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{{short description|British-Indian businessman}}
{{short description|British businessman}}
 
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Raj Kundra
| name              = Raj Kundra
| image              = Raj_kundra.jpg
| image              = Photos-Shilpa-Shetty-and-Raj-Kundra-at-Bastian-in-Lower-Parel-2 (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Kundra in 2013
| caption            = Kundra in 2020
| birth_name        = Ripu Sudan Kundra
| birth_name        = Ripu Sudan Kundra
| birth_date        =  
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1975|09|09|df=y}}
| birth_place        =  
| birth_place       = [[London]], England<ref name=Mint20090211/>
| nationality       = British
| occupation        = [[Businessman]]
| citizenship        = India
| spouse            = {{ubl|{{marriage|Kavita Kundra|2003|2009|reason=div}}|{{marriage|[[Shilpa Shetty]]|2009}}}}
| occupation        = Businessman
| website            = {{URL|http://rajkundra.net}}
| spouse            = {{ubl|{{marriage|Kavita Kundra|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Shilpa Shetty]]|2009}}}}
| signature          =  
| website            = {{url|http://rajkundra.net}}
| children          = 3
| signature          =
}}
}}


'''Raj Kundra''' is a British–Indian businessman, he was ranked as the 198th richest British Asian by [[Success (magazine)|Success]].<ref>{{cite web | url= https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/people/raj-kundra-rise-from-a-pashmina-trader-to-an-international-entrepreneur/198th-richest-british-asian/slideshow/20476067.cms |title= Raj Kundra: Rise from a Pashmina trader to an international entrepreneur | publisher = Economic Times| access-date= 7 June 2013 }}</ref> His father, Bal Krishan Kundra was a middle-class businessman and his mother Usha Rani Kundra was a shop assistant when he was a child.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.leaderbiography.com/raj-kundra-trailblazing-journey-successful-entrepreneur/|title=Raj Kundra's trailblazing journey: From being a college dropout to becoming a successful entrepreneur|publisher=leader Biography}}</ref> Kundra has had various investment interests, including [[cricket]] and [[mixed martial arts]]. He has been married to [[Shilpa Shetty]], a [[Bollywood]] actress, since 2009.  
'''Raj Kundra''' is a [[British Indians|British-Indian]] businessman and part time actor. He has faced legal scrutiny over allegations related to the production of adult content and involvement in sports betting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 2021 |title=Raj Kundra, 3 others named in 1,467-page supplementary chargesheet filed in pornography racket case |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/raj-kundra-mumbai-police-crime-branch-supplementary-chargesheet-pornography-porn-racket-1853272-2021-09-15 |access-date=3 June 2025 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raj Kundra confesses to betting on IPL matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/raj-kundra-confesses-to-betting-on-ipl-matches-639257 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241019021042/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/raj-kundra-confesses-to-betting-on-ipl-matches-639257 |archive-date=19 October 2024 |access-date=3 June 2025 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
He has been married to [[Shilpa Shetty]], an [[Actor|Indian actress]], since 2009.


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Raj Kundra's father was a [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] who migrated from [[Bathinda]] and became a bus conductor in London before running a small business. His mother worked as a shop assistant.<ref name="archives.deccanchronicle.com">{{cite news |url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130607/news-current-affairs/article/raj-kundra-bus-conductor%E2%80%99s-son-biz-tycoon |title=Raj Kundra, from bus conductor's son to biz tycoon |date=7 June 2013 |work=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052516/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130607/news-current-affairs/article/raj-kundra-bus-conductor%E2%80%99s-son-biz-tycoon |archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Raj Kundra was born in [[London, England]] to [[Indian people|Indian]] expats.<ref name=Mint20090211>{{cite news |title=It's not about getting the best players, but making the weakest stronger |first=Gouri |last=Shah |newspaper=Mint |location=Delhi |date=11 February 2009 |url=http://www.rajkundra.net/assets/news/1.pdf |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125005344/http://www.rajkundra.net/assets/news/1.pdf |archive-date=25 November 2011 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Kundra's parents were [[Punjabi Hindus]] from [[Ludhiana]]. Kundra grew up in a [[middle-class]] family. His father, Bal Krishan Kundra worked as a [[bus conductor]] in London before running a small business. His mother, Usha Rani Kundra worked as a [[shop assistant]].<ref name="archives.Deccan Chronicle">{{cite news |url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130607/news-current-affairs/article/raj-kundra-bus-conductor%E2%80%99s-son-biz-tycoon |title=Raj Kundra, from bus conductor's son to biz tycoon |date=7 June 2013 |work=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052516/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130607/news-current-affairs/article/raj-kundra-bus-conductor%E2%80%99s-son-biz-tycoon |archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
 
