Actress Shamita Shetty has finally addressed her much-talked-about breakup with Raqesh Bapat, describing it as “an erased chapter” of her life. The couple’s romance began during their stint on Bigg Boss OTT in 2021 and continued for some time after the show. However, as Shamita revealed in a recent conversation, that connection, while genuine within the confines of the show, did not translate into the real world.
“Erased” But Not Forgotten
In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Shamita shed light on how the relationship, which sprouted under the unusual circumstances of a reality TV set, ultimately didn’t endure outside the “house.” She explained, “When you’re locked up inside a house for so long, it’s only natural to form such relationships… we are both completely different people. It is a chapter that is erased in my life.”
The phrasing “erased chapter” emphasizes her intention to move past the experience, not by denial but by acknowledging its context and choosing peace over persistence.
Prioritizing Inner Peace Over Companionship
Shamita went on to highlight a vital shift in her personal priorities. Having come to value emotional stability and independence, she is no longer willing to compromise her well-being for the sake of relationships formed out of loneliness. “Till I don’t find someone that I know respects my soul, I will not take it further,” she said, affirming her commitment to self-respect over companionship.
She acknowledged that relationships can be emotionally draining and that she consciously waits for a connection rooted in mutual respect and alignment, rather than settling simply to avoid solitude.
Confirming the Breakup
Shamita’s 2025 revelations echo what she confirmed back in early 2022. In January of that year, she released a statement making it clear that she and Raqesh had been separated for a while. She kept the tone amicable and appreciative toward the fans who had supported them both, saying: “Think it’s important to make this clear. Raqesh and I are no longer together and have not been for a while… Here’s to positivity and newer horizons.”
Born in Bigg Boss, Faded in Reality
According to Shamita and corroborated by public records, the two met during Bigg Boss OTT in 2021. Their bond grew during the emotionally charged setting of the show but did not withstand the demands of life outside.
As both navigated public attention and personal journeys, the differences between them became evident and ultimately insurmountable.
Work and Personal Renewal
On the professional front, Shamita was last seen in the 2023 film The Tenant, directed by Sushrut Jain. She has also made a recent appearance alongside her sister Shilpa Shetty on The Great Indian Kapil Show, now streaming on Netflix.
By positioning her breakup as something closed and behind her, Shamita signals a phase of self-renewal focused on personal peace, self-growth, and selective openness to future relationships.
Choosing Healing Over Heartache
Shamita Shetty’s candid reflections show a woman who has chosen self-worth over societal pressure to stay coupled. By calling her breakup with Raqesh Bapat “an erased chapter,” she makes it clear that her past does not define her future. Instead of lingering on heartbreak, she is embracing peace, personal growth, and the promise of meaningful connections yet to come.
By – Sonali