Shweta Tiwari, born October 4, 1980, in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of Indian television’s most celebrated actresses, renowned for her role as Prerna Sharma in Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001-2008). A trailblazer in Hindi TV, she became the first female winner of Bigg Boss Season 4 (2010) and has starred in hits like Parvarrish, Begusarai, and Main Hoon Aparajita. Her personal life, marked by two tumultuous marriages and recent allegations from ex-husband Raja Chaudhary about an affair with co-star Cezanne Khan, has often drawn public scrutiny. Despite challenges, Tiwari’s resilience as a single mother and her professional success continue to inspire. Below is a detailed biography, including a summary table and context on the Shweta Tiwari’s ex-husband Raja Chaudhary claims controversy.
Early Life and Career Breakthrough
Raised in a middle-class family, Tiwari developed an early passion for acting. She began her career with small roles in the late 1990s, meeting Raja Chaudhary on the set of the Bhojpuri film Saiyyan Hamar Hindustani. Her breakthrough came with Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay, where her portrayal of Prerna made her a household name, earning her multiple Indian Television Academy and Telly Awards. Tiwari’s success extended to reality shows like Nach Baliye and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, and films like Singham Again (2024). Her daughter, Palak Tiwari, debuted in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), continuing the family’s entertainment legacy.
Personal Life and Controversies
Tiwari married Bhojpuri actor Raja Chaudhary in 1998 at age 18, against family objections due to their inter-caste union. They welcomed daughter Palak in 2000, but the marriage unraveled due to Chaudhary’s alleged alcoholism and domestic violence. In a 2024 Galatta India interview, Tiwari revealed enduring daily abuse and on-set disruptions by Chaudhary, delaying her divorce until 2007 over concerns for Palak and family stigma. The divorce, finalized in 2012, saw Tiwari surrender a Rs 93 lakh Mumbai flat to secure Palak’s custody, per Times of India. Chaudhary later claimed he sacrificed access to Palak for the property, a decision Tiwari called shocking, per BollywoodShaadis.
In 2013, Tiwari married actor Abhinav Kohli, welcoming son Reyansh in 2016. This marriage ended in 2019 after Tiwari filed a domestic violence complaint, alleging harassment of herself and Palak, per NDTV. A 2021 Koimoi report noted Chaudhary’s claim of witnessing Kohli’s inappropriate behavior toward Palak, escalating tensions. In June 2025, Chaudhary reignited controversy in a Hindi Rush interview, alleging Tiwari had an extramarital affair with Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan during their marriage, per Pinkvilla. He claimed Tiwari introduced Kohli as her “brother” and restricted his access to Palak, accusing her of arrogance post-fame. Tiwari, in a 2005 BollywoodLife throwback, denied dating Khan, stating, “I hate him!” and threatening a defamation suit, per India Today. Khan admitted to a past relationship in 2005 but called it a “mistake,” per BollywoodShaadis.
Resilience and Current Endeavors
Despite personal challenges, Tiwari remains a top-earning TV actress with a net worth of $2 million, per India.com. She balances single motherhood with a thriving career, recently filming Indian Police Force (2024). Her advocacy for women’s empowerment and candidness about surviving infidelity and abuse, as shared in Galatta India, resonate with fans. X posts like @PinkvillaTelly’s coverage of Chaudhary’s claims and @bollywood_life’s focus on her strength highlight her polarizing yet inspiring persona.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shweta Tiwari |
| Born | October 4, 1980, Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Marriages | Raja Chaudhary (1998-2012), Abhinav Kohli (2013-2019) |
| Children | Palak Tiwari (2000), Reyansh Kohli (2016) |
| Breakout Role | Prerna Sharma, Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001-2008) |
| Major Works | Bigg Boss 4 (winner, 2010), Parvarrish, Begusarai, Singham Again (2024) |
| Awards | 8 Indian Television Academy Awards, 9 Indian Telly Awards, 2 Gold Awards |
| Net Worth | $2 million (2025) |
| Recent Event | Raja Chaudhary alleges affair with Cezanne Khan (June 2025) |
What This Means for Readers
The Shweta Tiwari’s ex-husband Raja Chaudhary claims controversy underscores her turbulent personal life amid a stellar career. Chaudhary’s allegations, denied by Tiwari years ago, reflect ongoing tensions, as seen in X posts like @PinkvillaTelly. Her journey from a chawl to TV stardom, detailed in Times of India, inspires resilience, especially for single mothers. Readers can draw strength from her focus on career and family, with her story highlighting the challenges of fame and personal struggles. As Tiwari continues to shine in projects like Indian Police Force, her ability to rise above controversy cements her as a television icon.
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Sources: Pinkvilla, Times of India, India Today, BollywoodShaadis, NDTV, Koimoi, Galatta India, Republic World, Indian Express, BollywoodLife, X posts