==Career==
At the age of 18, Kundra moved to [[Dubai]] and later [[Nepal]], where he started a business selling [[Kashmir shawl|pashmina shawls]] to [[fashion retailer]]s in [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and made his first couple of millions.<ref name="shawls">{{cite news|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/Raj-Kundra-a-college-drop-out-who-first-made-it-big-selling-pashmina-shawls/articleshow/20467799.cms|title=Raj Kundra, a college drop-out who first made it big selling pashmina shawls|work=Times of India|date=7 June 2013 |access-date=7 June 2013}}</ref> In 2007, he moved to Dubai and set up Essential General Trading LLC, a company dealing in precious [[metal]]s, [[construction]], [[mining]] and [[renewable energy]] projects. He was also at that time involved in the [[financing]] and [[film production|production]] of [[Hindi cinema|Bollywood films]].<ref name="BC20090203">{{cite web |title=Rajasthan Royals agrees to take strategic investment from Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty |date=3 February 2009 |publisher=Blenheim Chalcot |location=London |url=http://www.blenheimchalcot.com/press_releases.aspx |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307191616/http://www.blenheimchalcot.com/press_releases.aspx |archive-date=7 March 2012}}</ref>


Kundra was born and raised in London.<ref name=Mint20090211>{{cite news |title=It's not about getting the best players, but making the weakest stronger |first=Gouri |last=Shah |newspaper=Mint |location=Delhi |date=11 February 2009 |url=http://www.rajkundra.net/assets/news/1.pdf |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125005344/http://www.rajkundra.net/assets/news/1.pdf |archive-date=25 November 2011 |url-status=live  }}</ref> At the age of 18, Kundra relocated to Dubai and later Nepal and started a business selling pashmina shawls to fashion retailers in Britain and made his first millions.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/Raj-Kundra-a-college-drop-out-who-first-made-it-big-selling-pashmina-shawls/articleshow/20467799.cms|title=Raj Kundra, a college drop-out who first made it big selling pashmina shawls|publisher=Times Of India|access-date=7 June 2013}}</ref> In 2007, he moved to Dubai and set up Essential General Trading LLC, a company dealing in precious metals, construction, mining and renewable energy projects. He was also at that time involved in the financing and production of Bollywood films.<ref name="BC20090203">{{cite web |title=Rajasthan Royals agrees to take strategic investment from Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty  |date=3 February 2009 |publisher=Blenheim Chalcot |location=London |url=http://www.blenheimchalcot.com/press_releases.aspx |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307191616/http://www.blenheimchalcot.com/press_releases.aspx |archive-date=7 March 2012}}</ref>
He has also been involved in financing and distributing pornographic films, for which he was arrested in 2021.<ref name="e831">{{cite news |title=Raj Kundra earned lakhs daily from 'Hotshot', had another adult app Plan B, Bollyfame as backup: Mumbai police | work=The Tribune | date=21 July 2021 | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/raj-kundra-earned-lakhs-daily-from-hotshot-had-another-adult-app-plan-b-bollyfame-as-backup-mumbai-police-286245/ | access-date=23 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="s595">{{cite web | title=Porn films case: Chats suggest Raj Kundra planned another app after 'Hotshots' was blocked | website=National Herald | date=21 July 2021 | url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/porn-films-case-chats-suggest-raj-kundra-planned-another-app-after-hotshots-was-blocked | access-date=23 January 2025}}</ref>


Kundra has been married twice, first to Kavita Kundra, with whom he had a daughter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/shilpa-wrecked-my-marriage-999804 |work=Manchester Evening News |title=Shilpa Wrecked My Marriage |date=13 January 2013 |access-date=17 May 2019}}</ref> The couple later divorced. On 22 November 2009 Kundra married Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-30/news-interviews/28103353_1_shilpa-shetty-kundra-wedding-receptions-mediterranean-cruise | title=Thank god, I'll marry only once: Shilpa | date=30 November 2009 | access-date=1 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616161245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-30/news-interviews/28103353_1_shilpa-shetty-kundra-wedding-receptions-mediterranean-cruise | archive-date=16 June 2013 | url-status=dead | work=[[The Times of India]] | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Kundra and Shetty have a son, born on 21 May 2012,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/report-shilpa-shetty-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy/20120521.htm |title=Shilpa Shetty gives birth to a baby boy |date=21 May 2012 |publisher=Rediff |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614072813/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/report-shilpa-shetty-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy/20120521.htm |archive-date=14 June 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> and a daughter, born through [[surrogacy]] on 15 February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/02/21/shilpa-shetty-husband-welcome-baby-girl-born-through-surrogacy.html|title=Shilpa Shetty, husband welcome baby girl born through surrogacy|website=The Week|language=en|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref>
His businesses included Satyug Gold, [[Super Fight League]], and more recently, Bastian Hospitality - a [[restaurant chain]] in [[Mumbai]].<ref name="shawls"/>


