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Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty Kundra (born Ashwini Shetty; 8 June 1975) is an Indian actress, model, and entrepreneur recognized for her extensive work in Hindi cinema and her advocacy in fitness and wellness. She debuted in Bollywood with the 1993 thriller Baazigar, opposite Shah Rukh Khan, and went on to feature in nearly 40 films across genres, often portraying strong female characters or item song performers. Her career gained international attention in 2007 when she won the fifth series of Celebrity Big Brother in the United Kingdom, emerging victorious amid a controversy involving alleged racial bullying and derogatory remarks from other contestants, which drew widespread media scrutiny and public support for her poise under pressure. Post-victory, Shetty leveraged her visibility to launch fitness initiatives, including yoga instructional videos, wellness apps, and personal training content that emphasize physical discipline and holistic health practices rooted in traditional Indian methods. As an entrepreneur, she has invested in sports franchises and production ventures, while maintaining a public image centered on family life with her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, and their children.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Shilpa Shetty was born on 8 June 1975 in , , , into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family. Her parents, Surendra Shetty and Sunanda Shetty, owned a manufacturing tamper-proof water caps. Surendra Shetty died in 2017. She has one sibling, a younger sister named , who is also an actress and was born approximately four years after her. The family relocated to , where Shetty was raised in the suburb and attended St. Anthony Girls' High School. Her upbringing emphasized multilingual proficiency, including , , and English.

Education and pre-acting pursuits

Shilpa Shetty attended St. Anthony Girls' High School in , , for her primary and . During her school years, she served as the captain of the team and developed an interest in , eventually earning a in . She pursued higher education at R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics in , , where she graduated with a degree in . Alongside her studies, Shetty trained in , a classical dance form, which contributed to her physical discipline and later informed her on-screen performances. Prior to entering the film industry, Shetty began her professional pursuits in modeling after completing her tenth-grade examinations in , starting with a television commercial for the soft drink . She subsequently appeared in several other advertisements, building a that leveraged her athletic build and , which positioned her for opportunities by the early . This modeling phase served as her entry into the entertainment sector, emphasizing and visual appeal before her cinematic debut.

Film career

Debut and initial struggles (1993–1999)

Shilpa Shetty made her film debut in the thriller (1993), directed by Abbas-Mustan, portraying the supporting role of Priya Chopra, a murdered by the protagonist played by . The film, which also starred , achieved commercial success as a , grossing significant returns despite her limited screen time. Shetty's performance earned her a nomination for the Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking an early recognition in her career. In 1994, Shetty appeared in two films: the action drama Aag, which failed commercially, and the comedy-action Main Khiladi Tu Anari, opposite , that emerged as a with collections exceeding 7.88 rupees. These roles often positioned her in glamorous, secondary capacities, emphasizing dance sequences and visual appeal over substantial character development. Subsequent projects in the mid-1990s, including Zameer: The Awakening of a Soul (1995) and Chhote Sarkar (1996), yielded mixed results at the , with none achieving major s. By the late 1990s, Shetty starred in films such as (1998), (1999), Jaanwar (1999), and (1999), where she played supporting parts in action-oriented narratives. Jaanwar, directed by , performed well commercially, contributing to intermittent successes amid a string of underperformers. However, her output during this period reflected inconsistent box-office verdicts, with many projects failing to cross average earnings thresholds. Shetty later described her early career challenges as stemming from into glamorous roles, which restricted access to lead parts in major productions during the . According to her, filmmakers prioritized her physical attributes for item songs and decorative functions, leading to a seven-to-eight-year phase of limited role diversity, though she did not face initial difficulties in securing work. This industry norm of the era, as Shetty noted, segmented actresses into either dramatic leads or glamour-focused supporting roles, sustaining her visibility through popular songs rather than narrative depth.

