Businessman turned actor Raj Kundra has opened up about his harrowing experience during his 63-day stay at Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail following his arrest in a 2021 pornography case. Reflecting on that turbulent period, Kundra detailed the circumstances surrounding his sudden detention, the collapse of his business ventures, and the immense emotional toll caused by false media reports regarding his marriage with actor Shilpa Shetty. He shared how fake rumors of a divorce nearly drove him to take his own life until a reassuring phone call from his wife restored his will to fight back.
Summoned for Questioning and Unexpected Arrest
Recounting the day of his arrest, Raj Kundra stated that he had initially been called to the police station merely for questioning. Unaware that he was about to be taken into custody, he went voluntarily without any hesitation. While seated inside the station, he chanced upon a post on the social media platform X announcing his arrest. When he inquired about the post with a police officer present in the room, the official confirmed the news, stating that they were acting strictly on orders from higher authorities.
Shilpa Shetty's Swift Action and Shutting Down Businesses
The news of Raj Kundra's arrest came as a complete shock to his wife, Shilpa Shetty, who first learned about the development through news channels. Despite the initial panic, she quickly gathered her courage and assembled a team of top defense lawyers in the country. At that time, Kundra's various business operations employed approximately 4,000 people across India. Facing an overwhelming situation and unsure of how to manage such a massive workforce and operation single-handedly, Shilpa had to make the difficult decision to shut down all those businesses overnight. While Kundra had anticipated securing bail after 63 days, the uncertainty surrounding the legal timelines added further strain on the family.
The Painful Night of Divorce Rumors
While attempting to endure the harsh conditions of jail, Raj Kundra faced his darkest moment when reports began circulating in the media claiming that Shilpa Shetty was leaving him and that the couple was getting divorced. Although the reports were later confirmed to be completely baseless rumors, hearing them at the time shattered Kundra internally. His family and wife were his sole anchors during the crisis, and the thought of losing them plunged him into deep despair.
Kundra revealed that he was unable to sleep at all that night. Devastated by the thought that his family life was collapsing, thoughts of suicide entered his mind. He felt there was no reason left to live if his wife and family were no longer by his side, making him feel that ending his life was the only way out.
A Morning Phone Call Rebuilds Hope
The emotional turmoil took a dramatic turn the following morning when Raj Kundra was able to speak with Shilpa Shetty over the phone. During the conversation, Shilpa comforted him and clarified that all news reports about a separation were entirely false and unfounded. She reassured him of her unwavering faith, love, and support. Hearing his wife's reassuring words restored Kundra's emotional strength, giving him the courage to face the legal battle and survive the remainder of his time in prison.
