| Full Name | Shilpa Shetty Kundra |
| Age | 48 years |
| Birthday | June 8, 1975 |
| Birth Place | Mangalore, India |
| Occupation | Actress, Entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1993-present |
| Spouse | Raj Kundra (m. 2009-present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth | $16 million |
| Social Media |
Facebook Youtube |
Early Life and Background
Shilpa Shetty was born on June 8, 1975 in the coastal city of Mangalore, India to Surendra and Sunanda Shetty. Her father ran a travel business while her mother was a homemaker. As the eldest of three children, Shilpa took interest in acting and dance early on. At age 10, she started learning Bharatanatyam and soon participated in several dance competitions, winning many prizes.
As a teenager, Shilpa dabbled in modeling and pageants. In 1991 at age 16, she was crowned the winner of a local beauty pageant "Miss India Talent Control". This proved to be her ticket to Mumbai and a career in the glamorous film industry. Soon after, Shilpa relocated to the city of dreams to audition for roles and try her luck in Bollywood.
Rise to Fame in Bollywood
Shilpa Shetty‘s first acting role came in the 1993 thriller "Baazigar" starring Shah Rukh Khan. She delivered an acclaimed performance as a young woman murdered by her psychotic lover. Following this successful debut, Shilpa cemented her status as a leading Bollywood actress throughout the 90s with over 20 film roles.
Some of her notable performances were in hit films like "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" (1994), "Dhadkan" (2000), "Rishtey" (2002) and "Dus" (2005). She worked opposite top stars including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan. Shilpa‘s dancing skills, comic timing, versatility and grace on screen made her an audience favorite.
By 2000, Shilpa Shetty had become one of Bollywood‘s most popular and highest-paid actresses. She received numerous accolades including her first Filmfare Award nomination for "Dhadkan".
Success on International Shores
Shilpa Shetty‘s fame went global in 2007 when she participated in the British reality TV show "Celebrity Big Brother". Defying language barriers, she emerged the winner through public voting and gained significant media attention. Her victory was a watershed moment for promoting Indian talent around the world.
Entrepreneurial Endeavors
In addition to acting, Shilpa has spearheaded several business ventures that align with her interests of health, wellness and empowering women. In 2015, she opened a yoga studio "Iosis Spa & Wellness Center" in Mumbai. That same year, she launched her signature perfume brand "S2" and authored the bestselling book "The Great Indian Diet".
In 2016, Shilpa launched the "Shilpa Shetty App" featuring diet plans, exercise videos and wellness tips. It has received over 2 million downloads so far. She also co-founded the food and nutrition company "The Whole9Yards" in 2017.
Through her production house "S2 Global Productions", Shilpa has produced films like Dishkiyaoon (2014) and web series like Hear Me Love Me (2022). She maintains strong social media presence with over 26 million Instagram followers.
Television and OTT Platforms
In addition to films, Shilpa Shetty has been very active on Indian television as a judge and host for reality shows like Nach Baliye (2005), Super Dancer (2016-present) and India’s Got Talent (2010).
She forayed into the digital space with her first web film Sherni in 2021. Shilpa will soon be seen acting in more web series and films on OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Awards and Recognition
- Winner of British Celebrity Big Brother (2007)
- Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress for Dhadkan (2000)
- IIFA Award for Best Actress for Phir Milenge (2004)
- Received the Padma Shri award (2009) from the Government of India
- Awarded PETA’s Heroine of the Year trophy in 2008 and 2018
- Awarded Women Achievers Award for business excellence in 2018
Personal Life
In 2009, Shilpa Shetty married businessman Raj Kundra and the couple has two children – son Viaan born in 2012 and daughter Samisha born in 2020 via surrogacy. Despite her busy schedule, Shilpa makes sure to spend quality time with her kids.
Known to be friendly and down-to-earth, Shilpa is associated with multiple charities supporting children‘s education, women empowerment and animal welfare. She also donates to various NGOs and social causes.
An avid yoga practitioner, the 48-year old Shilpa Shetty looks as fit and radiant as her younger days. She credits her healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and daily yoga sessions for her ageless beauty and energetic spirit.
5 Interesting Facts About Shilpa Shetty
1. Made her acting debut at age 15 – Shilpa was only 15 years old when she landed her first film role in the 1993 thriller Baazigar after winning a local beauty pageant the previous year.
2. Launched her own yoga channel – Given her passion for yoga, Shilpa launched a YouTube channel "The Yoga Studio" in 2017 to share free classes and tips regularly.
3. First Indian on the cover of Deutsch magazine – In 2007, Shilpa Shetty became the first Indian to feature on the cover of popular German magazine "OK!."
4. Owns stake in Indian Premier League team – Shilpa and her husband Raj Kundra co-own 11% stake in the Indian Premier League cricket team Rajasthan Royals.
5. Acted in a Chinese film – In 2012, Shilpa played the lead role of a warrior princess in the Indo-Chinese period drama "The Desire."
The Legacy of an Iconic Star
In an industry where careers are often short-lived, Shilpa Shetty stands out for her three decade long success and reinvention story. She has delivered major box office hits, represented India globally, and inspired millions as an actress, yoga guru, author, entrepreneur and doting mom.
With her trademark giggles, grace and sparkling screen presence, Shilpa Shetty has become an iconic Bollywood star. Her blockbuster journey reflects the rise of modern Indian women balancing family and following their dreams. At 48, Shilpa continues to rule hearts on screen and off screen through her multifaceted success. She has paved the way for Indian talent to make its mark globally across cinema, health and business.