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{{Use British English|date=August 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2011}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Shilpa Shetty
| image = Shilpa Shetty 2007.jpg
| caption = Shilpa Shetty at the 2007 ] in ]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1975|06|8|df=yes}}
| birth_place = ], Karnataka, India
| occupation = Actress, model
| birth_name = Shilpa Shetty
| yearsactive = 1993–present
| website =
| spouse = ] <small>(2009–present)</small><ref name="uk.news.yahoo.com">{{dead link|date=February 2012}}</ref>
| children = 1
}}
'''Shilpa Shetty''' (born 8 June 1975)<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=89656 |title=Now meet Dr Shilpa Shetty|publisher=]|work=Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai)|date=18 July 2007|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> is an ] actress and model. Since making her debut in the film '']'' (1993), she has appeared in nearly 40 ], ], ] and ], her first leading role being in the 1994 film '']''. Although she has been through years of decline during her career, Shetty has been willing to reinvent herself quite often. Her performances in '']'' (2000) and '']'' (2002) were appreciated, while her portrayal of an AIDS patient in '']'' (2004) won her many accolades. Her younger sister ] is also a ] film actress.

After taking part in the British '']'' TV show in 2007, Shetty was crowned the winner with 63% of the final vote,<ref>{{cite web
| work=channel4.com | title=Shilpa Shetty wins Celebrity Big Brother 2007 | url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7_celebrity/news/newsstory.jsp?id=1456&housemateId=9 | accessdate=28 January 2007}}</ref> after an international ] involving her and fellow contestants ], ] and ]. This was followed by a re-establishment of her status in the film industry in 2007 when she appeared in two successive movies, '']'' and '']'', with her performance in the former drawing positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web | author=Sen, Raja | work=Rediff.com | title=The most powerful actresses of 2007 | url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2007/dec/18yrpoweractress11.htm | accessdate=29 December 2007}}</ref>

==Early life==
Shilpa Shetty was born in a traditional family in ]<ref name="timesmama">{{cite news |work=The Times |location=UK | title=Times exclusive: interview with Shilpa Shetty's mother | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1294040.ece | accessdate=27 February 2007 | first=Ashling | last=Oconnor | date=18 January 2007}}</ref> that hails from the ] community. She is the elder daughter of Surendra and Sunanda Shetty, ] of tamper-proof caps for the ] industry,<ref name="timesmama"/> In ], she attended St. Anthony Girls' High School in ], and later attended ] in ]. A trained ] dancer, she was also into sports and was the captain of the volleyball team in schools. She has a ] in ] and is currently a dancesport expert and enthusiast.<ref>{{cite web | work=channel4.com | title=C4 Profile | url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7_celebrity/housemates/housemate_news.jsp?id=9 | accessdate=19 January 2007}}</ref> Shetty's younger sister ] is also a ] actress. They worked together once in the film '']'' (2005).

==Acting career==
===1990s===
]
Shetty started her career by modelling for ] in 1991 at age 16<ref>{{cite news|work=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|title=Shilpa denies any underworld connection|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/48771.cms|accessdate=3 January 2007|date=28 June 2003}}</ref> and made her film debut in 1993 with '']'', portraying a woman murdered by her ] boyfriend. Shetty took the supporting role of Seema, co-starring alongside ] and ]; the film was a major success and earned her a nomination for ].<ref>{{cite news|work=filmfareawards.indiatimes.com|title=Filmfare nomination for Shetty|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368610.cms|accessdate=23 January 2007}}</ref>

Her first leading role was in the film '']'' in 1994, which was averagely received at the box office. She had a hit that same year with the film '']'' opposite ].<ref>{{cite web
| work=boxofficeindia.com
| title=Box office analysis
| url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1994.htm
| accessdate=23 January 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20061206183759/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1994.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 6 December 2006}}</ref> This was followed by many films which were average to poor performers at the box office. Shetty starred in another big film that year, '']'', followed in 1995 by '']'', where she was working alongside actors such as ], ] and ], but they failed at the box office. 1997 was one of her busiest years: she appeared in six different films, beginning with the ] film ''Veedeva Dani Babu''. Her first major Bollywood film of that year was the action thriller '']''. Shilpa portrayed the character of Prathna Thakur alongside actors ] and ]. In 1998, she had one release, '']'', for which she received critical acclaim and won the ] for Best Supporting Actress.

===2000s===
In 2000, Shetty received much acclaim for her role in '']'' which earned reasonable takings at the Indian box office.<ref>{{cite web
| work=boxofficeindia.com
| title=Box office analysis
| url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2000.htm.asp
| accessdate=23 January 2007}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> She received several nominations under the Best Actress category in award ceremonies. She would later go on to star with ] and ] in the film '']'' (2002). Her comic performance as an eccentric fisherwoman was appreciated and she received a nomination under the ] category and nominations for Best Comedian as well.<ref>{{cite news
| work=filmfareawards.indiatimes.com
| title=Filmfare nomination for Shetty
| url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368744.cms
| accessdate=23 January 2007}}</ref>

