Shweta Tiwari: The Queen of Indian Television Still Going Strong in 2026
Few names carry as much weight in Indian television as Shweta Tiwari. Decades after she first stepped in front of the camera, she remains one of the most recognizable faces on the small screen, and 2026 finds her as active and relevant as ever.
Early Life and Background.
Born on October 4, 1980, in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh Shweta is currently 45 years old, set to turn 46 later this year. She grew up with a strong pull toward performing, and her professional journey started far earlier than most she took up her very first job at just 12, working with a travel agency for a modest monthly wage. That early hustle would eventually give way to a full-fledged acting career once she completed her graduation and began auditioning for television roles.
The Rise to Stardom.
Her television debut came in 1998 but it was her portrayal of Prerna Sharma in Kasautii Zindagii Kay that made her one of the highest-paid television actresses in the country and cemented her as a household name. The show ran for years and became a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of viewers. She followed this with a string of hit serials, including Parvarrish, Begusarai, Mere Dad Ki Dulhan, and Main Hoon Aparajita, alongside reality show stints on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Nach Baliye, and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi. Her win on Bigg Boss 4 in 2010 was a landmark moment too, she became the first female contestant to ever win the show.
Personal Life
Shweta’s personal life has had its share of turbulence. She married actor Raja Chaudhary in 1998, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Palak Tiwari, in 2000. That marriage eventually ended in divorce. She later married Abhinav Kohli in 2013, with whom she shares a son, Reyansh Kohli. However the couple separated in 2019 following a domestic violence complaint she filed against him. Reyansh recently celebrated his ninth birthday, a moment Shweta marked warmly on social media.
Her daughter Palak has since carved her own path in Bollywood, appearing opposite big names and drawing plenty of media attention for her fashion choices and public appearances, something Shweta often speaks about with visible pride.
Career in 2026.
Shweta continues to stay busy on screen. She’s part of Rohit Shetty’s expansive Cop Universe through her role in Singham Again, and she has also signed on for a project associated with Karan Johar, reportedly playing a don-like character — a departure from her usual soap-opera image. She remains a regular presence on television, having recently featured in the daily drama Main Hoon Aparajita alongside Manav Gohil, and continues picking up anthology and digital projects as well.
Net Worth and Earnings.
As of 2026, various entertainment outlets peg Shweta Tiwari’s net worth at around ₹10 crore, built from her decades-long acting career, reality show earnings, and brand endorsements. While exact figures aren’t officially confirmed, her consistent presence across television, reality TV, and now digital platforms keeps her firmly in the upper tier of established Indian TV stars.
Final Word.
More than two decades into her career, Shweta Tiwari’s story is one of resilience professionally and personally. From a 12-year-old earning her first paycheck to a television icon still landing marquee projects in 2026, she remains proof that reinvention, not just longevity, is what keeps a star relevant.
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