Aishwarya Rai, often confused with the Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan due to the shared name, is a prominent figure in Bihar’s political landscape. She gained public attention as the former wife of Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi. Aishwarya Rai’s life is a compelling blend of privilege, education, and political intrigue, marked by her short-lived marriage and subsequent legal battles.
Early Life and Family Background
Aishwarya Rai was born on December 18, 1993, in Patna, Bihar, India, into a politically influential family. Her father, Chandrika Prasad Rai, is a seasoned politician and a prominent leader of the RJD, having served as a six-time MLA and a former minister in the Bihar government. Her grandfather, Daroga Prasad Rai, was a notable figure in Bihar’s political history, serving as the Chief Minister of Bihar from February 16, 1970, to December 22, 1970. This strong political lineage shaped Aishwarya’s upbringing and provided her with a privileged yet grounded perspective.
Aishwarya was born on a rainy day, earning her the nickname “Jhipsi,” a term used in Bihar to describe light rain. She is the eldest of three siblings. Her younger brother, Apurva Rai, is a lawyer practicing at the Patna High Court, while her younger sister, Ayushi Rai, is an engineer. Aishwarya’s mother is a homemaker, and the family has maintained a low profile despite their political prominence.
Growing up in Patna, Aishwarya was exposed to the complexities of Bihar’s political environment from a young age. Her family’s deep ties to the RJD and their influential status in the state gave her a unique perspective on power, governance, and public life.
Education and Professional Life
Aishwarya Rai’s educational journey reflects her intelligence and ambition. She completed her schooling at Notre Dame Academy, a prestigious institution in Patna known for its academic excellence. After excelling in her early education, she moved to Delhi to pursue higher studies. Aishwarya graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from Miranda House, one of the most renowned colleges affiliated with Delhi University. Her time at Miranda House exposed her to a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment, shaping her worldview.
Following her undergraduate studies, Aishwarya pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Amity University in Noida. This advanced degree equipped her with the skills to manage businesses and navigate complex professional landscapes. Although Aishwarya has not publicly detailed her career, reports suggest she has been involved in managing several businesses, leveraging her father’s political connections. Her professional life as a business executive highlights her ability to blend her academic background with practical experience.
Aishwarya’s education and professional pursuits set her apart from many of her peers in Bihar’s political families. Her friends from Delhi University have described her as “happy-go-lucky” and ambitious, with a strong belief in the institution of marriage and a desire for a fulfilling personal life.
Marriage to Tej Pratap Yadav
Aishwarya Rai’s life took a significant turn when she married Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, on May 12, 2018. The marriage was a high-profile event, attended by prominent political figures such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Governor Satya Pal Malik, and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. Lalu Prasad Yadav, who was out on parole from prison to attend the wedding, played a key role in orchestrating the union.
The engagement ceremony took place on April 18, 2018, at Hotel Maurya in Patna, marking the beginning of a much-anticipated alliance between two powerful political families. Aishwarya’s father, Chandrika Rai, and Tej Pratap’s father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, shared a long-standing political association within the RJD, making the marriage a strategic move to strengthen ties between the families.
The wedding was a grand affair, featuring 50 horses and elephants, tribal drummers, and over 7,000 guests. Aishwarya, dressed in traditional attire, and Tej Pratap, known for his flamboyant persona, exchanged garlands in a ceremony that symbolized the union of two dynasties. However, the lavish celebration was marred by an incident where RJD supporters reportedly ransacked food counters, hinting at the chaotic undercurrents that would later surface in the couple’s relationship.
Marital Discord and Divorce Proceedings
Despite the grandeur of their wedding, Aishwarya Rai and Tej Pratap Yadav’s marriage quickly deteriorated. Within six months, on November 2, 2018, Tej Pratap filed for divorce in a Patna court, citing “cruelty” and “incompatibility” as grounds under Section 13A of the Hindu Marriage Act. The filing shocked the political and social circles of Bihar, given the high-profile nature of the union.
Tej Pratap, known for his eccentric behavior and theatrical public appearances, claimed that Aishwarya was too “urbane” for his “simple” lifestyle. He accused her of not adjusting to his way of life and stated that he felt suffocated in the marriage. Reports also emerged of allegations by Aishwarya that Tej Pratap was a drug user and exhibited erratic behavior, including dressing up as Hindu deities like Lord Shiva and Krishna after consuming marijuana.
Aishwarya, on the other hand, expressed a desire to save the marriage. She reportedly stayed at her in-laws’ residence at 10 Circular Road in Patna, despite the tensions. However, her efforts were met with resistance from Tej Pratap and, allegedly, some members of his family. In September 2019, Aishwarya was seen leaving Rabri Devi’s home in tears, carrying bags and alleging that she had been subjected to domestic violence by her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, Misa Bharti.
