The Raj Kundra Story – Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks

New Delhi: Life is like riding your boat in the sea of storms, and living means finding every way you can, to sail your boat through. And it’s not how successful you are, or how rich, or how talented – it’s about how resilient you are – that helps you navigate the complexities of life. In the words of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, “Lehron se ladke nauka paar nahin hoti, koshish karne waalon ki kabhi haar nahin hoti.” (You can’t sail your boat by fighting with the waves, the ones who try can never be defeated). In the end, it becomes all about trying and being resilient in the face of every adversity. And all of this is not a textbook theory or something we just watch in films, but it’s the reality of so many people living amongst us.

And one such person who has been fighting to pave his way through every storm is Raj Kundra, a British-Indian businessman and an incredible actor. He was ranked as 198th richest British Asian by Success. He was also among the promoters of – Best Deal TV, an online and TV broadcast platform capitalizing on celebrity endorsements. At the same time, his involvement in social change has been commendable. He was awarded with ‘Champions of Change Award’ by Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India for his involvement with Swachh Bharat Mission. But there’s more to him than meets the eye.

His journey didn’t begin with a silver spoon. He transformed his humble beginnings into glorious success. He was born in a middle-class family where his father was a bus conductor in London and mother worked as a shop assistant. It was at the age of 18 when Kundra decided to get into the business of selling pashmina shawls in Britain and that was the beginning of his life as an entrepreneur. Eventually in 2007, he moved to Dubai and set up a business that dealt with precious metals, mining and renewable energy projects. And not just that, he also had his foot inside the entertainment industry where he financed and produced Bollywood films.

But life has its way of throwing challenges our way. Kundra’s journey was no different. His life got upside down too. He was arrested in July 2021 and spent two months in jail. Eventually in September 2021, he was released on bail. But those 2 months changed his life forever. He faced humiliation, the media was behind his wife, children and parents and he himself was in a trap from which he felt like there was no way out. But just like the protagonist of every film, he didn’t let the setbacks hold him for longer.

“I decided to not only come out of the real-time prison, but also the prison made by the society. I knew that I can’t let things happen and I must take matters into my own hands. So I got back. For myself, for my wife, my children, my parents and for every person who has been in my shoes,” says Raj Kundra. Through this hard journey, Kundra embraced strength and resilience reminding us that life never ends. There’s always a way. Very soon, Raj Kundra wrote and starred in his film – UT69. The film gives us a glimpse into the 63 days he spent inside India’s most crowded jail – Arthur Road Jail. It not only showcases the hardships endured by Kundra but also gives us a glimpse of life of jail inmates and throws light on the situations they live under.

Raj Kundra went beyond his own experience and also has another film lined up for release this year – Mehar. It’s directed by Rakesh Mehta, and produced by Divvya Bhatnagar and Raghu Khanna. It’s going to be released on September 5th, 2025 and is already in the watchlist of so many cinebuffs. It’s a heartfelt family drama that also revolves around love, friendship and life.

Throwing light on his life, Raj Kundra says, “People are always going to say things. Wrong stuff will always come your way. But you always have the chance to rewrite your setbacks into comebacks. One of the lines I always remember during these times is by Maya Angelou:

“You may write me down in history,
with your bitter, twisted lies.
You may trod me in the very dirt.
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

Raj Kundra’s story of strength reminds us of the Phoenix inside us. It might burn down, but from its ashes, it always comes back to life.

Disclaimer: Consumer Connect Initiative

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