Shilpa and Kundra enter IPL, buy stake in Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai, Feb 3 (IANS) Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and London-based NRI businessman Raj Kundra Tuesday bought a 12 percent stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals.

The couple has invested $15.4 million in the team, which was bought by London-based Emerging Media Group for $67 million.

Shilpa called it a strategic business investment and said: 'I completely relate to Rajasthan Royals. My story is similar to the team's journey to the top. It is an honour to be a part of Rajasthan Royals.'

'Whenever the team needs me I will always pitch in. I will be the moral support of my team. The team needed an Indian owner and so I am here,' she added.

With the tie-up, Shilpa becomes the fourth Bollywood star after Preity Zinta, Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla to enter the IPL. While Preity is part-owner of Kings XI Punjab, Shah Rukh and Juhi are co-owners of Kolkata Knight Riders.

Asked if the moved was aimed at getting more fame, Shilpa said: 'It is just a game and we should have our own fun. I am not in the run to get more fame. This was just Raj's business acumen.'

Boyfriend Kundra added: 'The team's success story last year was an inspiration for me. That's why I am investing in this team.'

Rajasthan Royals led by the maverick Shane Warne surprised everyone last year by winning the inaugural edition of the tournament ahead of some teams that had big stars in their kitty.