Kundra is involved with his wife's charitable organisation, the Shilpa Shetty Foundation.<ref name=Mint20090211 /> His book titled, ''How Not to Make Money'' was published in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Raj Kundra's book now a British crime-thriller|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Raj-Kundras-book-now-a-British-crime-thriller/articleshow/48538535.cms|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=19 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123215618/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Raj-Kundras-book-now-a-British-crime-thriller/articleshow/48538535.cms|archive-date=23 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015, Kundra was among the promoters of online and television broadcast platform [[Best Deal TV]], an Indian television home shopping channel capitalising on celebrity endorsements. His co-promoter was Bollywood actor [[Akshay Kumar]].<ref name="business-standard.com">{{cite news|title=Home shopping channel Best Deal TV to raise Rs 100 cr|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/best-deal-tv-to-raise-rs-100-cr-115051901327_1.html|website=[[Business Standard]]|date=20 May 2015|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916164420/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/best-deal-tv-to-raise-rs-100-cr-115051901327_1.html|archive-date=16 September 2015|url-status=live|last1=Malvania|first1=Urvi}}</ref>


== Business ==
Under the [[Indian government|Indian government's]] [[Startup India Seed Fund Scheme|Startup India initiative]], Kundra is set to launch India's first [[Livestreaming|live streaming]] [[Social media apps|social media app]], Jaldi Live Stream [[Mobile application|App]] which will allow professional as well as amateur streamers to live stream their content.<ref name="Economic Times">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/raj-kundra-to-launch-made-in-india-live-streaming-platform/articleshow/78251312.cms|title=Raj Kundra to launch 'Made in India' live streaming platform|newspaper=Economic Times|date=22 September 2020 |access-date=22 September 2020 |last1=Laghate |first1=Gaurav }}</ref> In June 2025, he participated as contestant in the [[Prime Video]]'s ''[[The Traitors India season 1|The Traitors]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=28 May 2025|title=The Traitors confirmed contestant list: Rebel Kid, Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra, Jannat Zubair, Karan Kundrra among 22 celebs on Karan Johar-hosted show|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/the-traitors-confirmed-contestant-list-rebel-kid-shilpa-shettys-husband-raj-kundra-jannat-zubair-karan-kundrra-among-22-celebs-on-karan-johar-hosted-show-10033444/|access-date=1 July 2025|work=[[The Indian Express]]|language=en}}</ref> He was eliminated on Day 2 and placed 19th.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chauhan|first=Manisha|date=14 June 2025|title=Raj Kundra says 'I can't lie to save my...' after he exits The Traitors: 'My wife is...'|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-raj-kundra-exits-the-traitors-says-i-can-t-lie-to-save-my-life-my-wife-is-3159800|access-date=1 July 2025|work=[[DNA India]]|language=en}}</ref>
Raj Kundra is associated with Essential Sports and Media which was involved with production and distribution and Iconic Investments, a private fund trading in equity markets. Other ventures included Satyug Gold, Super Fight League, and more recently Bastian Hospitality a restaurant chain in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/Raj-Kundra-a-college-drop-out-who-first-made-it-big-selling-pashmina-shawls/articleshow/20467799.cms | title= Raj Kundra, a college drop-out who first made it big selling pashmina shawls | work = The Times Of India | access-date = 7 June 2013 }}</ref>


In 2015, Kundra was among the promoters of online and television broadcast platform [[Best Deal TV]], an Indian television home shopping channel capitalising on celebrity endorsements. His co-promoter was Bollywood actor [[Akshay Kumar]].<ref name="business-standard.com">{{cite news|title=Home shopping channel Best Deal TV to raise Rs 100 cr|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/best-deal-tv-to-raise-rs-100-cr-115051901327_1.html|website=[[Business Standard]]|date=20 May 2015|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916164420/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/best-deal-tv-to-raise-rs-100-cr-115051901327_1.html|archive-date=16 September 2015|url-status=live|last1=Malvania|first1=Urvi}}</ref>
== Filmography ==
=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
! class="unsortable" | Ref.
|-
|2025
|''[[The Traitors India season 1|The Traitors]]''
|Contestant
|19th place
|<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=12 June 2025|title='The Traitors': Apurva Mukhija, Raj Kundra, Uorfi Javed starrer new reality show – Where and when to watch|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/the-traitors-apurva-mukhija-raj-kundra-uorfi-javed-starrer-new-reality-show-where-and-when-to-watch/articleshow/121798415.cms|access-date=1 July 2025|work=[[The Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref>
|}


Under the government of India's [[Startup India]] initiative, Kundra is set to launch India's first live streaming social media app, Jaldi Live Stream App which will allow professional as well as amateur streamers to live stream their content.<ref name="Economic Times">{{cite web|url=https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/raj-kundra-to-launch-made-in-india-live-streaming-platform/amp_articleshow/78251312.cms|title=Raj Kundra to launch 'Made in India' live streaming platform|publisher=Economic Times|access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref>
=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Ref.
|-
|2023
|''[[UT69]]''
|Himself
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|2025
|''Mehar''
|Karamjit Singh
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shrivastava |first=Sharva |date=27 July 2025 |title=Raj Kundra Makes Punjabi Film Debut With Mehar, Reflects On Sikh Values And Self-Discovery |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/raj-kundra-makes-punjabi-film-debut-with-mehar-reflects-on-sikh-values-andself-discovery-article-152357051 |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=[[Times Now]]}}</ref>
|}


