‘It Was a Valentine’s Gift’: Raj Kundra Reveals Why He Bought ₹82 Crore Stake in Rajasthan Royals for Shilpa Shetty

Businessman Raj Kundra has revealed the personal story behind his investment in Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals, describing it as a special Valentine’s Day gift for his wife and actor Shilpa Shetty.

Speaking during an interview with SMTV on YouTube, Kundra said his decision to acquire a stake in the franchise in 2009 was driven by both business ambition and his belief in Shilpa’s growing brand value.

‘It Was a Valentine’s Gift’

Recalling the investment, Raj Kundra said he wanted to combine his financial investment with Shilpa Shetty’s popularity.“I bought it like a Valentine’s Day gift. I thought Shilpa had the brand value and I am putting in the money. I bought my stake then, but the case is still going on,” Kundra said.

According to reports at the time, Kundra invested around ₹81.9 crore to purchase his stake in the IPL franchise.

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From ₹700 Crore to ₹16,000 Crore Valuation

Reflecting on the franchise’s growth, Kundra claimed that Rajasthan Royals was valued at approximately ₹700 crore when he became an investor.

He said the team’s estimated valuation has now climbed to nearly ₹16,000 crore, highlighting the remarkable commercial growth of the IPL over the years.

Today, Rajasthan Royals is owned by a consortium that includes members of the Mittal family, Adar Poonawalla, and Manoj Badale.

IPL Controversy and Lifetime Ban

Raj Kundra’s association with the IPL came under scrutiny in 2013, when allegations of illegal betting surfaced during the tournament.

Following an investigation by the Justice Lodha Committee, which was appointed by the Supreme Court of India, Kundra received a lifetime ban from all cricket-related activities in 2015.

The committee also suspended Rajasthan Royals from the IPL for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty’s Love Story

Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty first met in 2007 in the United Kingdom after the actress won Celebrity Big Brother.

The two were introduced through Shilpa’s public relations team when Kundra approached her for the promotion of a perfume brand. Their professional relationship gradually developed into a romance.

The couple tied the knot in 2009 and welcomed their son, Viaan, in 2012. In 2020, they became parents to daughter Samisha, who was born via surrogacy.