Shilpa Shetty: Biography, Age, Husband, and Health

Few Bollywood stars have managed to balance a three‑decade career, marriage, motherhood, and a chronic health condition in the public eye quite like Shilpa Shetty. Born 8 June 1975 in Mangalore (IMDb), she made her film debut in the 1993 thriller Baazigar and later won the fifth season of Celebrity Big Brother UK in 2007.

Born: 8 June 1975 (age 49) ·
Occupation: Actress, model, entrepreneur, wellness influencer ·
Spouse: Raj Kundra (m. 2009) ·
Children: 2 (son Viaan, daughter Samisha) ·
Years active: 1993–present ·
Notable film: Baazigar (1993)

Ten key biographical details offer a quick reference.

The pattern: Shetty’s biography layers a steady career over personal complications that she has navigated with public disclosure.

How many marriages did Shilpa Shetty have?

Did Shilpa Shetty give birth to her son?

• Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra welcomed son Viaan Raj Kundra in 2012 via natural birth (Pinkvilla).
• Her daughter Samisha was born through surrogacy in 2020 after Shetty disclosed she had experienced miscarriages due to APLA syndrome (The Indian Express).

Who is Shilpa Shetty’s husband?

• Raj Kundra, a British‑Indian businessman, married Shetty in 2009 (The Times of India).
• Kundra faced legal troubles in 2021 related to an adult‑film production case, which Shetty navigated publicly alongside her career.

The implication: Shetty’s personal life—from marriage to motherhood—has been intertwined with both medical and legal challenges, yet she continues to maintain a stable family unit while managing a high‑profile career.

What autoimmune disease does Shilpa Shetty have?

How does Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affect Shilpa Shetty?

• Shetty has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland (The Indian Express).
• She revealed her diagnosis in 2018 and manages the condition through a plant‑based diet, yoga, and lifestyle changes—elements she promotes via her wellness app Simple Soulful.

What happened between Richard Gere and Shilpa Shetty?

Who tried to kiss Shilpa Shetty?

• In 2007, actor Richard Gere kissed Shetty on stage during an AIDS‑awareness event in New Delhi, sparking widespread controversy in India (Dailymotion).
• A court case was filed against Gere; in 2023 the Delhi High Court quashed the case, effectively clearing him after 16 years.

Who did Richard Gere confess was the love of his life?

• Contrary to some media reports, Gere has not made a public “love confession” about Shetty. He referred to her as a “beautiful soul” in interviews, which was amplified by entertainment outlets.

The trade‑off: The 2007 kiss incident cast a long shadow over Shetty’s public image in India, but its legal resolution 16 years later allowed her to refocus attention on her wellness advocacy without the controversy.

Why did Akshay not marry Shilpa?

Were Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty once close to marriage?

• Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty dated and were engaged in the late 1990s (IMDb).
• The relationship ended reportedly due to family opposition and career pressures; Akshay married Twinkle Khanna in 2001, and Shetty married Raj Kundra in 2009.
• Neither party has publicly detailed the exact reasons for the breakup, leaving the story in the realm of speculation.

Who is Rajiv Adatia to Shilpa Shetty?

What is the nature of Rajiv Adatia’s relationship with Shilpa Shetty?

• Rajiv Adatia is a businessman and close friend of Shetty, often seen at her events and credited with sending her video wishes on special occasions (The Times of India).
• Beyond friendship, no public documentation confirms any deeper relationship—though media have occasionally speculated.

The pattern: Shetty maintains a tight circle of long‑standing friendships, and Rajiv Adatia is part of that inner circle, but the private nature of their bond has fuelled curiosity without verification.

Timeline

• 8 June 1975 – Born in Mangalore, India (IMDb)
• 1993 – Film debut in Baazigar (IMDb)
• Late 1990s – Engaged to Akshay Kumar; relationship ends
• 2007 – Wins Celebrity Big Brother 5; Richard Gere kiss incident
• 2009 – Marries businessman Raj Kundra (The Times of India)
• 2012 – Birth of son Viaan Raj Kundra (Pinkvilla)
• 2018 – Reveals Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis
• 2020 – Birth of daughter Samisha via surrogacy (The Indian Express)
• 2023 – Delhi High Court quashes case against Richard Gere

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

“I manage my health through yoga, a plant‑based diet, and staying positive—it’s a daily practice, not a cure.”

Shilpa Shetty, in an interview with The Indian Express

“She is a beautiful soul, and I have nothing but respect for her.”

Richard Gere, quoted in multiple media outlets covering the 2007 incident (Dailymotion)

“We were young, and it just didn’t work out—no bitterness.”

Akshay Kumar, in a past interview (via IMDb)

For the average Indian parent dealing with a similar autoimmune diagnosis, the takeaway is clear: Shetty’s example shows that chronic illness does not preclude a thriving career and family life. The choice to disclose her condition openly has helped normalise conversations about Hashimoto’s and antiphospholipid syndrome in India—but the real work lies in ensuring that everyday patients have access to the same holistic care she promotes.

Related reading: Shilpa Shetty: Biography, Marital Status & Famous Roles · Celine Dion Health Update: Family and Celebrity Ties

For a deeper look into her life journey, readers can explore Shilpa Shettys complete biography, covering her career and personal milestones.

Frequently asked questions

Shetty’s choice to co-author The Great Indian Diet with Luke Coutinho underscores how she translates personal management into a public resource.