== Indian Premier League ==
== Indian Premier League ==
{{main|Rajasthan Royals}}
{{Main|Rajasthan Royals}}


In 2009, Kundra and Shetty invested in the Indian Premier League cricket team Rajasthan Royals using an offshore company based in Mauritius.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/shilpa-shetty-partner-buy-12-in-rajasthan-royals-109020400008_1.html|publisher= Business Standard |title=  Shilpa Shetty, partner buy 12% in Rajasthan Royals
In 2009, Kundra and Shetty invested in the [[Indian Premier League |Indian Premier League cricket]] team [[Rajasthan Royals]] using an offshore company based in [[Mauritius]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/shilpa-shetty-partner-buy-12-in-rajasthan-royals-109020400008_1.html|publisher= Business Standard |title=  Shilpa Shetty, partner buy 12% in Rajasthan Royals
|newspaper= Business Standard India |date= 4 February 2009 |access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/thin-dividing-line-ties-between-ipl-team-owners-and-offshore-dealings-117120801381_1.html|title=Thin Dividing Line: Ties between IPL team owners and offshore dealings |newspaper=Business Standard India |date=8 December 2017 |publisher=Business Standard |access-date=16 December 2019|last1=Thakurta |first1=Paranjoy Guha }}</ref> The legality of the investment was questioned by departments of the Government of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/eye-on-rr-money/story-286MEcUCfIZBSBgSF1p8cL.html|title=Eye on RR money |date=22 April 2010 |publisher=Hindustan Times |access-date=22 April 2010}}</ref>
|newspaper= Business Standard India |date= 4 February 2009 |access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/thin-dividing-line-ties-between-ipl-team-owners-and-offshore-dealings-117120801381_1.html|title=Thin Dividing Line: Ties between IPL team owners and offshore dealings |newspaper=Business Standard India |date=8 December 2017 |publisher=Business Standard |access-date=16 December 2019|last1=Thakurta |first1=Paranjoy Guha }}</ref> The legality of the investment was questioned by departments of the Government of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/eye-on-rr-money/story-286MEcUCfIZBSBgSF1p8cL.html|title=Eye on RR money |date=22 April 2010 |publisher=Hindustan Times |access-date=22 April 2010}}</ref>


In June 2013, Kundra was questioned by Delhi Police with regard to the 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing case,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/ipl-spot-fixing-rajasthan-royals-owner-raj-kundra-questioned-by-delhi-police/20130605.htm |title=Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra questioned by Delhi Police|publisher=Rediff |access-date=5 June 2013}}</ref> which had involved the arrest of some Rajasthan Royals players, further Delhi police have given a clean chit to Kundra in reply on right to information (RTI).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ipl-spot-fixing-scandal-meiyappan-kundra-get-clean-chit-srinivasan-may-return-as-bcci-chief/articleshow/21425875.cms|title=IPL spot-fixing scandal: Meiyappan, Kundra get clean chit; Srinivasan may return as BCCI chief|newspaper= Economic Times|access-date=29 July 2013}}</ref> In July 2015 a panel appointed by the [[Supreme Court of India]] imposed a life ban from the cricket-related activity on him. Further, Kundra denied the involvement and appeal to the Supreme Court of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/raj-kundra-files-petition-in-supreme-court-following-clearance-on-ipl-betting-scandal-from-delhi-police-697149|title=Raj Kundra files petition in Supreme Court following clearance on IPL betting scandal from Delhi Police|date=30 March 2018|publisher=CricketCountry|access-date=30 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/300318/ipl-spot-fixing-banished-raj-kundra-files-petition-in-sc-hopes-to-ov.html|title= IPL spot-fixing: Banished Raj Kundra files petition in SC, hopes to overturn ban|date= 30 March 2018|publisher=Deccan Chronocale|access-date= 30 March 2018}}</ref>
In June 2013, Kundra was questioned by [[Delhi Police]] with regard to the 2013 [[Indian Premier League]] spot-fixing case,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/ipl-spot-fixing-rajasthan-royals-owner-raj-kundra-questioned-by-delhi-police/20130605.htm |title=Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra questioned by Delhi Police|publisher=Rediff |access-date=5 June 2013}}</ref> which had involved the [[arrest]] of some Rajasthan Royals players, further Delhi police have given a clean chit to Kundra in reply on [[right to information]] (RTI).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ipl-spot-fixing-scandal-meiyappan-kundra-get-clean-chit-srinivasan-may-return-as-bcci-chief/articleshow/21425875.cms|title=IPL spot-fixing scandal: Meiyappan, Kundra get clean chit; Srinivasan may return as BCCI chief|newspaper= Economic Times|access-date=29 July 2013}}</ref> In July 2015 a panel appointed by the [[Supreme Court of India]] imposed a life ban from the cricket-related activity on him. Further, Kundra denied the involvement and appeal to the Supreme Court of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/raj-kundra-files-petition-in-supreme-court-following-clearance-on-ipl-betting-scandal-from-delhi-police-697149|title=Raj Kundra files petition in Supreme Court following clearance on IPL betting scandal from Delhi Police|date=30 March 2018|publisher=CricketCountry|access-date=30 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/300318/ipl-spot-fixing-banished-raj-kundra-files-petition-in-sc-hopes-to-ov.html|title= IPL spot-fixing: Banished Raj Kundra files petition in SC, hopes to overturn ban|date= 30 March 2018|publisher=Deccan Chronocale|access-date= 30 March 2018}}</ref>


