Sunetra Sastry is best known as the former wife of legendary British comedian Rowan Atkinson, famously known for his role as Mr. Bean. However, Sunetra Sastry’s biography reveals much more than just being connected to a celebrity. She is a highly respected British makeup artist who worked with the BBC makeup department on popular shows like Blackadder.
Born to a mixed ethnicity family with an Indian father and English mother, she carries a unique Anglo-Indian heritage. Over the years, her story—from working behind the scenes in British television to her quiet life after the Rowan Atkinson divorce—has intrigued many. This blog dives deep into her career, personal life, and legacy.
Sunetra Sastry Life Timeline (1957-2025)
| Year | Event |
| 1957 | Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England to an Indian father and British mother |
| 1970s | Attended beauty college in London against parents’ initial wishes |
| 1980s | Began working in the BBC makeup department |
| 1986 | Met Rowan Atkinson on the set of Blackadder |
| 1990 | Married Rowan Atkinson at the Russian Tea Room, New York |
| 1993 | Gave birth to son Benjamin Alexander Atkinson |
| 1995 | Gave birth to daughter Lily Grace Sastry |
| 2014 | Separated from Rowan Atkinson |
| 2015 | Official divorce finalized; awarded London mansion in settlement |
| 2016 | Began living quietly at Ipsden Oxfordshire mansion |
| 2018 | Daughter Lily Grace drops surname ‘Atkinson’ post-divorce |
| 2020 | Spotted attending private family events, avoided media appearances |
| 2023 | Net worth estimated between £10–12 million after alimony and investments |
| 2025 | Lives a private life, out of spotlight, away from media and public view |
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Early Life & Background
Despite the hurdles, she grew up with a strong sense of determination. Being part of a Hindu British women community, her early life was filled with both cultural richness and the struggles of being biracial in a less diverse era of the UK.
Sunetra Sastry age is estimated to be in her late 60s, as she was born in 1957. Her background is a blend of cultures. Sunetra Sastry parents included an Indian father and an English mother. This mixed ethnicity shaped her identity growing up in England, where she often faced challenges due to her background.
Despite the hurdles, she grew up with a strong sense of determination. Being part of a Hindu British women community, her early life was filled with both cultural richness and the struggles of being biracial in a less diverse era of the UK.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Sunetra Sastry age | Born in 1957 (late 60s as of now) |
| Sunetra Sastry height | 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) |
| Sunetra Sastry weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Sunetra Sastry parents | Indian father, British mother |
| Sunetra Sastry ethnicity | Anglo-Indian (mixed ethnicity) |
Education & Career Beginnings
Sunetra Sastry education began in London, where she developed an early interest in art and fashion. She pursued a career in beauty and style by enrolling in a prestigious beauty college, eventually leading to work in media.
Her first big break came in the BBC makeup department, where she worked as a makeup artist for Black Adder. This was the beginning of Sunetra Sastry career, which included collaborations with high-profile figures such as Stephen Fry and Rowan Atkinson.
Personal Life & Marriage to Rowan Atkinson
Marriage to Rowan Atkinson began in 1990 after years of dating. Their relationship reportedly started while working together on Blackadder, with Stephen Fry best man at the Rowan Atkinson wedding. Their union was highly publicized due to Atkinson’s fame.
Sunetra Sastry husband Rowan became a household name through shows like Mr. Bean and films like Johnny English premiere. She supported him through his rising career, managing a Sunetra Sastry low profile while still being by his side.
Life After Divorce
The couple eventually separated in 2014, and the Rowan Atkinson divorce was finalized in 2015. The divorce settlement made headlines, especially concerning the division of their assets, including a £21 million mansion in London.
Alimony after divorce was significant, and Life after divorce for Sunetra included more time away from the public eye. She continued living in the Ipsden Oxfordshire mansion for a time before retreating from public life almost entirely.
Children of Sunetra Sastry
Sunetra Sastry children are two: Lily Grace Sastry and Benjamin Alexander Atkinson. Lily was a performer and used to appear alongside her father, but later removed his surname and adopted her mother’s name after the divorce.
Rowan Atkinson children with Sunetra have both kept a relatively low profile, especially Benjamin, who has worked in the British military. Their bond with their mother remains strong.
| Name | Relation | Profession/Notability |
|---|---|---|
| Lily Grace Sastry | Daughter | Performer, Dancer |
| Benjamin Alexander Atkinson | Son | British Army Officer (trained at Sandhurst) |
Rowan Atkinson children with Sunetra have both kept a relatively low profile, especially Benjamin, who has worked in the British military. Their bond with their mother remains strong.
Net Worth, Lifestyle & Residence
Sunetra Sastry net worth is estimated to be around £10 million to £12 million, much of it coming from her successful career and her divorce settlement. After the split, she continued to live a comfortable life supported by her savings and alimony.
Her London residence was briefly the £21 million mansion, but she also spent time at the Ipsden Oxfordshire mansion. Though she has since moved, her current location remains private.
Her London residence was briefly the £21 million mansion, but she also spent time at the Ipsden Oxfordshire mansion. Though she has since moved, her current location remains private.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | £10 million to £12 million |
| London Residence | £21 million mansion (after divorce) |
| Ipsden Property | Lived in the Ipsden Oxfordshire mansion |
| Source of Wealth | BBC career, alimony after divorce |
| Current Lifestyle | Private, elegant, low-profile |
Fun Facts & Lesser Known Trivia
- Sunetra Sastry ethnicity is Anglo-Indian, which led to social challenges in her youth.
- She worked for the BBC makeup department and met Rowan on the set of Blackadder.
- Her daughter, Lily Grace Sastry, was once a burlesque dancer and now lives a quiet life.
- Stephen Fry best man at her wedding called her “beautiful and kind.”
- She has never remarried and lives a very low profile life post-divorce.
- Despite being in the public eye briefly, she never gave interviews.
- Johnny English premiere was one of her rare public appearances with Rowan.
- She’s known to support arts and women’s empowerment quietly.
Conclusion
The life of Sunetra Sastry is a powerful example of grace, talent, and dignity. While many know her only as Rowan Atkinson ex-wife, her own journey as a British makeup artist and a strong mother deserves just as much recognition. Through her work with the BBC, her support of her husband, and her quiet strength post-divorce, she remains an inspiring figure in her own right.
FAQs
Who is Sunetra Sastry?
Sunetra Sastry is a British makeup artist known for her work with the BBC and her marriage to comedian Rowan Atkinson.
Is Sunetra Sastry married?
No, Sunetra Sastry is currently not married. She divorced Rowan Atkinson in 2015.
Is Sunetra Sastry of Indian origin?
Yes, Sunetra Sastry is of Anglo-Indian heritage, with an Indian father and British mother.
Who is Mr Bean’s ex-wife?
Mr. Bean’s ex-wife is Sunetra Sastry, who was married to actor Rowan Atkinson for over two decades.
What happened to Sunetra Sastry?
After her divorce from Rowan Atkinson, Sunetra Sastry chose a private life and now lives in their former £21 million mansion.
