Neelu Vaghela started her career as a stage artist and was chosen for films. She appeared in Supattar Binani in 1981 at the age of 11 and acted in Bai Chali Sasariya which was remade in Hindi as Saajan Ka Ghar. She spent her earlier phase of life in Jaipur.
She has also appeared in films like Ramgarh Ri Ramli, Jai Karni Mata, Naini Bai Ro Mayro, Lancha Gujri, Derani Jethani, Ramkudi Ghamkudi, Baisa Ra Jatan Karo, Dadosari Laadli, Veer Tejaji and Bai Chali Sasariye.[4]
Vaghela became a household name after portraying Santosh Arun Rathi aka Bhabho on popular Star Plus soap Diya Aur Baati Hum. She then went on to participate in the dance reality show Nach Baliye 5 with her husband Arvind Kumar. On 23 March 2013, Vaghela and her husband finished in third place on the fifth season of Nach Baliye.
She is married to Arvind Kumar, and has two children: a son, Kaizer, and a daughter, Vanshikha. There are rumours of her being separated from her husband, as she has unfollowed him from social media accounts and also removed 'Vaghela' surname.[5]