Businessman and actor Raj Kundra has opened up about one of the toughest phases of his life, recalling how reports about wife Shilpa Shetty allegedly planning to divorce him pushed him to an emotional breaking point while he was in jail.
In a recent interview with ABP News, Kundra spoke about his 63-day stay at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail in connection with the 2021 pornography case.
He described the jail conditions as extremely difficult, claiming that hundreds of inmates were packed into a space meant for around 50 people.
Kundra also said he survived largely on Parle-G biscuits and water during his time in custody and lost around 17 to 18 kg.
According to him, he was already struggling mentally when reports about problems in his marriage began circulating.
Recalling the night he heard that Shilpa was allegedly planning to leave him, Kundra said he felt completely broken.
“That night I couldn’t sleep because I felt like giving up my life,” he said.
He added that his wife and family meant everything to him and that, at that moment, he felt there was no point in living.
Kundra said a phone call from Shilpa changed his state of mind.
According to him, she dismissed the divorce reports and reassured him that she trusted him and was standing by him.
“She said, ‘This is rubbish news. I am with you. I trust you. Don’t worry about it,’” he recalled.
Kundra said that conversation gave him the strength to face the situation.
After the call, he said he felt mentally stronger and was ready to deal with whatever came next because he knew his wife was supporting him.
Raj Kundra was arrested on July 19, 2021, after the Mumbai Police Crime Branch investigated an alleged racket involving the production and distribution of pornographic content through mobile applications.
The investigation reportedly involved apps such as Hotshots and Bollyfame.
Investigators alleged that Kundra’s company, Viaan Industries, was linked to the operation of Hotshots. A supplementary chargesheet was later filed in September 2021, naming Kundra and three others.
Kundra denied the allegations and maintained that he had been made a scapegoat.
He was granted bail by a Mumbai magistrate on September 20, 2021.
Kundra later turned his jail experience into the 2023 film UT69, which was inspired by his time in custody.
In 2026, he continues to speak about the case and its impact on his life. He also appeared on reality television, including The Traitors, where he was eliminated early.
Kundra was also granted bail by a PMLA court in connection with the Rs 150-crore Bitcoin scam case.