Umesh Goenka, a business partner of Raj Kundra claimed in a court that he was forced to implicate Kundra in betting by Delhi Police and to save himself from physical torture and from being charged under [[Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/delhi-police-forced-me-to-implicate-kundra-partner/articleshow/35908813.cms|title=Delhi police forced me to implicate Kundra: Partner |publisher=Ahamedabad Mirror|access-date=13 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/video/ipl-spot-fixing-umesh-goenka-delhi-police-bashing-confession-india-today-420304-2013-06-12|title=IPL Spot Fixing Umesh Goenka Delhi Police Bashing Confession|publisher=India Today|access-date=12 June 2013}}</ref>
Umesh Goenka, a business partner of Raj Kundra claimed in a [[court]] that he was forced to implicate Kundra in [[betting]] by Delhi Police and to save himself from [[physical torture]] and from being charged under [[Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/delhi-police-forced-me-to-implicate-kundra-partner/articleshow/35908813.cms|title=Delhi police forced me to implicate Kundra: Partner |publisher=Ahamedabad Mirror|access-date=13 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/video/ipl-spot-fixing-umesh-goenka-delhi-police-bashing-confession-india-today-420304-2013-06-12|title=IPL Spot Fixing Umesh Goenka Delhi Police Bashing Confession|date=12 June 2013 |publisher=India Today|access-date=12 June 2013}}</ref>


== Super Fight League ==
== Super Fight League ==
Kundra and Bollywood star [[Sanjay Dutt]] launched India's first professional mixed martial arts fighting league, the [[Super Fight League]], on 16 January 2012.<ref name=TOI01172012>{{cite news |title=Ready for the Super Fight League? |location=Mumbai |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-17/news-interviews/30632385_1_mma-sport-fight-night |first=Roshni |last=Olivera |access-date=19 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212031726/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-17/news-interviews/30632385_1_mma-sport-fight-night |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=dead |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]  }}</ref>
Kundra and [[Bollywood]] star [[Sanjay Dutt]] launched India's first professional mixed martial arts fighting league, the [[Super Fight League]], on 16 January 2012.<ref name=TOI01172012>{{cite news |title=Ready for the Super Fight League? |location=Mumbai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ready-for-the-Super-Fight-League/articleshow/11511191.cms |first=Roshni |last=Olivera |access-date=19 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212031726/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-17/news-interviews/30632385_1_mma-sport-fight-night |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=live |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]  }}</ref>


== Awards and honours ==
== Awards and honours ==
Kundra was awarded the [[Champions of Change (award)|Champions of Change Award]] in 2019, for his involvement with [[Swachh Bharat Mission]]. The award was conferred by former [[President of India]] [[Pranab Mukherjee]] at [[Vigyan Bhavan]] New Delhi on 20 January 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title='Sparsh Ganga initiative' wins Champions of Change Award |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/jan/22/sparsh-ganga-initiative-wins-champions-of-change-award-2092664.html |newspaper=The New Indian Express | date=22 January 2020 | access-date=18 November 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=जानें क्यों शिल्पा और राज को मिला 'चैंपियन ऑफ चेंज अवॉर्ड', 'स्वच्छ भारत अभियान' से है कनेक्शन |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/bollywood/shilpa-shetty-and-raj-kundra-awarded-the-champion-of-change-2019-award-from-pranab-mukherjee |work=Amar Ujala}}</ref>
Kundra was awarded the [[Champions of Change (award)|Champions of Change Award]] in 2019, for his involvement with [[Swachh Bharat Mission]]. The award was conferred by former [[President of India]] [[Pranab Mukherjee]] at [[Vigyan Bhavan]] [[New Delhi]] on 20 January 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title='Sparsh Ganga initiative' wins Champions of Change Award |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/jan/22/sparsh-ganga-initiative-wins-champions-of-change-award-2092664.html |newspaper=The New Indian Express | date=22 January 2020 | access-date=18 November 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=जानें क्यों शिल्पा और राज को मिला 'चैंपियन ऑफ चेंज अवॉर्ड', 'स्वच्छ भारत अभियान' से है कनेक्शन |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/bollywood/shilpa-shetty-and-raj-kundra-awarded-the-champion-of-change-2019-award-from-pranab-mukherjee |work=Amar Ujala}}</ref>
 
