Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty Kundra (born Ashwini Shetty on 8 June 1975) is an Indian actress who works mainly in Hindi films. She made her screen debut in the thriller Baazigar (1993) which gained her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She had intermittent success in the rest of the decade, such as in the action films Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) and Jaanwar (1999). The romantic drama Dhadkan (2000) marked a turning point in Shetty's career. This was followed by roles in Indian (2001) and Rishtey (2002), which earned her a second Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Shetty received praise for playing a woman suffering from AIDS in the social drama Phir Milenge (2004), which earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She subsequently appeared in the action thriller Dus (2005), the ensemble drama Life in a... Metro (2007), and the sports drama Apne (2007). She also received attention for the song "Shut Up & Bounce" in the film Dostana (2008). This was followed by a hiatus from acting. She returned in 2021 with the comedy Hungama 2. In 2006, she ventured into reality television by judging the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. In early 2007, Shetty joined the fifth season of the UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother, ultimately winning the entire season and remaining as the final housemate. However, during her stay in the house, Shetty received international media coverage and attention for the racism and ignorance she endured from several of her fellow celebrity housemates—including being called ‘Sherpa’. Her win was followed by a spot hosting the second season of the reality show Bigg Boss. Shetty has since appeared as a judge on several Indian dance and music reality-competition shows, including Zara Nachke Dikha (2010), Nach Baliye (2012–20) and Super Dancer (2016–21), and she has made appearances on Indian Idol (2021-23). In addition to acting in films, Shetty is a celebrity endorser for various brands and products, and she has been vocal about personal issues such as feminism, vegetarianism and animal rights. Shetty has worked with PETA since 2006 as part of an advertising campaign against the use of wild animals in circuses. She is also a fitness enthusiast and she launched her own Yoga DVD in 2015. She is involved in several fitness campaigns such as the Fit India Movement, launched by the Government of India.