Breakthrough roles and commercial hits (2000–2006)

Shetty's portrayal of Sheetal Varma in the 2000 romantic drama , directed by , marked a significant turning point, earning her widespread critical praise for depicting a torn between familial duty and personal desire in an . The film, co-starring and , grossed ₹22.08 worldwide, with ₹14.02 nett in , classifying it as an average to semi-hit performer amid competition from other releases. Her performance garnered multiple Best Actress nominations at ceremonies like the , highlighting a shift from earlier supporting roles to lead billing with emotional depth. Subsequent years saw mixed commercial outcomes but reinforced her versatility. In 2002's Rishtey, directed by , Shetty played a supportive wife amid action-drama elements, receiving positive notices for her chemistry with , though the film underperformed with approximately ₹6 nett against an ₹8.75 budget, resulting in a flop verdict. By 2004, Garv: Pride & Honour, a cop thriller helmed by , featured her as a opposite ; it achieved semi-hit status, collecting ₹23.48 against a ₹17 budget, bolstered by sequences and her assertive characterization. Shetty also earned acclaim for socially conscious roles, such as in Phir Milenge (2004), where she portrayed an HIV-positive advertising executive inspired by Philadelphia, drawing praise for sensitizing audiences to AIDS stigma despite modest box office returns focused more on critical reception than earnings. Expanding regionally, her lead in the 2005 Kannada action film Auto Shankar opposite Upendra proved a major commercial success in that market, enhancing her appeal across industries through high-energy performance and mass-oriented narrative. These projects collectively elevated her from earlier career setbacks, blending box office viability with acting recognition during a period of Bollywood's evolving action-romance formula.

International exposure via Big Brother and select films (2007–2009)

Shilpa Shetty gained significant international recognition in early 2007 through her participation in the fifth series of the British reality television show Celebrity Big Brother, which aired on Channel 4. Entering the house on 3 January 2007, she endured a series of incidents involving alleged racial bullying from fellow contestants, including Jade Goody, who referred to her as "Shilpa Poppadom" and mocked her pronunciation of "curry" as evidence of being a "half-caste" or questioning her hygiene in terms perceived as derogatory. These events sparked widespread media coverage, protests outside the Big Brother house, and diplomatic tensions between India and the UK, with Indian politicians demanding action and over 40,000 complaints lodged with Ofcom, the UK's broadcasting regulator. On 28 January 2007, Shetty emerged as the winner, securing 63% of the public vote in the final, which drew a peak audience of 15 million viewers. Post-eviction, she received apologies from implicated housemates and , while Goody later expressed remorse for any offense caused. The controversy elevated Shetty's global profile, leading to immediate commercial opportunities such as endorsement deals, a line launch in the UK, and her agent fielding 45 calls per hour for book, film, and television offers. This exposure marked a turning point, transitioning her from primarily domestic Bollywood stardom to international status. Amid this heightened visibility, Shetty starred in select films that benefited from her newfound fame. In Apne, a family sports drama directed by , she portrayed Simran Choudhary opposite Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, and Bobby Deol; the film was released on 29 June 2007 and achieved commercial success at the . Similarly, Life in a Metro, an ensemble urban drama by , featured her as Shikha, a dissatisfied engaging in an extramarital ; premiered internationally in in May 2007, it received positive reviews for its relatable portrayal of modern relationships and drew Western audience interest partly due to her Big Brother notoriety. In 2008, she made a special appearance in the item song "Shut Up and Bounce" for Dostana, a directed by starring , , and , contributing to the film's energetic dance sequences. These projects underscored her continued Bollywood engagement while leveraging international buzz for broader appeal.

Television hosting, judging, and sporadic films (2010–2024)

Shetty transitioned from film roles to television judging in 2010, serving as a judge on the dance reality show Zara Nachke Dikha aired on STAR One. In December 2012, she joined as a judge for the fifth season of Nach Baliye on Star Plus, alongside filmmaker Sajid Khan and choreographer Terrence Lewis, with Gautam Rode and Karan Wahi as hosts. She reprised her role as judge for multiple subsequent seasons of Nach Baliye, including seasons 6 through 10, spanning until 2020. From 2016 onward, Shetty became a permanent on Super Dancer, a children's on , initially alongside and . She continued judging through chapters 1 to 4 by 2021, emphasizing contestants' talent and emotional stories during episodes. In September 2021, she joined India's Got Talent season 3 on as a , marking her entry into a broader talent format beyond . She returned for the show's ninth season in 2023, commenting on the exhaustion of evaluating up to 25 acts daily. Film appearances remained sporadic during this period. After a hiatus following 2007 projects, Shetty featured in the action thriller released on 28 March 2014, playing a supporting role. She made a comeback lead in the comedy on 23 July 2021 via OTT platform . Subsequent releases included the action-comedy on 17 June 2022, the family drama on 22 September 2023, and a cameo in the prison comedy UT69 on 3 November 2023. These selective roles contrasted with her primary focus on television judging.

