I was always a single parent: Shweta Tiwari

December 5th, 2008 - 10:00 am ICT by IANS -

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Bringing up her eight-year-old daughter single-handedly hasn't been an uphill task for popular TV actress Shweta Tiwari after separating from her husband Raja Chaudhary.Despite his presence in her life for nine years, she believes she was always a single parent.

"I believe I was always a single parent. After I separated from my husband, I never felt that I had to do something extra for my daughter Palak. When I was with him, even then I was working and could devote time to her, so there's not much change," Shweta told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

Known for her role as Prerna in Balaji Telefilms' long running soap "Kasauti Zindagi Kay", Shweta married Raja, who recently rose to prominence with his stint on reality show "Bigg Boss". They separated in 2007 after she filed a case against him on grounds of domestic violence.

Shweta said she makes sure that she drops her daughter to school every morning and puts her to bed every night. She continues to do so after her separation from Raja.

"My mother looks after her during the day. On weekends, if I am free, I take her out, otherwise she sulks," she said.

The actress became a household name when she essayed the role of Prerna for nearly seven years before the serial came to an end early this year. She is now returning with the daily soap "Jaane Kya Baat Hui" on Colors channel.

"Every other show that is on television today has bits and pieces of Prerna in it and I have done it all. I don't want to do it again. This show ('Jaane Kya Baat Hui') is not at all similar to Prerna. The good part is that I have no children in this show whereas in 'Kasauti…', I had so many," Shweta quipped.

"Jaane Kya Baat Hui" revolves around Aradhana, played by Shweta, who is caught in a loveless marriage before another man enters her life, causing chaos and turmoil in her married life.

Shweta doesn't have any plans to take up another daily soap.

"I don't like to do two or three shows at a time because I don't want a tiring schedule and sleepless nights. I would rather do roles like Prerna or Aradhana, which would be remembered for a long time," she said.

During her hiatus from daily soaps, Shweta took to reality shows like "Aaja Mahi Vay" and "Yeh Hai Jalwa". She was a judge on the latter.

An enthusiastic dancer, Shweta currently features as a team captain on "Jalwa Four 2 Ka 1? that airs on entertainment channel 9X.

"I love doing reality shows as I don't have to pretend there. I jump, dance, scream and rejoice on those shows just the way I am in real life.

"As a judge, I found that reality shows are easy. But I like being a contestant more because it is difficult to impress all the judges on a reality show and and I love challenges," she said.