==Controversy==
Kundra was arrested in July 2021 on charges of producing [[Pornographic film|pornographic]] content. He was booked under the [[Indian Penal Code]] (IPC), the [[Information Technology Act, 2000]] and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act. He was granted [[bail]] in September 2021 by a [[Courts of Metropolitan Magistrates, India|metropolitan magistrate's court]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2022 |title=One year after being released from jail, Raj Kundra posts: 'If you don't know the whole story, shut up' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/raj-kundra-one-year-of-being-released-from-jail-if-you-dont-know-the-whole-story-shut-up-8163856/ |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=The Indian Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921074923/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/raj-kundra-one-year-of-being-released-from-jail-if-you-dont-know-the-whole-story-shut-up-8163856/|archive-date=21 September 2022|language=en}}</ref> On 3 November 2023, a film on the controversy titled ''[[UT69|UT 69]]'' was released. Kundra himself played the lead role and presented experiences of his days in prison.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ut69-trailer-shilpa-shetty-husband-raj-kundra-plays-himself-gives-glimpse-of-his-life-inside-jail-101697629400340.html|title=UT69 trailer: Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra plays himself, gives glimpse of his life inside jail. Watch|date=18 October 2023|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2025 |title=Raj Kundra breaks silence over HC's 'first deposit ₹60 crore' order – Frustrated by 'repeated misrepresentations' {{!}} Today News |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/raj-kundra-shilpa-shetty-over-hcs-first-deposit-rs-60-crore-order-frustrated-by-repeated-misrepresentations-11759929134490.html |access-date=14 October 2025 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref>
 
The Enforcement Directorate attached his properties worth 97 crores in Bitcoin investment fraud case which was alleged to be a ponzi scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2024 |title=ED attaches Raj Kundra's properties worth Rs 97.79 crore in Bitcoin investment fraud case |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ed-raj-kundra-shilpa-shetty-properties-bitcoin-investment-fraud-case-9277283/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
 
In August 2025, [[Mumbai police]] have filed a case against [[Shilpa Shetty]] and her husband Raj Kundra for reportedly stealing ₹60.4 crore from a businessman in a loan-cum-investment deal in their old company (now defunct), Best Deal TV Private Limited.<ref>{{cite web |title=Actor Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra Fraud Charges: ₹60 Crore Investment Deal |url=https://www.brutimes.com/news/bollywood/shilpa-shetty-raj-kundra-fraud-charges-60-crore |website=Bru Times News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Case filed against Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra for alleged ₹60 crore fraud |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/case-filed-against-shilpa-shetty-raj-kundra-for-alleged-60-crore-fraud/article69931509.ece#:~:text=Mumbai%20Police%20have%20registered%20a,(August%2014%2C%202025). |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
 
==Personal life==
 
Kundra has been married twice, first to Kavita Kundra, with whom he has a daughter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/shilpa-wrecked-my-marriage-999804 |work=Manchester Evening News |title=Shilpa Wrecked My Marriage |date=13 January 2013 |access-date=17 May 2019}}</ref> The couple later divorced. On 22 November 2009, Kundra married Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Thank-god-Ill-marry-only-once-Shilpa/articleshow/5281437.cms | title=Thank god, I'll marry only once: Shilpa | date=30 November 2009 | access-date=1 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616161245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-11-30/news-interviews/28103353_1_shilpa-shetty-kundra-wedding-receptions-mediterranean-cruise | archive-date=16 June 2013 | url-status=live | work=[[The Times of India]] | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Kundra and Shetty have a son, born in 2012,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/report-shilpa-shetty-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy/20120521.htm |title=Shilpa Shetty gives birth to a baby boy |date=21 May 2012 |publisher=Rediff |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614072813/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/report-shilpa-shetty-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy/20120521.htm |archive-date=14 June 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> and a daughter, born through [[surrogacy]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/02/21/shilpa-shetty-husband-welcome-baby-girl-born-through-surrogacy.html|title=Shilpa Shetty, husband welcome baby girl born through surrogacy|website=The Week|language=en|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref>
 
Kundra is involved with his wife's charitable organisation, the Shilpa Shetty Foundation.<ref name=Mint20090211 />
 