Recent projects and career trajectory (2025 onward)

In 2025, Shetty returned to after an 18-year hiatus with the action thriller , released on October 18, directed by Prem and starring in the lead role alongside . She portrayed , a character she described as an ode to her mother, drawing from aesthetics in costume and demeanor. The film's teaser, unveiled on July 10, highlighted her role amid high-stakes action sequences, positioning it as a pan-Indian project with her contribution emphasizing strong maternal archetypes. Shetty maintained her television presence as a judge on Season 4, which aired through 2025, where she was noted for providing feedback on contestants' performances while promoting integration in routines. Guest appearances, such as on promotions in April, underscored her ongoing endorsement of music and performance arts, often tying into her advocacy. Her career trajectory from 2025 reflects a selective approach to , prioritizing regional comebacks and reality TV over prolific Bollywood output, amid legal scrutiny from a ₹60.48 fraud case filed against her and husband in August, which prompted a withdrawn plea for foreign travel on October 16 due to unmaterialized plans. At age 50, this phase emphasizes sustained media visibility through judging roles and occasional films, balancing entertainment with entrepreneurial stability.

Business and entrepreneurial activities

Fitness and wellness ventures

Shilpa Shetty launched her initial fitness product, the yoga video Shilpa's Yoga, on June 6, 2008, positioning it as a tool for and overall through dynamic practices. The DVD emphasized 's benefits for body, mind, and soul, drawing from her personal routine to appeal to beginners and advanced users. In November 2013, Shetty entered a with VLCC, a brand founded by , to develop and physiotherapy services, expanding her involvement in structured offerings. This partnership aimed to integrate her expertise with professional infrastructure. Shetty introduced her digital platform, The Shilpa Shetty App, on May 6, 2019, initially for users with availability following shortly after; the app included over 15 programs such as a 21-day regimen, post-pregnancy recovery plans, daily sessions, and guidance. Evolved into Simple Soulful by Shilpa Shetty, the app—operated by SSK Osmosis Private Limited—delivers holistic content encompassing , meditation, immunity-building exercises, and diet plans, with over 200 hours of video material for varied user levels. As an investor, Shetty committed funds to startups including Mamaearth in prior years and, in July 2022, to brands Fast&Up and Chicnutrix to support product innovation in supplements and health foods. She extended investments to Nutrispray in August 2024, a nutraceuticals firm specializing in sprays for convenient daily . Additional stakes in entities like 100Percent Nourishment and Kisankonnect reflect her focus on scalable health solutions tied to and nourishment. These ventures underscore her shift from personal endorsements to equity-backed promotion of evidence-based and modalities.

Other investments and collaborations

In 2019, Shilpa Shetty acquired a 50% stake in , a high-end restaurant chain in known for its global and celebrity clientele, with its flagship outlet reportedly generating revenues of Rs 2-3 per night and accommodating up to 1,400 guests despite long waiting lists. Shetty and her husband previously held an 11.7% stake in the cricket team , purchased in February 2009 for approximately $11.6 million at a team valuation of $140 million, but divested their shares in 2015 amid ownership changes and league controversies. As an angel investor, Shetty has backed several startups in consumer and agritech sectors, including an undisclosed in Mumbai-based KisanKonnect in early 2025 as part of its $4.5 million funding round aimed at expanding farm-to-fork supply chains for fresh produce. She also invested in D2C brand WickedGud (formerly WickedGup) in 2023, supporting its seed-stage growth prior to the brand's Rs 20 funding round in December 2024 led by Orios Venture Partners. In September 2024, she led a $1.2 million (Rs 10 ) funding round for Bengaluru-based D2C health foods company Alpino to bolster its offline retail expansion. Additionally, Shetty serves as a strategic and for Lab Grown Diamonds, a Mumbai-based startup producing sustainable jewelry, with her involvement announced to leverage her public image for in the lab-grown gems sector. Her portfolio, tracked at over 11 companies as of September 2025, emphasizes scalable consumer-facing ventures, though specific returns and ongoing stakes remain undisclosed in public filings.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Animal rights and environmental efforts

