Richard Gere kissing incident, love affair with Akshay Kumar, Raj Kundra pornography case: 5 times Shilpa Shetty made headlines

Shilpa Shetty has been in the news ever since her businessman-husband was arrested by Mumbai Crime Branch on July 19 in a pornography-related case. The actress was prepping up for her comeback in film after about 13 long years when she got embroiled in this controversy. However, this is not the first time the actress has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. From her controversial stint in ‘Big Brother’ to her alleged love affair and break up with Akshay Kumar, here are five times when the actress found herself mired in controversy.

Shilpa Shetty’s husband Raj Kundra has been named as the key perpetrator in the alleged creation and publication of adult films through digital applications. He was first arrested in the case on July 19. Besides recording her statement and checking if Shilpa knew about her husband's alleged links, the police also conducted a raid on their Juhu home. Police said they seized 48 TB worth of images and videos, most of which is adult content. Raj has been sent to a 14-day judicial custody.

Shilpa Shetty and Akshay Kumar were head over heels in love with each other at one point. However, they eventually parted ways on a bitter note. Shilpa reportedly alleged that Akshay was two-timing her with Twinkle Khanna. A heartbroken Shilpa had also lashed out at the ‘Khiladi’ actor in a tell-all interview.

Shilpa Shetty had attended an AIDS-awareness event in 2007 where she was repeatedly hugged and kissed on the cheeks by American actor Richard Gere of ‘Pretty Woman’ fame. Their public display of affection earned them the wrath of the public. It also led to a nationwide protest where Shetty and Gere’s effigies were burnt on the streets. A Rajasthan court had then issued a warrant for Shetty and Gere's arrest but later the Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of India, dismissed the suit.

Shilpa Shetty made headlines when she became the only Indian celebrity to feature on the international reality show, ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2002. The actress made was allegedly made the target of racism and bullying by her fellow housemates that included, Jade Goody, Jo O’Meara and Danielle Lloyd. Although Shilpa was said to have gone through a lot during the time, she eventually came out victorious after she was declared the winner of the season.

Shilpa Shetty and actress Reema Sen were issued with non-bailable warrants in April 2006 by a Madurai court for reportedly posing in an obscene manner in pictures, which were published by a Tamil newspaper. In an interview with The Times Of India, she had said, "As far as my photographs go, what is obscene about it? If navel-showing is obscenity, then our traditional Indian outfit–the traditional saree– should be banned in the first place".