Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, surprised many during a visit to Vrindavan by offering one of his kidneys to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj, who has battled kidney failure for years. The guru graciously declined, but the gesture ignited social media—drawing both praise for his compassion and criticism from skeptics citing his ongoing legal troubles. Kundra later defended the move, saying true empathy should not be mistaken for a PR stunt.
Who is Raj Kundra?
Raj Kundra (born Ripu Sudan Kundra in 1975) is a British-Indian businessman known for ventures ranging from Super Fight League (MMA) to hospitality. He’s also notably married to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty since 2009 . Over recent years, he’s faced legal scrutiny—including allegations tied to pornographic content production and financial fraud—making him a frequent subject of media attention .
The Kidney Offer
During a spiritual visit to Vrindavan (specifically the ashram of Premanand Maharaj) with his wife Shilpa Shetty, Kundra watched the guru reveal both his kidneys had failed, and he’d been living with the condition for over a decade . Moved by this revelation, Kundra said, “I’ve been following you for the last two years… you inspire many. If I can help, one of my kidneys is yours” . Shilpa looked visibly surprised at the gesture .
Premanand Maharaj’s Response
In a calm and grounded reply, the spiritual leader declined, saying he was healthy enough and accepting the gesture in spirit. He remarked that as long as life’s calling doesn’t come, he need not part with a kidney, but said he appreciated the goodwill deeply .
Social Media & Public Reaction
The video of the moment went viral, sparking polarized emotions online:
- Supporters praised the gesture as a heartfelt symbol of devotion and compassion .
- Critics called it a PR stunt, pointing to Kundra’s legal woes—including a ₹60+ crore fraud accusation—to question the timing and authenticity of the act .
In response to the backlash, Kundra pushed back on the critics, stating: “If compassion is a PR stunt…”—a phrase underlining his disappointment at being judged harshly amid what he described as a sincere expression .
Raj Kundra’s Dark Side: IPL Ban, Porn Case & Fraud Allegations
1. 2021 Pornographic Content Case
- Allegations: In July 2021, Kundra was arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly producing and distributing pornographic content through mobile apps such as HotShots.
- Outcome: He spent around two months in jail before being granted bail. Kundra denied wrongdoing, claiming the content was adult erotica, not pornography, and that he was being made a scapegoat.
- Public Impact: The case drew massive media attention, with his name trending for weeks and sparking debates on legality, morality, and privacy.
2. IPL Betting & Match-Fixing Case (2013)
- Incident: As co-owner of the IPL team Rajasthan Royals, Kundra was accused of betting on cricket matches and allegedly having links to match-fixing.
- Outcome: In 2015, the Supreme Court-appointed panel banned him for life from all cricket-related activities. Kundra has consistently maintained his innocence.
3. Ongoing Financial Fraud Allegations
- Details: Recently, Kundra has been named in an alleged ₹60 crore fraud case involving a company accused of duping investors.
- Status: The matter is under investigation, and Kundra denies any illegal involvement.Raj Kundra’s public life has been a mix of high-profile business ventures, celebrity glamour, and a string of controversies that have kept him under relentless media glare. From his IPL ban and the 2021 pornographic content case to fresh financial fraud allegations, each chapter has sparked both public judgment and legal scrutiny. His recent kidney offer to Guru Premanand Maharaj shows a different, more compassionate side—yet even such gestures are filtered through the lens of his past. Ultimately, Kundra’s story reflects how, in the court of public opinion, a person’s present is often inseparable from their history, and every action is weighed against the shadows of yesterday.
Watch here the complete video:https://youtu.be/hx-pQAkV2IU?si=4pWEuaqQHhhTinGl