Raj Kundra: Shilpa stood by me even when it would’ve been easier to walk away

Recently evicted from The Traitors, Raj Kundra, at a press meet for the reality show, laughed about playing the “nepo-husband” card. Married to actress Shilpa Shetty, Raj appeared completely at ease with his wife’s celeb status.

Speaking to Bombay Times about the male ego and power dynamics in celebrity relationships, Raj said, “I say it with pride — Shilpa’s success is our success.

I’ve never been insecure about her spotlight. If anything, it inspires me. Real strength in a man comes from being secure enough to lift others — especially your partner — without feeling smaller in the process. That’s not ego-less, that’s evolved love.”‘There was anger, hurt and confusion, but also deep self-reflection’Over the last few years, Raj has faced legal and public scrutiny.

In July 2021, he was arrested by the Mumbai Police for allegedly producing and distributing adult content via an app. He spent 63 days in Arthur Road Jail before being granted bail in September 2021.Reflecting on that period, he shared, “Those were some of the darkest times of my life. There was anger, hurt and confusion, but also deep self-reflection. I could’ve let that chapter define me, but I chose instead to learn from it.

The truth has its own timeline, and I’ve made peace with that. My focus now is to move forward with clarity, creativity and courage.”

‘My kids gave me reason to smile when I felt like disappearing’Raj’s legal battle is far from over. While he remains out on bail, the case is still under trial. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating him for alleged money laundering and has reportedly attached assets worth nearly Rs 98 crore.

Such a phase, he says, tests every bond in his life. “Some friendships vanished overnight, others got stronger than ever. But the real pain was watching my loved ones suffer because of my headlines.

That guilt stays with you. And yet, the love they gave me during that storm is what saved me. You realise who your tribe is, and you never take them for granted again,” he said, adding, “Shilpa stood by me with grace and resilience, even when it would’ve been easier to walk away. My kids gave me reason to smile when I felt like disappearing. That kind of unconditional support rewires your soul.”The businessman, who is also dabbling in acting, will be seen in the Punjabi film Mehar. Talking about wanting to be a part of compelling content, he said, “I’m not chasing stardom — I’m chasing stories.”