The divorce case became a prolonged legal battle. In 2019, the family court ordered Tej Pratap to pay Aishwarya Rs. 22,000 monthly as maintenance and Rs. 2 lakh for court expenses. Dissatisfied with the ruling, Aishwarya appealed to the Patna High Court, arguing that the decision did not adequately address her allegations of domestic violence. In May 2023, the Patna High Court directed the family court to conduct a fresh hearing and deliver a judgment within three months, offering Aishwarya some relief. However, the court also instructed her to return the maintenance money she had received, adding complexity to the case.
As of March 17, 2025, the divorce proceedings remain unresolved, with both parties entrenched in their positions. The case has not only strained familial ties but also cast a shadow over the political dynamics between the Rai and Yadav families.
Political Involvement and Public Life
Aishwarya Rai’s marriage to Tej Pratap Yadav sparked speculation about her potential entry into politics. Ahead of the RJD’s foundation day in July 2018, posters featuring Aishwarya alongside Tej Pratap and other party leaders appeared across Patna, fueling rumors that she might contest the 2019 general elections from Chapra (Saran). However, these speculations did not materialize, and her political ambitions, if any, were overshadowed by the marital discord.
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Aishwarya’s estranged status became a subplot in the political narrative. Reports suggested that she might contest against Tej Pratap from the Mahua constituency, but she ultimately did not enter the electoral fray. Instead, she publicly supported Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a political rival of the Yadav family, signaling her alignment with her father’s shifting political stance.
Aishwarya’s public appearances have been limited since the divorce filing, but her legal battles and statements have kept her in the media spotlight. Her resilience in the face of personal and public challenges has earned her sympathy from some quarters, while others view her story as emblematic of the complexities of political marriages.
Personal Traits and Net Worth
Aishwarya Rai is described by friends and acquaintances as intelligent, strong-willed, and deeply family-oriented. Her decision to marry Tej Pratap, despite initial reservations about his educational background (he is a Class 10 dropout), was influenced by her loyalty to her father’s wishes. Her educational achievements and professional endeavors reflect her determination to carve her own path.
While exact figures are speculative, Aishwarya’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 6 crores (approximately $800,000 USD) as of 2018, derived from her business ventures and family wealth. Her financial status has been a point of contention in the divorce proceedings, with Tej Pratap arguing that she is financially independent, while Aishwarya has sought increased maintenance to meet her expenses.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Rai’s life is a testament to the intersection of personal aspirations and political legacies. Born into a prominent political family, she pursued education and professional success before entering a high-profile marriage that unraveled within months. Her journey from a celebrated bride to an estranged wife embroiled in legal battles highlights the challenges of navigating personal relationships within the volatile world of Indian politics.
FAQs About Aishwarya Rai (Former Wife of Tej Pratap Yadav)
1. Who is Aishwarya Rai?
Aishwarya Rai is the former wife of Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. She is the daughter of RJD politician Chandrika Rai and granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai.
2. When did Aishwarya Rai marry Tej Pratap Yadav?
Aishwarya Rai married Tej Pratap Yadav on May 12, 2018, in a grand ceremony in Patna, Bihar.
3. Why did Aishwarya Rai and Tej Pratap Yadav divorce?
Tej Pratap Yadav filed for divorce in November 2018, citing “cruelty” and “incompatibility.” He claimed Aishwarya was too modern for his simple lifestyle, while Aishwarya alleged domestic violence and drug use by Tej Pratap.
4. What is Aishwarya Rai’s educational background?
Aishwarya completed her schooling at Notre Dame Academy in Patna, earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Miranda House, Delhi University, and pursued an MBA from Amity University, Noida.
5. What is Aishwarya Rai’s profession?
Aishwarya is a business executive and has been involved in managing businesses, reportedly leveraging her father’s political connections.
6. What is the status of Aishwarya Rai and Tej Pratap Yadav’s divorce case?
As of March 17, 2025, the divorce case remains unresolved. In May 2023, the Patna High Court ordered a fresh hearing, and the proceedings are ongoing.
7. Did Aishwarya Rai enter politics?
Despite speculation, Aishwarya has not formally entered politics. She supported Nitish Kumar in the 2020 Bihar elections but has not contested any elections.
8. What is Aishwarya Rai’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 6 crores (approximately $800,000 USD) as of 2018, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
9. What is Aishwarya Rai’s family background?
Aishwarya hails from a prominent political family. Her father, Chandrika Rai, is an RJD leader and former minister, while her grandfather, Daroga Prasad Rai, was a former Bihar Chief Minister.
10. Where is Aishwarya Rai now?
Aishwarya maintains a low profile, focusing on her legal battles and personal life. Her current residence and activities are not widely publicized.
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