This period marked a shift toward mature roles. However, the defining moment of her career was her participation in Celebrity Big Brother 5 (UK) in 2007. The footage of her handling racial bullying on the reality show made international headlines, rebranding her as a figure of dignity and grace.
In 2006, Shilpa Shetty was a contestant on the reality TV show "Bigg Boss," where she was involved in a controversy with fellow contestant and businessman, Vijay Mallya. The controversy led to a fake sex tape being circulated online, which allegedly featured Shilpa Shetty and Vijay Mallya.