chum Darang |
| Date of Birth | October 16, 1991 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 34 years |
| Place of Birth | Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, India |
| Family | Parents: Tajeep Darang, Yamik Dulom Darang Siblings: Elder sister Mitu, younger brothers Tabit and Ninong |
| Religion | Donyi-Polo |
| Education | Schooling at D’ Ering Memorial Higher Secondary School, Pasighat Diploma from Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat |
| Profession | Model, Actress, Social Activist, Entrepreneur |
| Beauty Pageant Titles | Miss AAPSU 2010 Miss Earth India Water 2016 Miss Tiara India International 2017 5th Runner-Up, Miss Asia World 2017 (Miss Internet subtitle) |
| Acting Debut | Web Series: Paatal Lok (2020) Bollywood: Badhaai Do (2022) as Rimjhim Jongkey |
| Notable Works | Badhaai Do (2022), gångubai Kathiawadi (2022), Bigg Boss 18 (2024, 4th Runner-Up) |
| Entrepreneurship | Owns Cafe Chu, a popular café in Pasighat |
| Social Activism | Advocates for women’s empowerment, health, education, and indigenous rights in Northeast India; recognized by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh |
| Relationship Status | Dating Karan Veer Mehra (met during Bigg Boss 18) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated ₹2-10 crore (varies by source) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @chum_darang (674.1k+ followers as of 2025) |
Early Life and Background
Chum Darang was born on October 16, 1991, in Pasighat, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Growing up in a culturally rich yet remote region, she was raised in a close-knit, middle-class family that followed the Donyi-Polo religion. Her parents, Tajeep Darang and Yamik Dulom Darang, instilled values of hard work and humility, supporting her ambitions despite the unconventional path she chose. Chum grew up alongside three siblings: an elder sister, Mitu Darang, and two younger brothers, Tabit and Ninong Darang. As a child, she was tomboyish, often exploring her village with friends and initially aspiring to become a teacher. She completed her schooling at D’ Ering Memorial Higher Secondary School in Pasighat and later pursued higher education in her hometown, balancing academics with her growing interest in modeling.
Chum Darang Career Journey
Modeling and Beauty Pageants
Chum’s career began in 2007 at age 16 when she developed an interest in beauty pageants. Her breakthrough came in 2010 when she won the Miss AAPSU (All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union) title, marking her entry into the modeling world. This victory fueled her ambition, leading her to compete in national and international pageants. Key achievements include:
Finalist, North East Diva 2014: Gained recognition in the regional modeling circuit.
Second Runner-Up, Miss Himalaya 2015: Showcased her growing prominence.
Miss Earth India Water 2016: A pivotal win that elevated her national profile.
Miss Asia World 2017: Represented India, securing the 5th Runner-Up position and the Miss Internet subtitle for her strong social media engagement.
Miss Tiara India International 2017: Won the title, earning accolades for Best National Costume and Miss Sports Gear.
Inspired by Sushmita Sen, Chum’s pageant journey highlighted her poise, cultural representation, and connection with audiences, establishing her as a role model for young women in Northeastern India.
Acting Career
Chum transitioned into acting in 2020 with a minor role in the Amazon Prime Video series Paatal Lok, playing an infomercial girl. This debut opened doors to Bollywood, and in 2022, she landed a pivotal role in Badhaai Do, a romantic comedy-drama directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni. Playing Rimjhim Jongkey, the same-sex partner of Bhumi Pednekar’s character, Chum delivered a nuanced performance that earned critical acclaim for its authenticity and sensitivity. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema, cementing Chum’s status as an emerging talent.
In the same year, she appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, playing a supporting role as a prostitute alongside Alia Bhatt. Though brief, her performance added to her growing filmography. In 2024, Chum featured in Khauf, further showcasing her versatility.
Reality Television
In 2024, Chum joined Bigg Boss Season 18, hosted by Salman Khan, as a contestant. Her entry brought significant attention, with fans eager to see her navigate the high-pressure environment. Supported by notable figures like Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Pema Khandu and MP Kiren Rijiju, she emerged as a strong contender, finishing as the 4th Runner-Up. Her vibrant personality and cultural representation from Northeast India resonated with audiences, enhancing her mainstream visibility.
Entrepreneurship
Beyond entertainment, Chum is a successful entrepreneur. She owns Cafe Chu, a popular café in Pasighat that celebrates Northeastern culture and cuisine. The café has become a local hotspot, reflecting her commitment to her roots and community.
Social Activism
Chum is a dedicated social activist, focusing on women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and indigenous rights in Arunachal Pradesh. She runs an NGO to support marginalized communities and has been recognized by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh for her contributions. Her activism, combined with her public platform, amplifies issues like gender equality and social welfare, making her a respected figure in her home state.
Chum Darang Personal Life
Chum Darang maintains a private personal life, keeping details about her relationships under wraps. As of 2025, she is unmarried and has not publicly confirmed any romantic partners or children. However, following her stint on Bigg Boss 18, it was reported that she began dating co-contestant Karan Veer Mehra, whom she met during the show. Chum’s focus remains on her career and social work, with hobbies including cooking, bike riding, traveling, and participating in tree plantation drives. A nature lover and fitness enthusiast, she maintains a balanced lifestyle through regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Chum Darang Family
Chum’s family remains a pillar of support. Her parents, Tajeep and Yamik Dulom Darang, encouraged her to pursue her dreams, while her siblings Mitu, Tabit, and Ninong share a close bond with her. Raised in a culturally rich environment, Chum credits her family’s values for keeping her grounded amidst her rising fame.
Chum Darang Net Worth
As of 2025, Chum Darang’s estimated net worth ranges between ₹3-10 crore (approximately $360,000-$1.2 million USD), with varying estimates across sources. Her income streams include:
Acting: Earnings from films like Badhaai Do, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Khauf, as well as her Bigg Boss 18 appearance (reportedly ₹2 lakh per week).
Modeling and Endorsements: Brand collaborations and pageant-related projects.
Entrepreneurship: Revenue from Cafe Chu.
Her growing presence in Bollywood and reality TV is expected to increase her net worth in the coming years.
Cars and Lifestyle
There is no publicly available information detailing Chum Darang’s car collection. Given her modest upbringing and focus on social causes, she appears to lead a relatively grounded lifestyle. Her social media reflects a blend of professional achievements, travel, and community engagement, with no emphasis on luxury vehicles or extravagant purchases. Any cars she owns are likely practical, aligning with her active lifestyle and frequent travels.
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FAQs
Who is Chum Darang?
Chum Darang is an Indian actress, model, social activist, and entrepreneur from Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. She is known for her roles in Badhaai Do, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and her participation in Bigg Boss 18.
What is Chum Darang’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be between ₹3-10 crore as of 2025, earned through acting, modeling, endorsements, and her café business.
Is Chum Darang married?
No, Chum Darang is unmarried as of 2025. She is reportedly dating Karan Veer Mehra, whom she met on Bigg Boss 18.
What are Chum Darang’s major acting projects?
She debuted in the web series Paatal Lok (2020) and starred in films like Badhaai Do (2022), Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), and Khauf (2024).
What social causes does Chum Darang support?
Chum advocates for women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and indigenous rights, running an NGO and earning recognition from the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh.
What beauty pageant titles has Chum Darang won?
She won Miss AAPSU 2010, Miss Earth India Water 2016, Miss Tiara India International 2017, and was 5th Runner-Up at Miss Asia World 2017.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @chum_darang
