Raj Kundra

Biography

Raj Kundra is a British-Indian businessman and entrepreneur, widely recognized for his diverse ventures across various industries and his marriage to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.

Early Life and Background

Born on September 9, 1975, in London, England, Raj Kundra hails from a middle-class Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Bal Krishan Kundra, initially worked as a bus conductor before establishing a small business, while his mother, Usha Rani Kundra, served as a shop assistant. At the age of 18, Raj ventured into business by traveling to Dubai and Nepal, where he began trading in pashmina shawls, eventually supplying them to major fashion retailers in Britain.

Career and Business Ventures

Raj Kundra's entrepreneurial journey encompasses a wide array of industries:

Essential General Trading LLC: In 2007, he founded this company in Dubai, focusing on precious metals, construction, mining, and renewable energy projects.

Super Fight League: Collaborating with Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, Kundra launched India's first professional mixed martial arts fighting league on January 16, 2012.

Best Deal TV: In partnership with actor Akshay Kumar, he co-promoted this home shopping channel, leveraging celebrity endorsements to market products.

Jaldi Live Stream App: Under India's Startup India initiative, Kundra announced plans to introduce a live-streaming social media platform aimed at both professional and amateur streamers.

Personal Life

Raj Kundra's personal life has garnered significant media attention:

Marriages and Children: He was first married to Kavita Kundra, with whom he has a daughter named Deleena, born in 2006. The couple later divorced. On November 22, 2009, he married actress Shilpa Shetty. They have a son, Viaan Raj Kundra, born in 2012, and a daughter, Samisha, born via surrogacy in 2020.

Legal Controversies: In July 2021, Kundra was arrested on charges related to the production of pornographic content, leading to significant media scrutiny. He was granted bail in September 2021. In November 2023, he portrayed himself in the film "UT 69," which depicted his experiences during his time in jail.

Philanthropy and Publications

Beyond his business pursuits, Kundra has engaged in philanthropic activities, notably through the Shilpa Shetty Foundation. He was honored with the Champions of Change Award in 2019 for his contributions to the Swachh Bharat Mission. Additionally, he authored a crime thriller titled "How Not to Make Money" in 2013.

Raj Kundra's journey reflects a blend of entrepreneurial success, public scrutiny, and personal milestones, making him a prominent figure in both business and entertainment circles.