Shilpa Shirodkar’s 90s Publicity Stunt Resurfaces: “Shot Dead” Headline Sparks Chaos

Shilpa Shirodkar’s “Shot Dead” Headline Sparks Stir – A 90s Publicity Stunt Gone Too Far?

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shirodkar is once again in the spotlight after opening up about one of the most bizarre and shocking moments of her film career — a fake newspaper headline during the promotion of the 1995 film Raghuveer that read:

“Shilpa Shirodkar Shot Dead!”

The actress, who was shooting in Kullu-Manali with co-star Suniel Shetty at the time, recounted the chilling moment when she returned to her hotel room to find 20 to 25 missed calls from worried family members and friends. Chaos had erupted back home.

“I had no idea why people were calling until I saw the newspaper. It was a full-blown promo stunt for the movie, but no one told me about it!”, Shilpa shared in a recent interview.

This incident is now trending again in 2025 after fans on X (formerly Twitter) resurfaced the story, leading to widespread conversation about ethics in movie marketing, especially in the pre-social media era.

🎬 What Actually Happened?

In 1995, Raghuveer was gearing up for release. The production team orchestrated a shocking publicity stunt by planting a headline in a leading daily that claimed Shilpa had been shot dead. While it generated attention, it also triggered panic nationwide.

Shilpa said she wasn’t even consulted or informed:

“My parents and sister were scared. No one knew where I was. I only found out later it was a promotional gimmick.”

While the film did well at the box office, Shilpa admitted it could have gone very wrong.

❤️ Shilpa on Depression, Comeback, and Support System

In a separate revelation, Shilpa also opened up about her struggle with depression following the loss of her parents. Her husband Aparesh, based in New Zealand, gave up his successful job and moved back to India to be by her side.

“I needed my sister Namrata and my family. My husband left everything to support me. That’s love.”

🌟 Career Comeback and Projects in 2025

Shilpa, once labeled "jinxed" in Bollywood after a few shelved projects, credits Mithun Chakraborty for reviving her film career. He offered her a role when no one else would.

“I’m here today because of Mithun da,” she said.

She will soon appear in a supernatural thriller titled Jatadhara, set in Kerala and linked to the Padmanabhaswamy temple mythology, alongside Sonakshi Sinha and Sudheer Babu.

📈 Why It’s Trending

1. The 1995 stunt resurfaced on social media

2. Mental health advocacy in the public eye

3. Upcoming comeback film generating buzz

4. Honest insights from a 90s actress about Bollywood’s past

🗨️ Fans React

• “This is wild! Imagine being declared dead for PR!”

• “Shilpa deserves more roles today — she’s so graceful and candid.”

• “Respect to her husband for stepping up in a difficult time.”