In 2012, during the staging of his comedy Bol Bachchan, director Rohit Shetty cast Prachi Desai, a prominent actress known for her roles in Rock On!! (2008) and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010). The film also featured Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, and Asin, and went on to become a major box-office hit. While promoting the film, Shetty enjoyed a friendly camaraderie with Prachi, though few could have anticipated what unfolded off-screen.
Sparks on Set: Rumors of Romance
- Media speculation began swirling in early 2012, suggesting that Shetty, who has been married to Maya Shetty since 2005, had grown close to Prachi on set. Reports from outlets such as News18 hinted they “fell in love” and even lived together briefly during the shoot.
- Jaipur rumors: According to various reports, including News18, the two were spotted enjoying private dinners during the Jaipur schedule, the setting triggered gossip that Shetty was willing to neglect his family.
- Casting-couch angle: Prachi later alleged she refused inappropriate casting proposals, including from Shetty’s camp, claiming she turned down roles involving personal favor exchanges.
Insider Take: Shetty Responds
In a 2013 interview with Rediff, Shetty addressed the swirling rumors directly. He recalled discovering a camera crew filming his residence, assumed to feature Prachi—so he threatened legal action:
“I started picking up the phone and telling people they had to prove their allegations in 24 hours or I would come and break their office. He emphasized that as a married man from humble beginnings, he wouldn’t bow to sensational gossip.
Fallout: Careers and Relationships
- Shetty’s marriage: Multiple sources suggest his bond with Maya Shetty “hit the rocks” temporarily, with Prachi cited as the catalyst. However, Maya did not file for divorce and ultimately the couple reconciled.
- Prachi’s trajectory: After Bol Bachchan, Prachi’s film career saw less momentum. Film discussions and Internet forums attributed part of the slowdown to backlash from industry insiders. One Reddit user wrote:
“Back in the days of Bol Bachchan, … their on-set bond blossomed … leading Rohit to … leave his wife … relationship with Prachi crumbled … he went back to his family.”
Another echoed:
“Prachi Desai career went nowhere after this fling. Maybe she pissed off someone so bad she was blackballed.”
- Industry gossip boards also suggest Prachi was young (23) and Shetty older (39) at the time—a pairing that fueled tabloid fascination .
What Prachi Has Said (And Not Said)
- Prachi has largely remained silent about the alleged relationship. In later years she opened up about being offered roles only if she “compromised,” but never named names.
- In 2012, she praised Shetty’s professionalism:
“On set, he is strict but is also fun to work with”.
- In 2024, while promoting her web series Silence 2, she acknowledged heartbreak and hinted at past emotional upheavals, though again without referencing Shetty directly.
Fling or Fiction?
The saga features all the hallmarks of Bollywood intrigue: a high-profile director and a rising actress, whispered dinner dates, potential marital strife, and career ripples. While neither Shetty nor Prachi has publicly validated a romantic relationship, multiple media outlets and insider testimonies suggest there was at least a close emotional bond.
Prachi’s later remarks about refusing casting-couch proposals and acknowledging emotional heartbreak hint at personal hurt, while Shetty’s vehement denials reflect deep frustration with the rumors’ impact on his family life and reputation.
Ultimately, without explicit confirmation or refutation, the story remains locked in the blur of rumor, reputation, and industry politics, yet its effects are still visible. It’s a compelling caution about how personal narratives in Bollywood can transform into career-altering public drama.
By – Sonali