In the Indian business and entertainment ecosystem, few names have generated as much attention in recent years as Raj Kundra. Known as a British-Indian entrepreneur, part-time actor, investor, and philanthropist, Kundra’s career has been marked by both remarkable ventures and high-profile controversies. With new developments in 2025 linking him and his wife, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, to an alleged financial fraud case, his name once again dominates headlines.

This article looks into Raj Kundra’s early life, entrepreneurial rise, controversies, and his current standing in public life.

Early Life and Background

Born on September 9, 1975, as Ripu Sudan Kundra in London, England, Raj Kundra grew up in a Punjabi immigrant family. His father, Bal Krishan Kundra, initially worked as a bus conductor before starting a small business, while his mother, Usha Rani Kundra, served as a shop assistant. Raised in a modest middle-class household, Kundra was exposed early to the value of hard work and perseverance.

At the age of 18, Kundra left home for Dubai and Nepal, where he began his entrepreneurial journey by trading pashmina shawls to fashion retailers in Britain. This initial venture proved successful, earning him his first few millions and setting the stage for a diversified career in global business.

Career Highlights and Business Ventures

Over the years, Raj Kundra has ventured into multiple industries, including precious metals, construction, energy, entertainment, hospitality, and sports.

• Essential General Trading LLC: Established in Dubai in 2007, the company focused on metals, renewable energy projects, and mining.
  
• Entertainment & Film Production: Kundra has financed Bollywood films and participated in several creative ventures.
  
• Satyug Gold and Bastian Hospitality: His business interests extended into gold trading and fine dining, including the launch of the popular restaurant chain Bastian in Mumbai.
  
• Super Fight League: In 2012, he teamed up with Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt to launch India’s first professional mixed martial arts league.
  
• Best Deal TV: A home shopping channel co-promoted with actor Akshay Kumar, aiming to merge celebrity influence with retail.
  
• Digital Ventures: Under the Startup India initiative, he announced plans for Jaldi Live Stream App, a platform designed to promote live streaming content.
  

His net worth and reputation once earned him a place among the richest British Asians by Success magazine in 2004.

Sports Investments and IPL Ban

Kundra’s association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) brought both recognition and controversy. In 2009, he and Shilpa Shetty invested in the Rajasthan Royals through an offshore company. However, the investment’s legality was questioned, and following investigations into the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, Kundra faced scrutiny.

Although he denied any wrongdoing, a panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India imposed a lifetime ban on his involvement in cricket-related activities in 2015. Despite this setback, Kundra maintained his innocence and challenged the decision.

Controversies and Legal Scrutiny

Raj Kundra’s career has often been overshadowed by legal troubles:

• Pornographic Content Case (2021): He was arrested for allegedly financing and distributing adult content online, charged under the IPC, IT Act, and related laws. He spent weeks in jail before securing bail. In 2023, he starred in a film titled UT 69, portraying his prison experiences.
  
• Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme Allegations (2022–2023): The Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth ₹97 crore, alleging Kundra’s involvement in a fraudulent investment network.
  
• Latest Case (2025): In August, Mumbai Police registered a case against Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty for allegedly defrauding a businessman of ₹60.4 crore in connection with their now-defunct company Best Deal TV Private Limited.
  

Each controversy has amplified public interest, making him a figure who is as often scrutinized as he is followed.

Latest News and Public Presence

In June 2025, Kundra appeared on the Prime Video reality show The Traitors. However, his participation was short-lived—he was eliminated on Day 2, finishing in 19th place.

The more serious development came just months later in August 2025, when he and Shilpa Shetty were named in the ₹60.4 crore fraud case. The case has since sparked renewed debate about celebrity entrepreneurs and accountability in India’s business environment.

Despite legal challenges, Kundra continues to engage in business ventures and remains active through his philanthropic work with the Shilpa Shetty Foundation.

Recognition and Awards

Kundra’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he received the Champions of Change Award for his involvement in the Swachh Bharat Mission, conferred by former President Pranab Mukherjee. This recognition highlighted his efforts beyond business, acknowledging his role in social initiatives.

Personal Life

Raj Kundra’s personal life has often been in the spotlight due to his marriage to Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty. Previously married to Kavita Kundra, with whom he shares a daughter, he tied the knot with Shilpa in November 2009. The couple has two children—a son born in 2012 and a daughter born via surrogacy in 2020.

He also tried his hand at writing, publishing the crime thriller “How Not to Make Money” in 2013.

Impact and Outlook

Despite controversies, Raj Kundra represents the intersection of business ambition, entertainment influence, and public scrutiny. His ventures, ranging from gold trading to sports leagues, have contributed to India’s entrepreneurial landscape. At the same time, his repeated brushes with the law underscore the challenges of balancing ambition with compliance in highly regulated sectors.

With the 2025 fraud case still unfolding, the next chapter in Kundra’s story will determine whether his legacy leans more towards entrepreneurial innovation or becomes overshadowed by legal battles.

Most Searched FAQs about Raj Kundra

Q1: What is Raj Kundra’s age?
Raj Kundra is 50 years old (born September 9, 1975).

Q2: Who is Raj Kundra’s wife?
Raj Kundra is married to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty since 2009.

Q3: What are Raj Kundra’s major businesses?
He has invested in industries including precious metals, hospitality (Bastian), MMA (Super Fight League), and home shopping (Best Deal TV).

Q4: Was Raj Kundra banned from cricket?
Yes, in 2015, the Supreme Court-appointed panel imposed a lifetime ban on him from IPL and cricket-related activities.

Q5: What is the latest news about Raj Kundra?
In August 2025, he and Shilpa Shetty were booked in a ₹60.4 crore fraud case linked to their defunct company, Best Deal TV Private Limited.

Q6: Has Raj Kundra acted in films?
Yes, in 2023 he played himself in UT 69, a film based on his prison experiences.