Rakesh Jacob, popularly known as Rakku, is a Kerala-based dancer, actor and entertainer from Ernakulam. Long before his appearance in Agnipareeksha, Rakesh had been pursuing a career in entertainment through dance, reality television and small film roles. His journey eventually gave him the opportunity to share the screen with Tamil superstar Suriya in the 2025 film Retro.
In 2026, Rakesh gained wider attention through Agnipareeksha. Starting as one among 40 commoner contestants, he reached the final 12 and ultimately became one of four contestants selected to enter the Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8 house on Day 1.
Early Passion for Dance
Dance has played an important role in Rakesh’s life and career. He developed his skills through Kalabhavan, an institution that has introduced numerous performers to Kerala’s entertainment industry.
Rakesh later became familiar to television audiences through Mazhavil Manorama’s popular dance reality show D4 Dance. He participated as part of a dance group, bringing him television exposure years before his later reality-show appearances.
He also became associated with the dance team Seven 4X Manavalans. Dance remained his profession, but Rakesh had a larger ambition alongside it; he wanted to become an actor.
Journey into Movies
Rakesh continued attending film auditions while pursuing dance. His early acting opportunities were relatively small, but they gave him experience in front of the camera.
He appeared in minor roles in Malayalam movies including Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 and Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakeel. These were not major characters, but they represented his gradual attempt to move from dance into cinema.
A considerably bigger opportunity eventually arrived through Tamil cinema.
Acting Alongside Suriya in Retro
One of the biggest milestones in Rakesh’s entertainment career came when he was selected for Karthik Subbaraj’s Retro, starring Suriya.
Interestingly, the opportunity was connected to his dance background. Suriya and Jyotika had seen performances by Rakesh and his Seven 4X Manavalans team and liked their work. Rakesh was subsequently recommended for an opportunity in the film.
In Retro, Rakesh played one of Suriya’s friends, giving him the chance to share screen space with the Tamil superstar. For someone who had spent years attending auditions and accepting smaller film appearances while working professionally as a dancer, the role represented an important step forward in his acting journey.
Agnipareeksha Journey
Rakesh returned to the reality-show environment in a very different capacity when he became one of the initial 40 commoner contestants selected for Agnipareeksha in 2026.
His previous experience as a dancer and performer naturally contributed to his entertaining presence. During the competition, Rakesh became known particularly for his wit, humour and dance moves.
His entertaining personality helped him stand out, although his journey was not without weaknesses. There were occasions when he appeared hesitant about taking on certain tasks. Despite those moments, he remained in contention as contestants were progressively eliminated.
From 40 Contestants to the Final 12
Rakesh successfully survived the different stages of Agnipareeksha and became one of its final 12 contestants.
At this stage of the competition, he was presented as “The Entertainer,” an appropriate description considering the combination of humour, dance and performance that had defined much of his journey.
The final selection offered only four places in the main Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8 house. Rakesh eventually secured one of those positions alongside Eldho George, Loletta Loryne Rodrigues and Shijin S.
Entering Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8
Rakesh’s selection was officially announced during the Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8 grand premiere on September 6, 2026.
He entered the house on Day 1, completing an unusual entertainment journey that had already taken him through dance competitions, Malayalam cinema, a role alongside Suriya in Tamil cinema and finally the Agnipareeksha commoner-selection process.
Overall, Rakesh Jacob’s career has been shaped primarily by his persistence as a performer. Starting with dance and reality television, he gradually explored acting through smaller Malayalam film roles before receiving the opportunity to work with Suriya in Retro. His entertaining personality and dance background later became important strengths during Agnipareeksha, helping him progress from an initial field of 40 contestants to one of the four commoners who entered the Season 8 house.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rakesh Jacob
Rakesh Jacob, popularly known as Rakku, is a dancer, actor and entertainer from Ernakulam, Kerala. He has worked in dance reality television as well as Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
Yes. Rakesh became known to television audiences through Mazhavil Manorama’s D4 Dance, where he participated as a dancer.
Yes. Rakesh acted as one of Suriya’s friends in Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj. It became one of the most significant film opportunities of his career.
Rakesh has appeared in smaller roles in Malayalam films including Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 and Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakeel.
Rakesh is active on Instagram under the username @rakku_joy. His nickname “Rakku” is also the name by which many people familiar with his dance career recognise him.