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Raj Kundra responds to ‘PR stunt’ allegations after offering his kidney to Premanand Maharaj during a Vrindavan visit. The businessman calls for compassion over cynicism.
Raj Kundra has addressed online criticism calling his kidney offer to Premanand Maharaj a ‘PR stunt’.
Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, have once again found themselves in the media spotlight — this time for a mix of controversy, compassion, and criticism.
Recently, the couple visited Vrindavan, where a video surfaced showing a deeply personal and unexpected moment. In the clip, Raj Kundra is seen listening to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj speak about his health struggles. Maharaj revealed that both his kidneys have failed and that he has been living with the condition for over a decade. In a spontaneous gesture, Raj offered his own kidney to Maharaj, leaving Shilpa visibly surprised. While the Maharaj appreciated the sentiment, he politely declined the offer.
The Offer and the Backlash
What might have been viewed as an act of selflessness quickly became a subject of online debate. Many social media users dismissed Raj’s offer as nothing more than a “PR stunt,” pointing to his controversial past. The skepticism gained enough traction that Raj decided to directly address it on social media.
Taking to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Raj wrote, “Strange world we live in when someone chooses to offer a part of themselves to save another’s life, it’s mocked as a PR stunt. If compassion is a stunt, may the world see more of it. If humanity is a strategy, may more people adopt it. I’m not defined by labels the media or trolls throw at me.”
Strange world we live in when someone chooses to offer a part of themselves to save another’s life, it’s mocked as a PR stunt. If compassion is a stunt, may the world see more of it. If humanity is a strategy, may more people adopt it. I’m not defined by labels the media or…— Raj Kundra (@onlyrajkundra) August 15, 2025
The businessman didn’t stop there. He also addressed the tendency of the public to judge him through the lens of his past controversies, adding, “My past does not cancel my present choices, and my present intentions are not for you to measure with your cynicism. Judge less, love more — you might just save a life too. #RadheRadhe #HumanityFirst #LetGoodnessLive.”
Legal Troubles Loom in the Background
Raj’s heartfelt statement comes at a time when both he and Shilpa Shetty are facing serious allegations. Businessman Deepak Kothari has accused the couple of defrauding him of ₹60 crore between 2015 and 2023. According to Kothari, the money was meant for expanding their business ventures but was allegedly diverted towards personal expenses.
The case is currently being investigated by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). In response to the allegations, the couple’s legal representative, Advocate Prashant Patil, issued a statement dismissing the claims as “baseless” and “malicious.”
The Viral Video and Public Perception
In the widely circulated video from Vrindavan, Shilpa and Raj can be seen sitting among other devotees, listening intently to Maharaj’s words. The moment Raj offers his kidney, Shilpa’s eyes widen in surprise, her reaction sparking as much conversation as the offer itself. While some online lauded the gesture as admirable, others remained steadfast in their belief that it was timed for publicity.
The Maharaj, while touched by the offer, declined it, choosing instead to thank Raj for his compassion.
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
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