December 17, 2024: Raj Kundra, businessman and husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, has once again opened up about his ongoing legal troubles and the media’s role in shaping public perception. In a candid interview Kundra, who was arrested in 2021 by the Mumbai Police on charges related to the production and distribution of adult content, reiterated his innocence and expressed frustration over how the media has unfairly involved his wife in the controversy.
Kundra, who has always maintained that his business ventures were legitimate, especially highlighting his involvement in various investments and his ownership of an IPL team, took strong exception to the media’s attempts to drag Shilpa Shetty into his legal issues. “Shilpa Shetty has earned such a big name for herself here, she has worked so hard. It is so unfair that the controversy is mine, and you are involving my wife’s name. Why? Because you get clickbait? You are spoiling her reputation for views. She has nothing to do with this, so why involve her? Just because I am her husband?” he said, visibly upset by the unfair portrayal of his family.
Kundra emphasized that his wife, a well-respected actress with a successful career, should not be associated with his legal battles. “You can say anything about me, but don’t involve my family unnecessarily,” he added. His statements reflect the growing frustration many public figures feel when their loved ones are unfairly dragged into personal controversies, particularly when the individuals involved have no direct connection to the issues at hand.
The controversy surrounding Raj Kundra deepened when he was implicated in a money laundering case tied to the adult content industry, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoning him for questioning. Despite the gravity of the charges, Kundra expressed his discontent with what he described as a “trial by media.” He stated that the media had created a narrative around him without proper fact-checking, which he found hurtful, especially when it involved his family’s name.
“I wasn’t as hurt by the legal cases or the process of going through the legal system as much as I was by the trial by media. I know the media is doing its job, they’re reporting, but there are some in the media who create news without fact-checking. Certain segments have done this,” Kundra explained. He also acknowledged the complex relationship between celebrities and the media, calling it a “love-hate relationship.”
Kundra, however, stressed the importance of responsible reporting. “Facts should be checked,” he said, urging the media to take a more ethical approach when reporting on sensitive matters. He also called on reporters to consult his PR team for clarification if they had any doubts, to avoid spreading misinformation.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Kundra appeared to take a calm, measured approach to life, focusing on his family and personal circle. “I lead a simple life, with a small friend circle, and prefer to focus on my family rather than the distractions of public life,” he remarked.
He also expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife, Shilpa Shetty, and his family. “My wife has been very supportive; she knows what I can and cannot do. My entire family has been very supportive,” he said, reflecting on the strength he has drawn from his loved ones during this difficult period.
Kundra’s plea for a more responsible approach from the media underscores a broader concern about how public figures are portrayed, especially when their families are unnecessarily implicated. It remains to be seen whether his statements will spark a conversation on journalistic ethics and the responsibility of the media in handling personal and legal matters involving celebrities.