Enter Raj Kundra. A London-based businessman, Kundra represented a departure from the industry insiders Shilpa had previously been linked with. Their story began in 2007, shortly after her Big Brother win. Kundra was initially married when they met professionally, but after his divorce was finalized in 2009, the romance blossomed openly.

Her ability to cry on cue during breakup scenes and light up the frame during happy romantic moments makes her the go-to actress for any show needing a "strong yet vulnerable" female lead.