Shetty has collaborated with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India since 2006, participating in advertising campaigns opposing the use of wild animals in circuses, including a 2009 print ad highlighting their mistreatment. In September 2010, she publicly condemned circus animal abuse, noting that such animals are often beaten, underfed, and confined in inadequate conditions. PETA India honored her with a "Hero to Animals" award on December 16, 2017, in Mumbai, recognizing her advocacy against circus cruelty and promotion of animal welfare. In December 2024, she supported PETA India's initiative to donate life-size mechanical elephants to South Indian temples, including one named Veerabhadra to Shri Varthuru Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple, as an alternative to live elephants in religious processions. Shetty adopted in July 2020, citing reduced carbon emissions from farming as a primary motivation alongside personal health benefits, and encouraged her family to follow suit. On in June 2021, she advocated planting indigenous trees and greening urban spaces to support ecosystem restoration. She has used social media to promote nature connection, such as urging outdoor engagement on 2025 and crediting reduced human activity during the with aiding ecological balance. In business ventures tied to , Shetty invested in KisanKonnect, a farm-to-fork startup emphasizing , which raised $3.74 million in January 2024. She also backed Sustainiam, a green solutions provider focused on environmental technologies, with a $1.45 million funding round announced on December 10, 2024.

Health and social campaigns

Shetty donated her winnings from the 2007 UK series to Indian campaigns aimed at raising awareness of AIDS. In February 2007, she established a charitable foundation in , , focused on promoting AIDS awareness within the Asian community. That , she received the Silver Star Award for her contributions to international humanitarian efforts addressing AIDS and . Through the Shilpa Shetty Foundation, dedicated to and AIDS awareness in , she supported an in Belagavi housing 60 HIV-positive children, including by pledging earnings from her 2018 appearance on the television show Dus Ka Dum. In July 2008, Shetty assisted in raising £63,000 for the Silver Star Appeal, a operating mobile units for assessments in underprivileged areas. During the , she promoted public health measures, including a April 2021 [World Health Day](/page/World Health Day) message urging mask usage amid surging cases in . In May 2021, she shared hydration, nutrition, and rest guidelines for individuals before and after . She publicly received her second dose in July 2021, encouraging widespread , and participated in a virtual concert supporting awareness and pandemic relief. In April 2020, she endorsed a celebrity-led initiative thanking healthcare workers and calling for donations to relief efforts. Shetty has advocated for cancer awareness, attending an August 2024 event organized by the VCare Foundation to emphasize early detection and support for patients. On social issues, she highlighted gender equity and women's achievements during a March 2017 gathering in , . Her philanthropy extends to children's and , with ongoing support for related causes through personal endorsements and foundation activities.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Shilpa Shetty was previously in a romantic relationship with actor , which lasted from approximately 1995 to 2000. Shetty has publicly discussed the partnership, noting media speculation about an and Kumar's expectation that she leave , though the relationship ended amid reports of his with actress . Shetty met businessman , who had previously been married to Kavita Kundra and divorced prior to their acquaintance, in 2009. The couple's relationship progressed rapidly, with Kundra proposing after three months; they married on November 22, 2009, in a private ceremony in Khandala, . The marriage has faced periodic rumors, particularly in 2023 following Kundra's ambiguous post stating "we have separated," which he later clarified as non-literal amid promotional activities for his projects. As of 2025, no has been confirmed, and the couple publicly marked their 15th anniversary in November 2024 with shared content affirming their bond.

Family and children

Shilpa Shetty was born to parents Surendra Shetty and Sunanda Shetty, who manufactured tamper-proof water caps for the . Her father, Surendra, has since passed away. She has one sibling, a younger sister named , who is also an actress. Shetty married British-Indian businessman on 22 November 2009 in a traditional ceremony incorporating Hindu, Muslim, and Christian rituals. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Viaan Raj Kundra, in 2012. Their second child, a daughter named Samisha Shetty Kundra, was born on 15 February 2020 through . Shetty has described the surrogacy process as involving three attempts after nearly four years of trying for a second child, emphasizing her commitment to motherhood despite challenges.

