Shilpa Shetty is an Indian actress and model known for playing leading roles in Hindi films including Dhadkan, Phir Milenge and Life in a... Metro. She gained international attention after winning the fifth series of the British reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2007. She has also worked as a television judge, presenter and fitness advocate.
Personal life
Shilpa Shetty married Raj Kundra on 22 November 2009. They have two children, a son named Viaan Raj Kundra, born in May 2012, and a daughter named Samisha, born through surrogacy in February 2020.
Her younger sister, Shamita Shetty, is also an actress. The sisters appeared together in the 2005 film Fareb.
Early modelling and film breakthrough
Shetty began modelling at 16 with a Limca television commercial and subsequently appeared in other advertisements. Her first released film was the 1993 thriller Baazigar, in which she played Seema Chopra alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. The role earned her Filmfare nominations for Best Female Debut and Best Supporting Actress.
Her first leading role came in Aag in 1994. The same year, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, co-starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, became a major commercial success and established her as a prominent Hindi film actress.
Critical acclaim in Dhadkan and Phir Milenge
The romantic drama Dhadkan marked a turning point in Shetty's career. She played a young woman caught between duty and love, opposite Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, and received several Best Actress nominations.
She received widespread critical praise for Phir Milenge in 2004, playing a successful woman who contracts HIV and faces social ostracism. The performance earned her a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress and encouraged her later HIV-AIDS awareness work. She also drew strong reviews for Rishtey, Life in a... Metro and Apne.
Celebrity Big Brother and television work
In 2007, Shetty became the first Indian celebrity to compete in the British reality series Celebrity Big Brother. She won the fifth series with 63 percent of the final public vote after the programme became the centre of an international controversy over racist bullying directed at her by some housemates.
She later hosted the second season of India's Bigg Boss in 2008. She also judged dance and music programmes including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Zara Nachke Dikha, Nach Baliye and Super Dancer.
Return to acting and Indian Police Force
After a hiatus from film acting, Shetty returned with the 2021 comedy Hungama 2 and appeared in Nikamma in 2022. She starred in the 2023 comedy-drama Sukhee, playing a wife who takes a break from her routine to reunite with friends.
She made her web-series debut in Indian Police Force in 2024, playing Tara and becoming the first female police officer in Rohit Shetty's Cop universe. She has also been associated with the Kannada film KD - The Devil.
Fitness, activism and business ventures
Shetty holds a black belt in karate and has promoted yoga and fitness through a 2015 yoga DVD and the Shilpa Shetty app, launched in 2019. She has also participated in the Fit India Movement.
She worked with PETA on a campaign against the use of wild animals in circuses and supported HIV-AIDS awareness initiatives after her role in Phir Milenge. She was selected as a brand ambassador for India's Swachh Bharat Mission and received the Champions of Change Award for her work connected with the campaign.
Quick facts
- Shilpa Shetty made her released film debut in Baazigar in 1993 and received two Filmfare nominations for the role.
- Main Khiladi Tu Anari became a major commercial breakthrough for Shetty in 1994.
- Shetty's performance in Phir Milenge earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress.
- Shetty won the fifth series of the British reality show Celebrity Big Brother with 63 percent of the final public vote.
- Shetty was the first Indian celebrity to compete in Celebrity Big Brother.
- The controversy surrounding her treatment on Celebrity Big Brother led to international media coverage and responses from the British and Indian governments.
- Shetty and her sister Shamita Shetty appeared together in the 2005 film Fareb.
- Shetty played the first female police officer in Rohit Shetty's Cop universe in Indian Police Force.
- Shetty holds a black belt in karate.
- Shetty worked with PETA on a campaign opposing the use of wild animals in circuses.
- Shetty was selected as a brand ambassador for India's Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Shetty received the Champions of Change Award for work connected with the Swachh Bharat Mission.
FAQs about Shilpa Shetty
How many marriages has Shilpa Shetty had?
Shilpa Shetty has had one marriage. She married Raj Kundra on 22 November 2009.
Who is Shilpa Shetty's husband?
Shilpa Shetty's husband is Raj Kundra.
At what age did Shilpa Shetty have a baby?
Shilpa Shetty was 36 when her son Viaan was born in May 2012 and 44 when her daughter Samisha was born through surrogacy in February 2020.
Does Shilpa Shetty have children?
Yes. She has a son named Viaan Raj Kundra and a daughter named Samisha.
Who is Shilpa Shetty's sister?
Her younger sister is actress Shamita Shetty.
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