Television star Shweta Tiwari recently revealed how Ekta Kapoor humorously tricked her before casting her in the iconic role of Prerna in Kasautii Zindagii Kay. Two decades after the show made her a household name, Shweta opened up about a playful prank that left her believing she was in serious trouble.
In an interview, Shweta shared how Ekta first noticed her in Aane Wala Pal and instantly envisioned her as Prerna. Skipping traditional auditions, Ekta had Shweta test out various roles, from a timid daughter-in-law in Kaleerein to a cunning antagonist in Karam Apna Apna, and even a glamorous diva in Kahin Kisi Roz.
After a week of these trials, Ekta decided to pull a prank. She summoned Shweta, pretending to reprimand her for arriving late to sets—a delay often caused by Shweta juggling work and caring for her newborn daughter, Palak Tiwari. Nervously expecting a scolding, Shweta was instead greeted with a surprising twist.
Recalling the incident, Shweta said, “One day, Ekta called me to her cabin, saying she wanted to ‘take my case’ because being late wasn’t acceptable. I was terrified since I was new and unsure of what to expect. She sat on a sofa and said, ‘I’ve heard you come late to my sets. Do you think we’ll wait for you?’ Then, suddenly, she started laughing and told me, ‘Prerna is my dream role, and I want you to play it.’”
Ekta Kapoor asked Shweta Tiwari if she could commit to the role and be punctual on set. Unsure whether Ekta was serious or joking, Shweta hesitated. For a month, there was no follow-up, until she was unexpectedly called for a look test and a brief audition on the set of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Kasautii Zindagii Kay, which aired from 2001 to 2008, became a television phenomenon, chronicling the love story of Anurag and Prerna, portrayed by Cezanne Khan and Shweta Tiwari. The show earned massive popularity for its gripping drama and memorable characters.