Lifestyle and health practices

Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who turned 50 in 2025, adheres to a disciplined daily routine emphasizing as the cornerstone of her physical and mental well-being. She practices consistently, incorporating poses such as Ashwa Sanchalana Salamba Utthita Eka Padasana for coordination and strength, alongside functional exercises like planks and cross squats to build neuromuscular efficiency. Her regimen blends these with for serenity, promoting holistic that extends beyond to sustained energy and focus. Her dietary habits prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods prepared at home, starting with noni juice, warm water, and Ayurvedic using to support and . Breakfast often features high-fiber options like bananas and eggs, sometimes with for healthy fats, while lunches incorporate to aid nutrient absorption; she advocates alternating low-carbohydrate days with no-carbohydrate days for . She practices mindful eating by chewing slowly, selecting seasonal fresh produce, and controlling portions to avoid overconsumption, viewing as an experimental process refined through personal trial. This approach, informed by positive thinking and curiosity about what sustains vitality into one's 50s, has enabled her to maintain a toned physique without rigid extremes, as evidenced by her endorsement of 21-day programs combining and nutrition for accessible . She attributes long-term adherence to integrating these habits seamlessly into family life, emphasizing mental resilience alongside physical discipline.

Controversies and legal challenges

Early legal cases (obscenity and public incidents)

In April 2006, a complaint was filed before a Madurai court by advocate T. Dakshinamurthy, alleging that photographs published in the Tamil magazine Maanavi depicted actresses Shilpa Shetty and Reema Sen in obscene poses, primarily for exposing their navels and midriffs, violating Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code on the sale of obscene materials. The complainant argued the images promoted obscenity by design, leading to summons issued against the actresses, the magazine's editor, and publisher. When and Sen failed to appear in court on April 21, 2006, the judicial magistrate issued non-bailable warrants for their arrest, prompting public attention to the case's enforcement of India's strict standards on media depictions of female attire. responded by questioning the rationale, stating that if the navel was inherently obscene, traditional saris—which commonly expose it—should also be banned, highlighting cultural inconsistencies in applying laws to modern versus everyday customs. The Madurai Bench of the stayed the arrest warrants shortly thereafter and, on April 23, 2008, quashed the proceedings against Shetty, Sen, and the publishers under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, determining the complaint lacked sufficient grounds for prosecution and did not meet the legal threshold for . This resolution underscored recurring challenges in courts balancing public morality claims against artistic or commercial expressions, with the case dismissed without further action against Shetty.

Richard Gere controversy and cultural backlash

On April 15, 2007, during an awareness event organized by and Melinda Gates Foundation in , , American actor embraced Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty on stage, lifted her off the ground, kissed her hand, and planted multiple kisses on her cheek while performing a routine to promote condom use for prevention. The gesture, intended as a lighthearted endorsement of practices, was captured on video and widely circulated by Indian media, sparking immediate outrage among conservative groups who viewed it as a violation of public decency norms under Section 294 of the , which prohibits obscene acts in public places. The incident triggered widespread protests across , including in cities like and , where effigies of Gere were burned and placards denounced the act as an assault on Indian culture and women's dignity. Hindu hardline groups such as the condemned the embrace as indecent, arguing it promoted Western moral laxity in a society where public displays of affection remain , particularly in conservative heartlands. Multiple complaints were filed against both Gere and Shetty in , , and courts, leading to arrest warrants issued by a judge on April 26, 2007, though neither was detained as Gere left shortly after and Shetty cooperated with investigations. Shetty publicly defended the episode as an innocent, non-sexual act aligned with the event's health message, stating she felt no discomfort and criticizing the backlash as overreaction to a gesture. Legal proceedings dragged on for over 15 years, with Shetty facing obscenity charges in a Mumbai magistrate court based on a private complaint alleging she failed to resist the advances. In January 2022, the Mumbai court discharged her, ruling the charges "groundless" and noting no evidence of obscenity on her part, as she was the passive recipient and the act occurred in a controlled event setting. This decision was upheld by a sessions court in April 2023, which dismissed a revision petition and affirmed Shetty's victim status, effectively quashing related claims against Gere, who had faced non-bailable warrants but never appeared in Indian courts. The controversy underscored tensions between India's evolving urban cosmopolitanism—exemplified by Shetty's recent international fame from —and entrenched rural and traditionalist sensibilities, where such physical interactions symbolize cultural erosion. Critics, including some media outlets, highlighted selective outrage, noting similar Bollywood dance sequences often escaped censure, suggesting the backlash amplified Gere's foreign status as a proxy for broader . Shetty later reflected that the episode, while damaging short-term to her domestic image, boosted her global profile without long-term career harm, as evidenced by subsequent endorsements and roles.

