Shilpa Shetty is one of the most popular and influential actresses in Bollywood, known for her charm, acting talent, fitness inspiration, and strong personality
Over the years, she has built a reputation not just as an actress but also as a film producer, businesswoman, fitness enthusiast, author, and reality television judge.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Shilpa Shetty has been part of several successful films, brand endorsements, and public ventures. Her grace, discipline, and positive attitude have made her a household name in India and abroad.
From her Bollywood debut in the early 1990s to becoming a global star after winning Celebrity Big Brother in the UK, and later evolving into a fitness icon and entrepreneur, Shilpa’s journey is a story of resilience, reinvention, and relevance.
This detailed biography explores Shilpa Shetty’s early life, career milestones, personal life, achievements, and contributions to the entertainment and wellness industry.
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Table of Contents
Shilpa Shetty’s Biography
Early Life and Education
Shilpa Shetty was born on 8 June 1975 in Mangalore, Karnataka, into a traditional Bunt family.1
Her father, Surendra Shetty, and mother, Sunanda Shetty, were both involved in the pharmaceutical industry.
Shilpa grew up in Mumbai with her younger sister, Shamita Shetty, who later also became a Bollywood actress.
Leaf it to me ☘️#ootd #blessed #gratitude #servinglooks pic.twitter.com/M8WKPI3SYl
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) September 16, 2025
She attended St. Anthony Girls’ High School, Chembur, and later graduated from Podar College, Matunga, Mumbai.
During her school and college years, Shilpa actively participated in sports and extracurricular activities. She was trained in Bharatanatyam dance, which helped her develop grace and rhythm that later enhanced her film career.
Apart from academics, Shilpa excelled in sports like volleyball. This athletic background later paved the way for her interest in health, fitness, and yoga, which became her trademark identity outside cinema.
Shilpa Shetty’s Quick Stats
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shilpa Shetty Kundra |
| Date of Birth | 8 June 1975 |
| Age (2025) | 50 years |
| Place of Birth | Mangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur, Fitness Enthusiast |
| Years Active | 1993 – Present |
| Debut Film | Baazigar (1993) |
| Spouse | Raj Kundra (m. 2009) |
| Children | 2 (Viaan Raj Kundra, Samisha Shetty Kundra) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $20 million (INR 165 crore approx.) |
| Famous For | Films, Fitness, Yoga, Television, Business Ventures |
Career Beginnings of Shilpa Shetty
Shilpa Shetty started her modeling career as a teenager. Her tall frame, expressive face, and photogenic presence helped her bag several commercials, including a famous Limca advertisement, which gave her national recognition.2
In 1993, she made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in Baazigar.
Though she was not the lead heroine, her performance was widely noticed, and the film’s success put her in the spotlight.
Her first solo lead role came in Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) opposite Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, which further established her as a rising actress.
Rise in Bollywood
The mid to late 1990s saw Shilpa Shetty working in several commercial hits, including:
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Dhadkan (2000)
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Phir Milenge (2004)
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Life in a… Metro (2007)
In Dhadkan, she portrayed a woman torn between love and arranged marriage, a role that won her critical acclaim and widespread popularity.
In Phir Milenge, she played an HIV-positive woman, earning praise for her sensitive performance and even a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress.
Her role in Life in a… Metro showcased her versatility and earned her further appreciation as a mature actress capable of handling complex characters.
International Recognition: Celebrity Big Brother
In 2007, Shilpa Shetty entered the UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother 5. The show became controversial when she faced racial remarks from fellow contestant Jade Goody.3
Shilpa handled the situation with dignity and resilience, winning hearts across the globe. Eventually, she won the show, boosting her international fame.
Her victory was not only personal but also symbolic, as she became a global representative of Indian culture and values.
Following the win, she received several international offers, endorsements, and recognition from political and cultural institutions in both India and the UK.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
After gaining fame, Shilpa Shetty diversified into entrepreneurship:
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IPL Ownership: In 2009, she and her husband Raj Kundra co-owned the IPL cricket team Rajasthan Royals.
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Wellness and Fitness: She launched The Shilpa Shetty App, focusing on yoga, meditation, and nutrition.
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Restaurants: She has invested in luxury restaurants serving Indian cuisine.
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Books: Shilpa authored fitness and wellness books such as The Great Indian Diet and The Diary of a Domestic Diva.
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Brand Endorsements: From fashion to health products, Shilpa has been the face of several leading brands.
Fitness and Yoga Journey
One of the biggest aspects of Shilpa Shetty’s identity is her fitness journey. Known for her toned body and youthful energy even in her 40s, she has been a strong advocate for yoga and healthy living.
She launched yoga DVDs, fitness apps, and regularly shares fitness content online. She has inspired millions of Indians to adopt yoga and holistic living, making her a fitness icon.
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Personal Life of Shilpa Shetty
Shilpa Shetty married Raj Kundra, a British-Indian businessman, in 2009 in a grand ceremony.4
The couple has two children:
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Viaan Raj Kundra (born 2012)
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Samisha Shetty Kundra (born 2020, via surrogacy)
Despite facing controversies in her husband’s business dealings, Shilpa has maintained dignity and focused on her family, career, and fitness ventures.
She is also known for her philanthropy, supporting causes like AIDS awareness, animal rights, and children’s health initiatives.
Awards and Achievements
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Filmfare Awards: Nominated multiple times for Best Actress.
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IIFA Award: For Life in a… Metro.
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Celebrity Big Brother Winner (2007).
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PETA’s Hero to Animals Award (for her support of animal rights).
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Recognized as a fitness and wellness influencer across Asia.
Legacy and Influence
Shilpa Shetty remains one of the most admired Bollywood stars, balancing her career in entertainment, fitness, business, and philanthropy.
She has reinvented herself from a 90s actress to a global personality, reality TV judge, and wellness entrepreneur.
Her legacy lies in inspiring millions to stay fit, live positively, and embrace challenges with dignity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Shilpa Shetty’s age in 2025?
Shilpa Shetty is 50 years old, born on 8 June 1975.
2. Who is Shilpa Shetty married to?
She is married to businessman Raj Kundra since 2009.
3. How many children does Shilpa Shetty have?
She has two children, Viaan Raj Kundra and Samisha Shetty Kundra.
4. What is Shilpa Shetty’s net worth?
As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $20 million (approx. INR 165 crore).
5. Which was Shilpa Shetty’s debut film?
Her debut film was Baazigar in 1993.
6. Did Shilpa Shetty win Celebrity Big Brother?
Yes, she won Celebrity Big Brother 5 in 2007 in the UK.
7. Is Shilpa Shetty still active in films?
Yes, she occasionally acts in Bollywood films while also focusing on fitness, television, and business ventures.
8. What are Shilpa Shetty’s popular books?
Her books include The Great Indian Diet and The Diary of a Domestic Diva.
9. What is Shilpa Shetty best known for outside films?
She is best known for yoga, fitness advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
10. Does Shilpa Shetty support social causes?
Yes, she supports animal rights, child welfare, and AIDS awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Shilpa Shetty has remained one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema and entertainment for over three decades.
From her successful Bollywood career to her ventures as a fitness icon, entrepreneur, author, and television personality, she continues to reinvent herself while staying connected to her audience.
Her resilience, balanced lifestyle, and ability to embrace new opportunities make her a role model for many.
Whether on the big screen, in the fitness space, or through her entrepreneurial ventures, Shilpa Shetty’s journey is a testament to hard work, versatility, and the power of self-belief.
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