Shilpa Shirodkar’s Viral ‘Death’ Rumour Resurfaces Amid Major Film Comeback

Shilpa Shirodkar

Veteran Bollywood actress Shilpa Shirodkar is back in the spotlight—not just for her upcoming film, but also because of a decades-old promotional stunt that continues to fascinate fans and media alike. Today, Shilpa recalled the chaos triggered by a fake news campaign during the shoot of the 1995 film Raghuveer, which starred Suniel Shetty in the lead role alongside herself

According to recent interviews, while Shilpa was shooting with Shetty in Kullu Manali, rumours began to circulate that she had been ‘shot dead’ on set. The rumour spread so rapidly, in an era without social media or PR campaigns, that it caused panic among her family and friends back home. “My dad was trying to call the hotel because we didn’t have mobile phones at that time,” Shilpa said in a candid chat with Pinkvilla. “I was shooting with Suniel Shetty there… everyone who was watching the shoot there kept thinking if this is Shilpa or someone else, because they knew the news.”

Shilpa only learned about the rumour when the film’s producer informed her that it was a promotional tactic. “Back then, there were no official PR campaigns. I was the last person to know,” she revealed. Despite the initial shock, Shilpa didn’t hold a grudge for long, as the film did well—though she admitted, “It was a bit too much.”

The Comeback

Now, Shilpa is set to return to the big screen with her new movie, Jatadhara, a pan-India supernatural thriller. The film, which explores the hidden mysteries of the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, marks a significant shift for Shilpa, who was last seen in Bigg Boss 18. The ensemble cast includes Sudheer Babu—who underwent intense training for the role—and marks the Telugu-Hindi debut of Bollywood star Sonakshi Sinha. Shilpa will play a major role in the storyline, signaling a robust comeback after years away from industry limelight.

Life Beyond Films

Shilpa, who began her career with Bhrashtachar opposite Mithun Chakraborty, starred in several hits like Hum, Khuda Gawah, and Aankhen. However, at the peak of her career, she chose to walk away from Bollywood for personal reasons. “I don’t regret taking a break,” she said. “I miss being busy, but I married such a sweet, nice and simple man and that was important for me to start my life.” Shilpa’s husband, Aparesh Ranjit, is a banker and holds two MBA degrees, prompting her to move to New Zealand with him. “If I would have gotten married in India, I would have hundred percent continue working,” she said, adding that while she never imagined leaving Mumbai or India, her perspective changed after meeting her husband.

A Flashback to the Wild West of Bollywood Promotions

The incident sheds light on a bygone era of Bollywood publicity—one where outrageous rumours were sometimes the only tools to grab headlines. Today, with social media and formal PR campaigns, such tactics are unthinkable, but the story remains a fascinating footnote in the history of Indian film marketing. As Shilpa Shirodkar steps back into the spotlight with Jatadhara, her unique story of perseverance, career shifts, and dramatic publicity stunts continues to inspire and intrigue a new generation of fans.