Big Brother racism claims and media fallout

In 2007, Shilpa Shetty participated in the fifth series of on , entering the house on 3 . During her stay, she faced alleged bullying and remarks from housemates , , and , including Lloyd referring to her as "Shilpa Poppadom," mocking her accent and English proficiency, and claiming she smelled of curry; Goody telling her to "go back to the slums" and calling her a "liar and a fake"; and group discussions questioning her hygiene and status. On 18 , Shetty confronted the issue in the Diary Room, stating the treatment felt like , though she later clarified to producers that she had not directly experienced racial abuse from itself. The controversy escalated with over 44,000 viewer complaints to by the series' end, prompting international media coverage and political responses, including UK Prime Minister-in-waiting condemning the incidents abroad on 17 . Goody was evicted on 19 amid public backlash, receiving boos from the crowd, while emerged as the on 28 , attributing her victory to viewer support against the perceived prejudice. In , the events sparked protests, calls for boycotts of UK goods, and widespread sympathy for , amplifying her global profile but also highlighting cultural sensitivities around ethnic stereotypes. Ofcom's investigation, concluded on 24 May 2007, ruled that breached broadcasting standards under Rule 2.3 by failing to adequately anticipate and address the risk of racial abuse in the , despite early ; the received nearly 46,000 complaints and mandated on-air apologies from and producer for editorial misjudgments. Goody publicly admitted her comments appeared racist and apologized for any offense, while Lloyd and O'Meara denied intentional , framing incidents as personal conflicts; accepted apologies post-show but emphasized the remarks perpetuated harmful tropes. The fallout damaged reputations: Goody faced career decline and public vilification until her death in 2009, Lloyd was dropped by sponsors, and the Celebrity Big Brother format was paused after the series due to advertiser withdrawals and scrutiny over unedited inflammatory content. For Shetty, the exposure led to increased Western opportunities, including interest, though some analyses questioned whether the conflict stemmed more from tensions or than overt , given the housemates' working-class backgrounds and Shetty's poised demeanor. Channel 4's handling drew for prioritizing entertainment over welfare, contributing to broader debates on reality TV ethics and multiculturalism.

Financial fraud allegations involving Raj Kundra (2011–2025)

In March 2015, a Kolkata-based company, MK Media Private Limited, filed a criminal complaint against Shilpa Shetty and her husband , alleging a and amounting to approximately ₹9 related to their firm Essential Sports and Media Private Limited. The complainant claimed that Shetty and Kundra had agreed to promote and endorse a proposed international league in exchange for investment funds, but failed to fulfill obligations, leading to financial losses; the case was registered under sections for and criminal of trust at a station. Kundra responded publicly, describing the accuser as a "defaulter and " with a poor reputation and asserting that Essential Sports had no outstanding dues, while emphasizing the company's legitimate operations in sports promotion. No convictions resulted from this case, and it highlighted early scrutiny of Kundra's business ventures, which included co-ownership of the IPL team since 2008, though direct financial links to the IPL were not established in this instance. Subsequently, Kundra faced allegations in a cryptocurrency-related involving GainBitcoin, promoted by starting around 2014. The (ED) investigated Kundra for , claiming he invested in the scheme, concealed evidence, and retained of 285 bitcoins valued at approximately ₹150 as of 2025; properties worth ₹97.79 were attached by the ED in connection to the probe. The scheme, which promised high returns on investments, collapsed amid claims totaling over ₹2,000 across investors, with Kundra questioned multiple times by the ED beginning in 2018. A was filed against him in September 2025, but Kundra has denied wrongdoing, maintaining his investments were legitimate and not indicative of laundering. Shetty was not directly implicated in this matter. The most prominent ongoing allegations emerged in August 2025, when businessman Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, accused Kundra and Shetty of defrauding him of ₹60.4 crore through their now-defunct company Best Deal TV Private Limited, where both served as directors. Kothari alleged that between 2015 and 2023, he provided loans and investments for business expansion, including television and e-commerce ventures, but received no returns or repayments despite assurances; a first information report was filed with Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) under charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust. Kundra was questioned by the EOW for five hours in September 2025, during which he attributed repayment failures to business losses from the 2016 demonetisation policy, claiming portions of funds went to third parties like Neha Dhupia and Bipasha Basu for endorsements; he denied fraud, stating the "truth will come out." Shetty was interrogated for over four hours in October 2025, with her statements recorded alongside five others; a lookout circular was issued against the couple to prevent foreign travel. The Bombay High Court ruled in October 2025 that they must deposit ₹60 crore into court before traveling abroad, rejecting their pleas amid the probe. As of October 2025, investigations continue without charges or convictions, with Kundra publicly dismissing the claims as misleading during promotions for his film Mehr.

