Entrepreneur and actor Shilpa Shetty’s husband, Raj Kundra, who was arrested in 2021 for allegedly producing and distributing adult content via an app, spent 63 days in Arthur Road Jail.
In a recent interview with the Bombay Times, he opened up about the emotional toll of that period and how he chose to confront it. “Those were some of the darkest times of my life. There was anger, hurt, and confusion, but also deep self-reflection,” Raj said. “I could’ve let that chapter define me, but I chose instead to learn from it. The truth has its own timeline, and I’ve made peace with that. My focus now is to move forward with clarity, creativity, and courage.”
Reflecting on how relationships shifted during that phase, he added, “Some friendships vanished overnight, others got stronger than ever. But the real pain was watching my loved ones suffer because of my headlines. That guilt stays with you. And yet, the love they gave me during that storm is what saved me. You realise who your tribe is, and you never take them for granted again. Shilpa stood by me with grace and resilience, even when it would’ve been easier to walk away. My kids gave me reason to smile when I felt like disappearing. That kind of unconditional support rewires your soul.”
Managing the overwhelming guilt of watching loved ones suffer in such situations
When someone faces challenging situations, it is natural to feel deep guilt when their actions or reputation impact their loved ones. Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “This guilt often stems from a sense of responsibility and helplessness. The first step in managing this overwhelming feeling is acknowledging rather than suppressing it. It helps to remind oneself that while mistakes may have consequences, healing begins with accountability and a genuine effort to make amends.”
She adds, “Talking openly with loved ones, seeking their forgiveness, and expressing remorse can ease the burden. Additionally, engaging in self-compassion practices, such as journaling or mindfulness, allows individuals to process guilt more healthily without letting it consume them.”
Healthy ways to rebuild self-worth and clarity after a period of intense scrutiny
After experiencing intense scrutiny, anger, and emotional isolation, Gurnani stresses that it is important to focus on small, meaningful steps that rebuild self-worth and clarity. “One of the most powerful ways is through routine—establishing simple, daily practices like exercise, meditation, or creative hobbies that give a sense of purpose and control. Setting personal goals, even small ones, helps regain confidence,” she states.
The expert continues that seeking therapy or support groups provides a safe space to process emotions and gain perspective. It’s also crucial to separate identity from public opinion; understanding that mistakes or labels don’t define the whole person can slowly restore clarity and inner strength.
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How does unconditional support from close family members impact emotional healing after trauma?
According to Gurnani, unconditional support from close family members plays “a profound role in emotional healing after trauma. ” When someone feels accepted and loved despite their lowest moments, it provides a foundation of safety and hope. This kind of support reassures the person that they are more than their worst mistakes.
Gurnani notes, “As Raj described, the presence of his wife and sister gave him strength during his darkest times because it reminded him that he wasn’t alone. Such support becomes transformative because it helps rebuild trust—not just in others, but in oneself. It shows that love can exist even when the world feels hostile, making it easier for a person to believe in the possibility of recovery and redemption.”
