1. The Richard Gere Kiss (2007): During an AIDS awareness event in Delhi, Hollywood actor Richard Gere spontaneously kissed Shilpa Shetty on the cheek. This seemingly innocuous act triggered a massive uproar in India, with conservative groups condemning it as a cultural attack and an act of disrespect. The incident became a national debate, leading to protests and effigy burnings of Gere.
2. Celebrity Big Brother and Racism Row (2007): Later that same year, Shilpa participated in the British reality show “Celebrity Big Brother.” She faced accusations of racism towards other contestants, particularly Jade Goody, leading to international media attention and backlash against both Goody and the show. This controversy also sparked discussions about racism in the UK and India.
3. IPL Betting Controversy (2013): Shilpa Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, co-owned the Rajasthan Royals team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament. In 2013, Kundra was accused of involvement in illegal betting activities related to the IPL. While Shilpa wasn’t directly implicated, the scandal tarnished her image and led to public scrutiny.
4. Raj Kundra’s Arrest (2021): In July 2021, Raj Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Police for allegedly producing and distributing pornographic content online through mobile apps. Shilpa distanced herself from the charges, stating she had no knowledge of her husband’s activities. However, the controversy significantly impacted her public image and career.
5. Super Dancer Controversy (2023): During the judging of the dance reality show “Super Dancer,” Shilpa Shetty was criticized for making insensitive comments about a contestant’s appearance. She later apologized for her remarks, but the incident sparked conversations about body shaming and judging practices in reality shows.