2025 ₹60 crore cheating case and ongoing investigations

In early 2025, businessman Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, filed a criminal complaint against Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra, alleging they cheated him out of ₹60.48 crore through their company Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. Kothari claimed that between 2015 and 2023, the couple persuaded him to provide funds as loans or investments for business expansion, promising returns, but the money was allegedly diverted for personal use instead of legitimate business purposes. Shetty had served as a director in the company but resigned in 2016, after which Kothari alleged the assurances continued under Kundra's involvement. The Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registered the case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal breach of trust, issuing look-out circulars against the couple on September 5, 2025, to prevent their departure from India. Kundra was interrogated for five hours at the EOW office on September 14, 2025, followed by Shetty's questioning at her residence for approximately 4.5 hours around October 7, 2025, during which her statement was recorded and documents related to the transactions were submitted for verification. The EOW has since summoned an auditor to trace the money trail and is cross-verifying the couple's claims against financial records, with no formal charges filed as of October 2025. Kundra has countered that business losses, including from the 2016 demonetisation, contributed to repayment difficulties, though investigators are examining this defense. In response to travel restrictions, Shetty and Kundra approached the Bombay High Court multiple times in October 2025 seeking permission for international trips, including to Thailand (denied interim relief on October 1), the US for a YouTube event (October 21–24), Maldives, Colombo, London, and Dubai for work and family reasons. On October 8, the court orally directed them to deposit the full ₹60 crore as a condition for considering the pleas, emphasizing the ongoing probe's stage, though Kundra later described media reports of a binding order as misleading. Shetty withdrew her petition on October 16 after the court expressed disinclination, while investigations proceed without resolution. Shetty addressed public scrutiny indirectly on October 23 via social media, posting about managing stress through mindfulness amid the case.

Public image, artistry, and legacy

Acting style and screen presence

Shilpa Shetty's acting style emphasizes physicality, , and expressive facial gestures, often prioritizing visual appeal over nuanced emotional depth in dialogue-driven scenes. Emerging from a modeling background without formal training, she initially struggled with proficiency and dialogue delivery, relying on her striking physique and dance sequences to compensate for technical limitations. Her screen presence, marked by confident poise and an ability to command attention in ensemble casts or item numbers, has been a consistent strength, enabling her to stand out in commercial Bollywood fare despite uneven for dramatic range. In roles demanding conviction, such as her portrayal of the innocent yet resilient in Dhadkan (2000), Shetty demonstrated effective emoting and line delivery, with critics noting her as the film's vital energy through sincere expressions that resonated with audiences in romantic melodrama. This performance, alongside her chemistry with co-stars, highlighted her capacity for heartfelt vulnerability when supported by strong scripting, contributing to the film's commercial success. Later, in the ensemble (2007), she delivered what some reviews described as her finest work to date, portraying a dissatisfied with improved subtlety in an urban drama format, stepping beyond glamour-centric parts. However, these peaks were selective, often in mid-budget productions rather than big-banner vehicles, underscoring her in supporting or sensuous roles over lead dramatic opportunities. Critics have frequently pointed to overacting and exaggerated facial contortions as weaknesses, particularly in emotionally intense scenes, where her style veers into mannerism rather than restraint, limiting versatility in non-glamorous characters. In more recent outings like Sukhee (2023), her inherent poise was evident but undermined by insufficient immersion into the role's complexities, resulting in a surface-level execution amid a flawed narrative. Shetty herself has acknowledged not being primarily perceived as an "actor" but enduring via hit songs and visual charisma, reflecting a career where screen magnetism—rooted in fitness and allure—outweighed acting evolution. This dynamic aligns with Bollywood's commercial demands of the 1990s and 2000s, where her unpolished yet vibrant presence filled a niche for mass-appeal entertainers over method-driven artistry.

