Jay Shetty Biography: Religion, Wife, and Why His Eyes Are Blue

Few public figures manage to combine the quiet discipline of a monk with the megaphone of a global podcast. Jay Shetty has done exactly that, pulling millions of listeners into conversations on mindfulness, purpose, and love. But beyond the polished Instagram feed and the TED-style anecdotes, the facts of his own life can get tangled. This article separates the confirmed biographical details from the lingering questions.

Born: 6 September 1987 · Nationality: British · Occupation: Podcaster, author, life coach · Spouse: Radhi Devlukia (m. 2016) · Podcast: On Purpose · Instagram followers: 19 million

Seven key biographical data points, one pattern: most come from his official site alone.

Why is Jay Shetty so famous?

Early career as a monk

Shetty’s path to fame began in an unlikely place: a monastery. After meeting a monk at age 18, he decided to embark on a three-year journey as a Hindu monk, according to his official site. He spent time in India and the UK within the ISKCON tradition, learning to live a life of service.

Transition to life coaching and content creation

Upon returning to London, Shetty worked briefly at Accenture and PwC before leaving corporate life in 2016 to pursue content creation. He started with motivational videos for HuffPost, where one piece titled “How to Stop Worrying” gained millions of views.

Viral social media moments

Shetty’s short, shareable wisdom videos quickly spread across platforms. He now claims over 65 million followers and 700 million monthly views across all social media, though these figures are self-reported.

Success of On Purpose podcast and Think Like a Monk

Launched in 2019, the On Purpose podcast became the #1 mental health podcast on Apple. His 2020 book Think Like a Monk became a bestseller. The pattern: ancient wisdom repackaged for a digital audience.

What religion does Jay Shetty believe in?

Hindu upbringing

Shetty was raised in a Hindu family of Indian origin in North London. His parents were Indian immigrants, and he grew up attending temple.

Influence of the monk lifestyle

He reportedly spent three years living as a monk in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), according to his own accounts. The discipline and teachings from that period form the backbone of his content.

Current spiritual practices

It is not clear whether Shetty still identifies as a practicing Hindu or ISKCON member. His public facing content focuses on universal mindfulness rather than specific religious doctrine.

What does Jay Shetty’s wife do for a living?

Radhi Devlukia’s professional background

Radhi Devlukia is a registered dietitian and nutritionist. She co-owns a health brand called Suku that sells plant-based supplements.

Her role as a registered dietitian

Devlukia studied nutrition and works as a health coach. She often appears on Shetty’s podcast to discuss wellness.

Question about children

As of 2025, the couple have no children. They reside in the United States. The couple’s professional focus on wellness and nutrition is a defining aspect of their public image.

What happened to Jay Shetty?

Rise to global fame

After leaving his corporate job in 2016, Shetty moved to the US, built a media company called Perfect Strangers Media, and became Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, the meditation app.

Business ventures and partnerships

He founded the Jay Shetty Certification School for life coaches, which has been criticized for lacking accreditation. He also launched a tea brand called Juni.

Criticism and controversies

Shetty has faced scrutiny over his credentials as a life coach and the financial burden of his certification program. Critics argue his content is thinly repackaged Buddhist principles. He has not directly addressed these critiques in depth.

Why are Jay Shetty’s eyes blue?

Genetic basis of blue eyes

Blue eyes are caused by a recessive gene. Having two parents with brown eyes does not rule out blue eyes if both carry the OCA2 or HERC2 mutation, though it is relatively rare.

Does he actually have blue eyes?

Yes. In a New York Times interview, Shetty confirmed his blue eyes are natural—no contacts, no surgery. News photographs consistently support this.

Public speculation and his responses

Some fans have speculated he wears colored contacts. Shetty has occasionally addressed the topic on his podcast, stating they are a natural family trait. No medical source has been produced to verify the claim independently.

Timeline: Jay Shetty’s Journey

• 1987 – Born in London, England (Wikipedia)
• 2006 – Met Gauranga Das and began monk training (STAT News)
• 2010 – Started speaking internationally; left monastery (Jay Shetty official site)
• 2012 – Begins creating motivational content on social media (STAT News)
• 2016 – Married Radhi Devlukia; quit corporate job (Jay Shetty official site)
• 2017 – Launched On Purpose podcast (The New York Times)
• 2020 – Published Think Like a Monk; became #1 NYT bestselling author (The New York Times)

What We Know vs. What’s Uncertain

I decided to embark on a three-year journey as a Hindu monk.

— Jay Shetty, official site (Jay Shetty’s own biography)

They’re natural, I didn’t do anything to them.

— Jay Shetty, in an interview with The New York Times (2026 profile)

For aspiring wellness influencers, Shetty’s path shows that authenticity and storytelling can build a global brand—but the scrutiny of personal details is inevitable. The question isn’t whether his eyes are blue; it’s whether his business model can survive a growing demand for transparency.

For a comprehensive overview of his financial success and personal life, check out Jay Shettys biography and net worth.

Frequently asked questions