Bombay High Court Bars Shilpa Shetty from Overseas Travel Amid ₹60 Crore Fraud Allegations
By Tanveer Zaidi
Bollywood’s evergreen beauty and fitness icon Shilpa Shetty has long dazzled audiences with her elegance, poise, and impeccable dance moves.
A celebrated star of the 1990s and 2000s, she remains one of India’s most admired actresses — admired not only for her glamour but also for her discipline, charm, and inspiring fitness journey.
However, in recent years, the actress has found herself at the centre of persistent controversies and legal troubles that threaten to overshadow her illustrious legacy.
The latest setback came on Wednesday, when the Bombay High Court refused to grant Shilpa Shetty permission to travel to Colombo for a YouTube event scheduled between October 25 and 29.
The court ruled that she must first deposit ₹60 crore, the amount alleged to have been fraudulently diverted, before her travel plea could even be considered.
The Case at a Glance
The case stems from a complaint filed by Deepak Kothari, a businessman and director at Lotus Capital Financial Services, who alleges that Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, misused his substantial investment of ₹60 crore in their company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, between 2015 and 2023.
According to the complaint, instead of channeling funds toward business development, the couple allegedly diverted the money for personal expenses and private gains.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police is investigating the matter, having booked the couple under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) about dishonest misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust, and common intention.
The court noted that a Lookout Circular (LOC) remains active against Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, preventing them from leaving the country without explicit judicial or agency permission.
The actor’s counsel argued that Shetty had been invited to a YouTube event in Colombo, but the court found the invitation insufficiently documented since no written proof was provided—only a verbal assurance from the organisers.
Consequently, the bench refused to lift the travel ban and directed the couple to first deposit the disputed ₹60 crore before any travel permission could be reconsidered. The next hearing has been scheduled for October 14.
The Business Dispute
At the heart of the controversy lies Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a now-defunct home-shopping television network co-founded by Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra.
Once touted as an ambitious venture merging celebrity influence with e-commerce, the company soon faced operational and financial setbacks.
Complainant Deepak Kothari claims that his capital infusion into the venture was mishandled and never accounted for transparently.
He alleges that Shetty and Kundra not only failed to uphold their fiduciary duties but also used the funds for personal luxuries rather than business expansion.
Past Legal Troubles
This is not Raj Kundra’s first tryst with controversy. He previously made headlines for his alleged involvement in the IPL match-fixing scandal during his tenure as co-owner of the Rajasthan Royals team.
Later, in 2021, he was arrested and imprisoned in connection with an adult film production case, though he was subsequently released on bail.
While Kundra has frequently been in the eye of legal storms, Shilpa Shetty has largely maintained a dignified silence, emphasizing her innocence and trust in the judicial process.
Both have categorically denied all allegations, asserting that they have fully cooperated with the investigating authorities and remain confident of clearing their names.
Once a Star Beyond Compare
Before the tide of controversies, Shilpa Shetty reigned as one of Bollywood’s most radiant stars.
Bursting onto the scene with her memorable debut in Baazigar (1993), she soon captivated audiences with her charisma in hits like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Dhadkan, and Phir Milenge — the last of which earned her critical acclaim for portraying the sensitive subject of HIV awareness with remarkable empathy.
Her global breakthrough came in 2007 when she won Celebrity Big Brother UK, triumphing over racial discrimination with grace and dignity.
The victory turned her into a global symbol of strength, composure, and resilience, winning admiration from millions worldwide.
Post her cinematic peak, Shilpa reinvented herself as a fitness entrepreneur and wellness guru.
Her bestselling yoga DVDs, wellness brand, and motivational content on social media made her a household name once again — this time for her advocacy of holistic living and positive energy.
She also ventured into business, television judging, and philanthropy, actively supporting social causes and relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her ability to evolve, adapt, and sustain relevance across decades is a rare feat in the entertainment world.
The Icon and the Ordeal
Despite her achievements, Shilpa Shetty’s journey has been marred by relentless public scrutiny.
From facing emotional trials during her husband’s legal battles to being dragged into controversies unrelated to her personal conduct, she has often found herself forced to defend her integrity in the public eye.
Yet, her supporters continue to hail her as a symbol of grace under fire — a woman who, despite adversities, stands tall with unwavering faith in truth and resilience.
Whether the latest court order will mark another challenging chapter or a turning point in her life remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Shilpa Shetty’s story is far from over, and her strength continues to inspire.
(By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor – Author – Educationist)
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