Early life and debut show (1981–2009) Merchant was born into a Muslim family in Mumbai to Siraj Merchant and Rizwana Merchant. She started her career in 1997 with the TV show
Shaktimaan, in which she played Julia, an assistant. She then played Nonie in the popular show
Hip Hip Hurray from 1998 to 2000. Kishwar then appeared in many successful popular shows like
Babul Ki Duwayen Leti Jaa,
Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand,
Kutumb,
Kasautii Zindagii Kay,
Kayaamat – Jabb Bhi Waqt Aata Hai,
Hatim and
Khichdi. Kishwar appeared in many Balaji shows like
Kkavyanjali and
Kasamh Se. In 2007, she played the positive role of Tamanna in
Sanaya Irani and
Arjun Bijlani's popular youth show
Miley Jab Hum Tum in 2008. She is very popular for playing Haseena in the popular
Sukirti Kandpal and
Vivian Dsena series
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani. She also played a role of Sonia in the second season of the hit show –
Chhoti Bahu.
Breakthrough and success (2012–2015) In 2012, Merchant was seen in three shows
Amrit Manthan,
Teri Meri Love Stories and
Arjun. Then came many shows like
Hongey Judaa Na Hum and
Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi. She appeared in the popular shows
Ek Hasina Thi as Raima,
Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon as Ananya,
Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan as Nyonika and
Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar as Dimpy, sharing the screen with many popular actresses like
Drashti Dhami and
Sanjeeda Sheikh.
Bigg Boss and further success (2015–2023) Merchant was a participant in the reality TV show
Bigg Boss 9 along with her boyfriend
Suyyash Rai in 2015. She was paired with
Aman Verma. Merchant, was forced to quit the Ticket to Finale task in its last leg and walked out of the house involuntarily with Rs 15 lakhs. In 2016, Kishwar made her comeback with Balaji's popular show
Brahmarakshas, playing the main antagonist, Aparajita. In April 2017, Kishwar was seen in yet another
Ekta Kapoor's show,
Dhhai Kilo Prem, which airs on
Star Plus. She played a cameo appearance as Shilpa. In May 2017, she was seen in Rashmi Sharma's
Savitri Devi College & Hospital on Colors, but later she quit the show. Kishwar was also playing Asha in
And TV's show
Gangaa, which stars
Aditi Sharma. The show went off air on 2 June 2017. ==Personal life==