The beginning

Shilpa entered the glamour world at a very young age. Her first modelling assignment was for Limca in 1991 at the age of 16. Few years later, she made her Bollywood debut in Abbas-Mustan’s ‘Baazigar’. Although a short role, her performance in the film was noticed by directors.

Sexy Siren

She made her mark in Govinda starrer ‘Aag’ in 1994. The same year smash hit ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ came. Shilpa’s song ‘Chura ke Dil Mera’ was an instant chart topper. The song also gave her the tag of a `sexy siren`.

Bollywood Journey

After a spate of unsuccessful films, came Salman Khan starrer ‘Auzaar’. The film had Shilpa as the female lead. The film was an average hit but its music was a bit hit.

Dhadkan and beyond..

Shetty received much acclaim for her role in ‘Dhadkan’ which earned reasonable takings at the Indian Box Office. She received several nominations under the Best Actress category fin different award ceremonies for the film.

The uncoventional role

In 2004, Shilpa gave a stellar performance in ‘Phir Milenge’. Shilpa played a successful city high-flyer, who contracts HIV via unprotected sex and becomes a social outcast as a result. The film, based on 1993`s ‘Philadelphia’, was perceived to have tackled a social taboo as yet unaddressed by Bollywood.

The turning point

Shilpa’s big ticket to stardom came in the form of UK reality show ‘Big Brother’ in 2007. Shilpa entered as one the Indian celebrity inmates in the house and was initially a victim of racist bullying from fellow housemates. A much publicised stint later, Shilpa emerged as a winner of that season and garnered instant international fame.

Post Big Brother

The same year Shilpa’s film ‘Life…in a Metro’ became the first Bollywood movie to premiere at Leicester Square. The film performed well at the Box Office, and was declared a semi-hit within three weeks. The film was critically acclaimed and Shetty`s performance was highly appreciated.

International Recognition

In February 2007, Shetty attended a reception at the House of Commons by invitation of MP Keith Vaz to meet the then Prime Minister Tony Blair. She was also invited to meet Queen Elizabeth II at Marlborough House in London in March 2007.

Holy Matrimony

The actress, who had once dated actor Akshay Kumar, married London based entrepreneur, Raj Kundra in November 2009. It is Shilpa’s first and Raj’s second marriage.

The entrepreneur

Shilpa and her husband, Raj, are part owners of Rajasthan Royals cricket team in the Indian Premier League. The couple have approximately 11.7% stake in the team.

By Shomini Sen