Much hue and cry was raised over the racial harassment of Shilpa Shetty on the British show Big Brother. While some came out in support of the Indian movie star, others thought she was on the show just to make money and revive a flagging career. What does the actor herself have to say? Has the victory in Big Brother come as a career saviour for her? Here are the answers straight from the horse’s mouth:
Was it exciting to meet the Bollywood fraternity once again?
I was happy to meet all my colleagues and friends at the Filmfare Awards. It was my first appearance after Big Brother and so it proved quite interesting.
What about movie offers?
I will be doing some very good movies and hopefully they will do well at the box office. I’m in no way quitting Bollywood and the stories in the media are wrong. Yes, I’m doing projects in the UK, but I will balance it out with projects in Bollywood.
Did you choose to go in for Big Brother as you wanted to give a boost to your career?
It’s the first time that the show, Big Brother, became so controversial.
I participated in Big Brother as a celebrity and that took a lot of guts. But to make things very clear, I did not become a part of it to give a boost to my career. There was nothing to lose. Also it was mentioned in my contract and I too knew it very well that certain things in the show could affect the Indian sensibility. But the Indian media from the very beginning has had a certain preconceived negative image about the show. Nevertheless, I’m glad I kept my dignity.
So any Bollywood star would have made it to the show, as all one needed was a celebrity from India?
Honestly, I didn’t go as a Bollywood actor. I went as a responsible Indian citizen and it was a huge responsibility to shoulder. I don’t think people really understand that. And yes, I am so glad I went there because there were so many things that people got to see, there were things that people realised and, in the end, it all worked out well.
Do you think the perception of the people in the UK has changed about you after the negative press?
People have given me immense love and it has not just been the Asians. It is said that the British media is the worst in the world, but luckily they were good to me. Public perception hasn’t changed after the negative press. It is just the media’s perception. Seventy per cent of the British media has been good to me, while 30 per cent has been negative. But let’s face it! It could get very boring when only good things are written about you.
There was news that Anurag Basu was upset with you?
No, that is the media’s perception again. I just spoke to him. I have to dub for Metro, and there came along an interesting film offer. So I just need to do proper time management.
Are you invited for the Princess Diana memorial concert?
Well, I have read that in the papers. I take that as a compliment and when the right time comes we will make the announcement with the details.
Given the chance what would you talk about? Maybe racism?
Yes! Racism is the topic I would love to talk about and even consult a few experts on it.
What about your cookery book and perfume?
The news is true. You will surely hear from me on that.
Related articles:
