Updated on October 11, 2026
Manoj Tiwari is a household name in Bhojpuri cinema, music, and Indian politics. As the BJP MP from North East Delhi, singer, and actor, his professional journey often steals the spotlight. Yet people remain equally curious about his personal life, especially his first marriage. Who was Manoj Tiwari first wife? What happened to their relationship? Here’s a clear, respectful look at the story.
Table of Contents
Who Is Manoj Tiwari First Wife?
Manoj Tiwari’s first wife is Rani Tiwari, born Pratima Pandey. She took the name Rani after marriage. The couple tied the knot in 1999. At that time Manoj was steadily building his career in the Bhojpuri entertainment industry. Rani came from a family with strong connections—her brother Arun Pandey has long been associated with cricket legend MS Dhoni’s business interests, which later linked her name to the Dhoni circle as well.
They shared a daughter, Rhiti Tiwari (also known as Riti or Jiya in some reports). Rhiti has grown into a public figure herself, recently drawing attention through her appearance on Bigg Boss 20 and her own interests in music, social work, and politics.
The Marriage and the Separation
The marriage lasted roughly 11–12 years. By 2011, reports of marital difficulties surfaced. Divorce proceedings began, and the couple finalized their separation in 2012 through mutual consent. Media coverage at the time frequently mentioned that Rani had concerns about Manoj’s closeness with actress Shweta Tiwari during Bigg Boss 4. Manoj himself later stated in interviews that he never wanted the divorce and agreed largely because Rani insisted on it for her peace of mind.
After the divorce, Rani received custody of their young daughter. The two have largely stayed out of each other’s public lives since then, though Rhiti has spoken about maintaining a bond with her father over the years.
Rani Tiwari’s Life After Divorce
Rani chose a quieter path. She works as a dietician and lives in Mumbai with her daughter. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, she has kept a low public profile. Some older reports linked her romantically to Punjabi singer Ekam Bawa around 2021, and recent claims in 2026 suggested a short-lived marriage that ended, but multiple reputable profiles, including a detailed Aaj Tak piece from September 2026, continue to describe her as unmarried and focused on her professional and family life.
Key points about her present life:
- Profession: Dietician and wellness consultant
- Residence: Mumbai
- Family: Lives with daughter Rhiti
- Public presence: Minimal and dignified
Quick Facts Table – Manoj Tiwari’s First Marriage
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Wife’s Name | Rani Tiwari (born Pratima Pandey) |
| Marriage Year | 1999 |
| Divorce Year | 2012 |
| Daughter | Rhiti Tiwari |
| Current Profession | Dietician |
| Current City | Mumbai |
| Manoj’s Current Wife | Surabhi Tiwari (married 2020) |
Manoj remarried in April 2020 during the lockdown period. His second wife, Surabhi Tiwari, is a Bhojpuri singer from Patna. The couple has two daughters, born in December 2020 and December 2022. Interestingly, Rhiti has publicly said she encouraged her father to remarry and was happy when he found companionship again.
Conclusion
Manoj Tiwari’s first marriage to Rani Tiwari remains a chapter of personal growth rather than lingering controversy. Both individuals moved forward with dignity—Rani through her quiet professional life and focused parenting, Manoj through his continued public service and new family. Their daughter Rhiti stands as a bridge between the two chapters of his life.
Celebrity marriages often face intense public scrutiny, yet the real story is usually simpler: two people who shared a part of life’s journey and then chose separate paths. Rani Tiwari’s decision to stay largely private after the divorce shows a strength that many still respect.
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This remains one of the most searched personal details about Manoj Tiwari even in 2026, proving that audiences care about the human side of public figures as much as their professional achievements.