He published a [[crime thriller]], ''How Not to Make Money'', in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Raj Kundra's book now a British crime-thriller|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Raj-Kundras-book-now-a-British-crime-thriller/articleshow/48538535.cms|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 August 2015 |access-date=19 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123215618/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Raj-Kundras-book-now-a-British-crime-thriller/articleshow/48538535.cms|archive-date=23 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* {{commons-inline}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kundra, Raj}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kundra, Raj}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from London]]
[[Category:English Hindus]]
[[Category:English people of Punjabi descent]]
[[Category:British businesspeople of Indian descent]]
[[Category:British businesspeople of Indian descent]]
[[Category:British emigrants to India]]
[[Category:British expatriate actors in India]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from London]]
[[Category:Indian Premier League franchise owners]]
[[Category:Indian Premier League franchise owners]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:English people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:Male actors from London]]
[[Category:1975 births]]

Latest revision as of 08:51, 27 February 2026


Raj Kundra
Kundra in 2020
Born
Ripu Sudan Kundra

(1975-09-09) 9 September 1975 (age 50)
London, England[1]
OccupationBusinessman
Spouse(s)
Children3
Websiterajkundra.net

Raj Kundra is a British-Indian businessman and part time actor. He has faced legal scrutiny over allegations related to the production of adult content and involvement in sports betting.[2][3]

He has been married to Shilpa Shetty, an Indian actress, since 2009.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Raj Kundra was born in London, England to Indian expats.[1] Kundra's parents were Punjabi Hindus from Ludhiana. Kundra grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Bal Krishan Kundra worked as a bus conductor in London before running a small business. His mother, Usha Rani Kundra worked as a shop assistant.[4]

Career[edit | edit source]

At the age of 18, Kundra moved to Dubai and later Nepal, where he started a business selling pashmina shawls to fashion retailers in Britain and made his first couple of millions.[5] In 2007, he moved to Dubai and set up Essential General Trading LLC, a company dealing in precious metals, construction, mining and renewable energy projects. He was also at that time involved in the financing and production of Bollywood films.[6]

He has also been involved in financing and distributing pornographic films, for which he was arrested in 2021.[7][8]

His businesses included Satyug Gold, Super Fight League, and more recently, Bastian Hospitality - a restaurant chain in Mumbai.[5]

In 2015, Kundra was among the promoters of online and television broadcast platform Best Deal TV, an Indian television home shopping channel capitalising on celebrity endorsements. His co-promoter was Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.[9]

Under the Indian government's Startup India initiative, Kundra is set to launch India's first live streaming social media app, Jaldi Live Stream App which will allow professional as well as amateur streamers to live stream their content.[10] In June 2025, he participated as contestant in the Prime Video's The Traitors.[11] He was eliminated on Day 2 and placed 19th.[12]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Television[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2025 The Traitors Contestant 19th place [13]

Film[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Ref.
2023 UT69 Himself [14]
2025 Mehar Karamjit Singh [15]

Indian Premier League[edit | edit source]

In 2009, Kundra and Shetty invested in the Indian Premier League cricket team Rajasthan Royals using an offshore company based in Mauritius.[16][17] The legality of the investment was questioned by departments of the Government of India.[18]

In June 2013, Kundra was questioned by Delhi Police with regard to the 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing case,[19] which had involved the arrest of some Rajasthan Royals players, further Delhi police have given a clean chit to Kundra in reply on right to information (RTI).[20] In July 2015 a panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India imposed a life ban from the cricket-related activity on him. Further, Kundra denied the involvement and appeal to the Supreme Court of India.[21][22]

Umesh Goenka, a business partner of Raj Kundra claimed in a court that he was forced to implicate Kundra in betting by Delhi Police and to save himself from physical torture and from being charged under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act.[23][24]

Super Fight League[edit | edit source]

Kundra and Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt launched India's first professional mixed martial arts fighting league, the Super Fight League, on 16 January 2012.[25]

Awards and honours[edit | edit source]

Kundra was awarded the Champions of Change Award in 2019, for his involvement with Swachh Bharat Mission. The award was conferred by former President of India Pranab Mukherjee at Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi on 20 January 2020.[26][27]

Controversy[edit | edit source]

Kundra was arrested in July 2021 on charges of producing pornographic content. He was booked under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act. He was granted bail in September 2021 by a metropolitan magistrate's court.[28] On 3 November 2023, a film on the controversy titled UT 69 was released. Kundra himself played the lead role and presented experiences of his days in prison.[14][29]

The Enforcement Directorate attached his properties worth 97 crores in Bitcoin investment fraud case which was alleged to be a ponzi scheme.[30]

In August 2025, Mumbai police have filed a case against Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra for reportedly stealing ₹60.4 crore from a businessman in a loan-cum-investment deal in their old company (now defunct), Best Deal TV Private Limited.[31][32]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kundra has been married twice, first to Kavita Kundra, with whom he has a daughter.[33] The couple later divorced. On 22 November 2009, Kundra married Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.[34] Kundra and Shetty have a son, born in 2012,[35] and a daughter, born through surrogacy in 2020.[36]

Kundra is involved with his wife's charitable organisation, the Shilpa Shetty Foundation.[1]

