Raj Kundra, a British-Indian businessman, has consistently remained a figure of public interest, navigating a multifaceted career punctuated by significant entrepreneurial ventures and prominent legal battles. Married to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, Kundra's journey has been a rollercoaster of successes, controversies, and persistent scrutiny.
Early Entrepreneurial Journey and Diverse Investments
Born Ripu Sudan Kundra in London, Raj Kundra's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. He famously started his business career by importing Pashmina shawls from Nepal to London, supplying them to major fashion houses in the 1990s.
- Sports: Kundra's passion for sports led him to acquire an 11.7% stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals in 2009 alongside his wife, Shilpa Shetty. He was also instrumental in launching the Super Fight League (MMA) in India.
- Media & Entertainment: His ventures extend into film production, digital media, and even a teleshopping channel, Best Deal TV.
He's been involved in gaming platforms like Poker Raj and Match IPL, and has also invested in hospitality with establishments like Bastian Hospitality. - Technology & Others: Kundra has explored opportunities in mining, real estate, renewable energy, and even cryptocurrency, reflecting a keen eye for emerging markets.
His company, Viaan Industries, is involved in gaming, animation, and licensing.
The Storm of Controversies: IPL Betting to Allegations of Adult Content Production
Despite his business acumen, Raj Kundra's career has been significantly impacted by several high-profile controversies:
- 2013 IPL Spot-Fixing Scandal: Kundra faced intense scrutiny and was questioned by Delhi Police in connection with the 2013 IPL spot-fixing case.
While he was later granted a clean chit by Delhi Police in an RTI reply, a panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India imposed a life ban on him from cricket-related activities in 2015. He has consistently denied involvement in betting and has appealed the ban. - Allegations of Adult Content Production (2021): In July 2021, Kundra was arrested on charges of producing and distributing alleged pornographic content through mobile applications.
He was booked under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act. He was granted bail in September 2021, and a film titled UT 69, where Kundra himself played the lead role, was released in November 2023, depicting his experiences during his time in prison. He has consistently denied his involvement in the production of any pornographic material, stating his role was purely as a technology provider for a company run by his brother-in-law in the UK. - Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme: More recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth ₹97.79 crore belonging to Kundra in connection with a money laundering probe linked to a Bitcoin ponzi scheme. The ED alleges that Kundra received bitcoins from the mastermind of the scheme for a failed Bitcoin mining project. Kundra and Shilpa Shetty have denied any involvement in this case, expressing faith in a fair investigation.
Latest Developments (June 2025)
As of June 2025, Raj Kundra continues to be in the news:
- Rajasthan Royals Allegations: In late May 2025, Kundra stirred fresh controversy by alleging financial misconduct and money laundering by a key promoter of the Rajasthan Royals, claiming to have documented evidence.
He has also spoken about the suppression of co-promoter rights and patterns of deceit in shareholder dealings, and held a press conference on June 2, 2025, to present his claims. - Croatia Incident Clarification: A recent viral video from Shilpa Shetty's 50th birthday celebration in Croatia showed a heated exchange.
Raj Kundra clarified the situation, stating the argument stemmed from a double-booked restaurant table and the establishment's poor handling of the situation, especially with his elderly parents and guests waiting. He refuted claims of arrogance and explained the context of the verbal exchange. - Ongoing Legal Battles: Kundra continues to face ongoing legal battles related to the alleged adult content case and the Bitcoin ponzi scheme, with the ED reportedly continuing its investigations and summoning him for questioning.
Raj Kundra's trajectory highlights the complexities of navigating business and public life, particularly when intertwined with high-profile relationships and media scrutiny. His story remains a subject of considerable public fascination as he continues to confront legal challenges and unveil new allegations.
Presently, Raj Kundra is a one of the participants of Karan Johar hosted reality show The Traitors India.
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