Fitness icon status and criticisms

Shilpa Shetty gained prominence as a fitness icon through her advocacy for and holistic wellness, particularly after releasing her instructional DVD in December 2007, which targeted , reduction, and reshaping perceptions of as suitable only for the elderly. The DVD featured routines for improvement, toning, and , contributing to her image as a disciplined practitioner who maintained a lean physique amid Bollywood's demands. She has since participated in camps led by guru Baba Ramdev and promoted practices emphasizing dynamic free-flow sequences. Her presence reinforces this status, with regular posts of cardio routines, core exercises like gliding knee tucks, and mobility challenges shared as of May 2025, often daring followers to replicate them for strength and endurance gains. At age 49 in 2025, Shetty's sustained flexibility and vitality—demonstrated through public workouts—have positioned her as Bollywood's leading inspiration, influencing perceptions of age-defying via , , and consistent training. Entrepreneurial efforts include launching the Simple Soulful app in the mid-2010s for guidance, investing undisclosed sums in brands like Nutrispray in August 2024, and backing active firms, aligning her interests with evidence-based over quick fixes. She has rejected endorsements for slimming pills worth ₹10 , citing incompatibility with genuine health outcomes, underscoring a selective approach to commercial ties. Criticisms of her fitness promotions center on a 2021 FIR filed by a businessman against SFL Fitness Pvt Ltd, co-owned by Shetty and her husband , alleging cheating and fraudulent inducement to invest in the gym chain without delivering promised returns or facilities. The complaint claimed of viability, though no convictions have been reported as of 2025, highlighting risks in celebrity-backed fitness enterprises where promotional enthusiasm may outpace operational delivery. Some observers question the practicality of her abbreviated routines for substantial , arguing they require supplementation with dietary caloric deficits for efficacy, rather than standalone reliance. Despite these, her emphasis on sustainable practices over fad diets has garnered empirical support from her personal transformation and public adherence, with limited broader backlash compared to peers endorsing unverified supplements.

Overall impact and post-peak career assessment

Shilpa Shetty's victory in the fifth series of on January 28, 2007, marked a pivotal moment, elevating her from a Bollywood actress facing career stagnation to an international figure who highlighted racial dynamics in British media and boosted Indian visibility abroad. This exposure facilitated her transition into entrepreneurship, including co-ownership of the IPL franchise in 2008 and launches of initiatives that popularized and routines among urban Indians. Her advocacy for health practices, evidenced by bestselling DVDs and the 2020 launch of the Simple Soulful app offering and nutrition guidance, positioned her as a pioneer in celebrity-endorsed , influencing a generation to prioritize physical discipline over sedentary lifestyles. Post-2007, Shetty's acting output diminished, with selective roles in films like (2021) receiving mixed commercial responses, reflecting a deliberate pivot away from lead Bollywood parts amid industry rejections she attributed to resilience-building experiences. Instead, she expanded into production via Santacruz Entertainment, investing in ventures such as a ₹2.25 stake in startup WickedGud in May 2023 and health-focused enterprises including studios and apps, amassing a diversified spanning and technology. By 2025, her influence persisted through fitness content and public endorsements, such as demonstrations on April 7, sustaining brand value despite fewer on-screen appearances and underscoring a career arc emphasizing entrepreneurial longevity over transient stardom. This shift, while limiting her to cameo-level engagements, yielded tangible economic independence, with estimates placing her among Bollywood's top celebrity investors by leveraging post-peak fame into scalable wellness enterprises.