Meet actress who worked with SRK and Salman Khan, ruled the 90s, dated this hit star, refused to marry this UK-based business, until he.., she is…

In Bollywood, we get to hear fairy-tale love affairs replete with drama and glamour. However, there are a few love affairs that catch the eye, not due to luxury or status—but because of how much one goes to win the heart of the other. One of such unconventional and lesser-known affairs is that between businessman Raj Kundra and actress Shilpa Shetty from Bollywood. What appeared to the world as a picture-perfect couple began with distance, reluctance, and a sweeping romantic overture that turned everything around.

Shilpa Shetty, a leading actress of the 90s and early 2000s, wasn’t quite ready to commit when she met Raj Kundra for the first time. She was busy with her career and residing in Mumbai, whereas Raj was based in London. The two were matched by a manager, and although Raj was immediately smitten, Shilpa was doubtful. She felt the distance would never be feasible and informed him straight out that she would never be able to leave India or relocate overseas.

However, Raj Kundra was not about to let go so soon. In an interview, he shared that once he sensed Shilpa had even a little interest in him, he decided to make his move. Raj explained, “Main toh haath pair dho ke peeche pad gaya (I chased her like crazy).” Laughing, he did say that it would have been great to say that she had run after him with a lamp in her hand, but actually, he was the one who had followed her with all passion.

To demonstrate just how serious he was, Raj took a risk. He called producer Vashu Bhagnani immediately and informed him that he wanted to purchase a house in Mumbai. In 10 minutes, he bought a house in Juhu—literally next door to superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa. Then he informed Shilpa, “You had said you want to stay in Mumbai only. I bought a house next to Big B’s. Now let’s negotiate.

This big gesture left Shilpa very impressed. She could see the effort, honesty, and love that went into the move, and it contributed significantly to her agreeing to marry him. The couple got married in November 2009 in a lovely ceremony. Now, they have two kids—a son, Viaan, and a daughter, Samisha. Shilpa Shetty’s approximate net worth is around Rs 134 crore.

Prior to marrying Raj Kundra, Shilpa was in the limelight for her high-profile relationship with Akshay Kumar. The two were initially said to be engaged but called it off, and they moved away from each other. Shilpa professionally gained success with her entry into films through Baazigar (1993) opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. She became the most bankable star post Dhadkan (2000) and continued to be a sought-after name on film and television.

Shilpa and Raj’s romance shows that sometimes love is not exactly about timing, but about effort. And in their instance, a house beside Jalsa and determination in one’s heart was needed to seal it.

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