Television actor Raja Chaudhary has sparked a fresh controversy after calling his ex-wife, popular TV actress Shweta Tiwari, ‘illiterate’ in a recent interview. His sharp remark, “Padhai likhai tumne ki nahi hai” (Have you even studied?), has reignited public discussions around their tumultuous past relationship, divorce battles, and co-parenting dynamics.
What Did Raja Chaudhary Say?
During an informal media interaction, Raja Chaudhary was asked about his current relationship with Shweta Tiwari and their daughter Palak Tiwari, who is now a rising Bollywood actress. While initially speaking calmly, Raja suddenly turned bitter and lashed out at Shweta, saying:
“Padhai likhai tumne ki nahi hai. Tumhe shabd ka matlab nahi pata. Tum illiterate ho.”
(Have you even studied? You don’t even know the meaning of words. You are illiterate.)
The statement has gone viral across entertainment portals, YouTube clips, and social media reels, leading to massive trolling, criticism, and curiosity among netizens.
Their Tumultuous Relationship: A Timeline
2001 – Marriage: Shweta Tiwari and Raja Chaudhary married in 2001, when Shweta was beginning her television career.
2002-2007 – Kasautii Zindagii Kay fame: Shweta rose to nationwide fame as Prerna in Ekta Kapoor’s iconic serial. During this period, their relationship reportedly turned abusive.
2007 – Separation: Shweta filed for divorce alleging domestic violence, physical abuse, and substance addiction against Raja.
2012 – Divorce Finalised: After years of legal battles, their divorce was granted. Shweta gained full custody of their daughter Palak Tiwari.
2013 onwards – Public spats: Raja accused Shweta of keeping him away from Palak. Shweta maintained that his behaviour was the reason for separation.
2020s – Occasional Reconciliatory Posts: Raja occasionally posted photos with Palak and stated he wanted to mend ties, but communication remained limited.
Why Did He Call Her ‘Illiterate’?
As per media insiders, the fresh controversy emerged after Shweta reportedly ignored Raja’s attempts to reach out regarding family matters. While no official comment has come from Shweta, Raja’s frustration spilled over in the interview. He alleged that despite being a celebrity, Shweta lacks “education and decency”.
He said,
“Bas TV pe acting kar lena, bada naam ho gaya. But padhai likhai zaroori hoti hai. Insaan ko tameez aur izzat deni chahiye.”
(Just because you act on TV doesn’t make you big. Education is important. One should know how to respect others.)
Public Reaction
Social media reactions to Raja’s statement have been mostly critical:
- Supporters of Shweta: Many netizens condemned Raja for disrespecting his ex-wife, calling him insecure and bitter.
- Neutral voices: Some urged that both should maintain dignity for the sake of their daughter Palak.
- Trolls and meme-makers: Social media was flooded with memes highlighting Raja’s joblessness compared to Shweta’s strong career.
Shweta Tiwari: A Resilient Journey
Shweta Tiwari remains one of the most admired television actresses in India. Known for her beauty, strong screen presence, and versatile acting, she has worked in numerous hit serials and reality shows.
Career Highlights
- Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001-08): Breakthrough role as Prerna
- Bigg Boss Season 4: Winner, showcasing her strong personality
- Parvarrish, Begusarai, Mere Dad Ki Dulhan: Popular shows cementing her comeback post-divorce
- Reality Shows: Participated in Khatron Ke Khiladi 11, Comedy Circus, and Nach Baliye
Despite personal setbacks, Shweta raised Palak single-handedly and is also mother to son Reyansh Kohli from her second marriage with Abhinav Kohli.
Graphical View: Shweta Tiwari’s Career Timeline
| Year | Event/Show | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Kasautii Zindagii Kay begins | National fame as Prerna |
| 2007 | Separation from Raja Chaudhary | Personal turmoil |
| 2010 | Wins Bigg Boss Season 4 | Reinvented public image |
| 2012 | Divorce finalised | Gains daughter’s custody |
| 2013-19 | Back-to-back TV shows | Established as resilient actress |
| 2021 | Khatron Ke Khiladi participation | Physical fitness and glam image rise |
| 2023-25 | Ongoing TV shows and endorsements | Active in fitness, reels, endorsements |
(Source: Celebrity archives and TV industry data)
Who Is Raja Chaudhary?
Raja Chaudhary is an actor and former reality TV personality known for:
- Bigg Boss Season 2: He participated and became known for his aggressive behaviour.
- Bhojpuri Films: Acted in several Bhojpuri movies but failed to create an impactful career.
- Controversies: Known for multiple legal issues, public fights, and a brief struggle with alcoholism, as admitted by him.
Life Post-Divorce
Raja remarried in 2015 to Shveta Sood, a Delhi-based professional. However, he continues to express a desire to reconnect with his daughter Palak, who has publicly maintained minimal communication.
Palak Tiwari’s Reaction
Palak Tiwari, who debuted in Bollywood with the music video Bijlee Bijlee and the Salman Khan film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, has often stated she shares a respectful relationship with her biological father but credits her mother entirely for her upbringing.
In interviews, she has said,
“My mother is my inspiration. She sacrificed everything to raise me.”
She has chosen not to comment on the recent remark, maintaining her focus on career growth and endorsements.
Impact of Raja’s Statement On Public Discourse
Raja Chaudhary’s ‘illiterate’ comment has revived discussions around:
- Celebrity divorces and public shaming: Many argue such statements affect children the most.
- Misogyny and insecurity: Critics say such remarks stem from patriarchy’s discomfort with successful independent women.
- Responsible co-parenting: Relationship experts urge divorced couples to avoid public mudslinging for children’s mental health.
- Shweta’s strength narrative: The controversy reaffirms Shweta’s image as a strong woman who faced multiple personal setbacks with dignity.
Experts Speak: Why Do Ex-Partners Resort To Insults?
Psychologists suggest public insults by ex-partners often stem from unresolved anger, guilt, and failure to cope with life post-separation.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Shreya Sengupta explains,
“When one partner flourishes post-divorce while the other struggles, resentment often manifests as public insults to regain lost power.”
Similar Past Incidents
This is not the first time Raja has targeted Shweta. Earlier:
- He alleged Shweta poisoned Palak’s mind against him.
- He accused her of using media sympathy to build her career, which was widely dismissed as baseless.
- In multiple interviews, he demanded public apologies for not allowing him to meet Palak frequently.
Way Forward
Legal experts say Shweta can ignore such statements unless they turn defamatory with fabricated allegations. Publicly reacting could escalate controversies, harming her brand endorsements and mental peace.
Fans and industry insiders have lauded Shweta for maintaining silence with dignity, focusing on her family, career, and fitness goals.
Conclusion
Raja Chaudhary’s recent remark calling Shweta Tiwari ‘illiterate’ reflects his continuing bitterness towards his ex-wife’s success and independence. While it created instant media buzz, the public sentiment remains firmly with Shweta, who is admired for her journey from an abused wife to a self-made television superstar and devoted mother.
As India continues to debate celebrity relationships and respect in divorces, Shweta’s dignified silence remains the most powerful answer to the noise around her.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, social media statements, and media archives as of June 2025. The content does not intend to defame any individual but presents factual reportage with attributed quotes. Readers are advised to verify legal interpretations with official counsel if required.