He published a crime thriller, How Not to Make Money, in 2013.[37]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Shah, Gouri (11 February 2009). "It's not about getting the best players, but making the weakest stronger" (PDF). Mint. Delhi. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 November 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  2. "Raj Kundra, 3 others named in 1,467-page supplementary chargesheet filed in pornography racket case". India Today. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  3. "Raj Kundra confesses to betting on IPL matches". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 19 October 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  4. "Raj Kundra, from bus conductor's son to biz tycoon". Deccan Chronicle. 7 June 2013. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  5. 5.0 5.1 "Raj Kundra, a college drop-out who first made it big selling pashmina shawls". Times of India. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  6. "Rajasthan Royals agrees to take strategic investment from Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty". London: Blenheim Chalcot. 3 February 2009. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  7. "Raj Kundra earned lakhs daily from 'Hotshot', had another adult app Plan B, Bollyfame as backup: Mumbai police". The Tribune. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  8. "Porn films case: Chats suggest Raj Kundra planned another app after 'Hotshots' was blocked". National Herald. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  9. Malvania, Urvi (20 May 2015). "Home shopping channel Best Deal TV to raise Rs 100 cr". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  10. Laghate, Gaurav (22 September 2020). "Raj Kundra to launch 'Made in India' live streaming platform". Economic Times. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  11. "The Traitors confirmed contestant list: Rebel Kid, Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra, Jannat Zubair, Karan Kundrra among 22 celebs on Karan Johar-hosted show". The Indian Express. 28 May 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  12. Chauhan, Manisha (14 June 2025). "Raj Kundra says 'I can't lie to save my...' after he exits The Traitors: 'My wife is...'". DNA India. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  13. "'The Traitors': Apurva Mukhija, Raj Kundra, Uorfi Javed starrer new reality show – Where and when to watch". The Times of India. 12 June 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  14. 14.0 14.1 "UT69 trailer: Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra plays himself, gives glimpse of his life inside jail. Watch". Hindustan Times. 18 October 2023.
  15. Shrivastava, Sharva (27 July 2025). "Raj Kundra Makes Punjabi Film Debut With Mehar, Reflects On Sikh Values And Self-Discovery". Times Now. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  16. "Shilpa Shetty, partner buy 12% in Rajasthan Royals". Business Standard India. Business Standard. 4 February 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
  17. Thakurta, Paranjoy Guha (8 December 2017). "Thin Dividing Line: Ties between IPL team owners and offshore dealings". Business Standard India. Business Standard. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  18. "Eye on RR money". Hindustan Times. 22 April 2010. Retrieved 22 April 2010.
  19. "Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra questioned by Delhi Police". Rediff. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  20. "IPL spot-fixing scandal: Meiyappan, Kundra get clean chit; Srinivasan may return as BCCI chief". Economic Times. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  21. "Raj Kundra files petition in Supreme Court following clearance on IPL betting scandal from Delhi Police". CricketCountry. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  22. "IPL spot-fixing: Banished Raj Kundra files petition in SC, hopes to overturn ban". Deccan Chronocale. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  23. "Delhi police forced me to implicate Kundra: Partner". Ahamedabad Mirror. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
  24. "IPL Spot Fixing Umesh Goenka Delhi Police Bashing Confession". India Today. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  25. Olivera, Roshni. "Ready for the Super Fight League?". The Times of India. Mumbai. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  26. "'Sparsh Ganga initiative' wins Champions of Change Award". The New Indian Express. 22 January 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  27. "जानें क्यों शिल्पा और राज को मिला 'चैंपियन ऑफ चेंज अवॉर्ड', 'स्वच्छ भारत अभियान' से है कनेक्शन". Amar Ujala.
  28. "One year after being released from jail, Raj Kundra posts: 'If you don't know the whole story, shut up'". The Indian Express. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 21 September 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  29. "Raj Kundra breaks silence over HC's 'first deposit ₹60 crore' order – Frustrated by 'repeated misrepresentations' | Today News". mint. 8 October 2025. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
  30. "ED attaches Raj Kundra's properties worth Rs 97.79 crore in Bitcoin investment fraud case". The Indian Express. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  31. "Actor Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra Fraud Charges: ₹60 Crore Investment Deal". Bru Times News.
  32. "Case filed against Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra for alleged ₹60 crore fraud". The Hindu. 14 August 2025.
  33. "Shilpa Wrecked My Marriage". Manchester Evening News. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  34. "Thank god, I'll marry only once: Shilpa". The Times of India. 30 November 2009. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  35. "Shilpa Shetty gives birth to a baby boy". Rediff. 21 May 2012. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  36. "Shilpa Shetty, husband welcome baby girl born through surrogacy". The Week. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  37. "Raj Kundra's book now a British crime-thriller". The Times of India. 19 August 2015. Archived from the original on 23 January 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2015.

External links[edit | edit source]