2004 was a good year for Shetty with the release of '']'' in which she portrayed a Muslim orphan and disillusioned ]r starring opposite ]. According to Shetty, she chose to do the film because she liked the subject. The film was a cop drama.<ref name="rediffheart"/> She received much acclaim for her performance in '']'', where she made a sensitive portrayal of a successful city high-flyer who contracts HIV from ] and becomes a ] as a result. The film, based on 1993's '']'', was perceived to have tackled a ] as yet unaddressed by Bollywood.<ref name="bbcprofile">{{cite news
| work=news.bbc.co.uk
| title=Profile: Shilpa Shetty
| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6272561.stm
| accessdate=2 March 2007 | date=17 January 2007
| first=Monica
| last=Chadha}}</ref> The film earned Shetty a Filmfare Best Actress nomination, and provided an impetus for her HIV-related charity work (]). Film critic ] from '']'' noted, "Phir Milenge belongs to Shilpa Shetty completely. She delivers, what can be rightly called, the performance of her career. The viewer feels and empathises with the character mainly because of her effective portrayal. She conveys the pain and the emotional upheaval through her expressive eyes, making it amongst the most memorable performances the year has seen so far."<ref>{{cite web
| work=indiafm.com
| title=Shetty shines in Phir Milenge
| url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/7176/index.html
| accessdate=23 January 2007}}</ref>
Shetty stated that she had taken the role to reinvent herself by portraying the rather unconventional character of an anti-terrorist squad member.<ref name="rediffheart"/>

She starred with her sister in the film '']'' in 2005. Shilpa had one release in 2006, the much delayed '']''. The film was a box office flop, but she got good reviews for her role as a not entirely likeable wife.<ref>{{cite web
| work=indiafm.com
| title=Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar
| url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/11637/index.html
| accessdate=25 January 2007}}</ref> In 2006, she was a judge on ''Jhalak Dikhlaja'', a ] dance show based on the original UK show '']''.

Shetty was once featured in ] stage show, '']''.

2007 proved to be Shetty's most successful year at the box office so far. Her first release, '']'', won a significant reception and became the first Bollywood movie to premiere at ].<ref>{{cite web | work=Ibnlive.com | title=Shilpa's World Premiere in London | url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/showbiz/05_2007/pics-shilpas-big-day-in-london-40046.html | accessdate=1 July 2007}}{{dead link|date=February 2012}}</ref> The film performed well at the box office and was declared a semi-hit within three weeks. Additionally, the film was critically acclaimed and Shetty's performance was appreciated, with ] of ] writing, "It's a terrific performance and unquestionably Shilpa's best to date."<ref>{{cite web|author=Masand, Rajeev|work=Ibnlive.com| title=Masand's verdict: Metro|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/masands-verdict-metro/40402-8-p1.html|accessdate=29 December 2007}}</ref> Her second release, alongside three Deols (], ] and ]), the drama '']'', was also a box office success.

==Other projects==
===Celebrity Big Brother===
Shetty was a contestant in and the winner of '']''.<ref name="BB7">{{cite web
| work=metro.co.uk
| title=Bollywood star in Celebrity Big Brother
| url=http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=31455&in_page_id=7&in_a_source=
| accessdate=3 January 2007}}</ref> and was the first Indian celebrity included in the Celebrity version. Reportedly paid ]31.5&nbsp;m (£367,500&nbsp;]) for her participation,<ref name="moneyforBB7">{{cite web
| work=gg2.net
| title=Lots of money for BB7
| url=http://www.gg2.net/viewnews.asp?nid=2164&tid=top_stories&catid=Top%20Stories
| accessdate=3 January 2007}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> she said to presenter ], "I just want every Indian to be extremely proud that I'm in here".<ref>{{cite web
| work=breakingnews.iol.ie
| title=Sixth to enter house
| url=http://breakingnews.iol.ie/entertainment/story.asp?j=206033392&p=zx6x34x98
| accessdate=3 January 2007}}</ref> As for her participation, she stated: "I have zero expectations. The only thing I really hope to keep is my self-respect and my dignity."<ref name="bbprofile">{{cite web
| work=channel4.com
| title=Housemates
| url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7_celebrity/housemates/housemate_news.jsp?id=9
| accessdate=5 January 2007}}</ref> Her sister ] told the '']'' that this "is the boldest decision Shilpa has taken hitherto."<ref>{{cite news
| work=timesofindia.indiatimes.com
| title='This is Shilpa's boldest decision'
| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City_Supplements/Lucknow_Times/This_is_Shilpas_boldest_decision/articleshow/1100529.cms | accessdate=13 January 2007
| date=8 January 2007}}</ref>

During her time, Shetty instructed ] ] and ] in ],<ref>{{cite web
| work=channel4.com
| title=The Universal Om
| url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7_celebrity/news/newsstory.jsp?id=1059&articleMask=1&housemateId=9
| accessdate=5 January 2007}}</ref> and flirted with ]<ref>{{cite web
| work=channel4.com
| title=Flirt Alert
| url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7_celebrity/news/newsstory.jsp?id=1109&articleMask=1&housemateId=9
| accessdate=10 January 2007}}</ref> but tempers started to fray by Day 7 as a ] formed in the house disapproving of Shilpa's presence.<ref>{{cite web
| work=channel4.com
| title=The Fit Controller
| url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7_celebrity/news/newsstory.jsp?id=1137&articleMask=1&housemateId=9
| accessdate=10 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| work=channel4.com
| title=Mountain out of a Molehill
| url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7_celebrity/news/newsstory.jsp?id=1203&articleMask=1&housemateId=9
| accessdate=14 January 2007}}</ref> Following a worldwide controversy that publicised her as a target of racist bullying within the house (see ]), Shetty won the contest after gaining 63% of the public vote and described the experience as "incredible and overwhelming". She further thanked the public for "a fantastic opportunity to make my country proud".<ref>{{cite news
| work=news.bbc.co.uk
| title=Shetty wins Celebrity Big Brother
| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6308443.stm
| accessdate=30 January 2007 | date=29 January 2007}}</ref>

===Post Celebrity Big Brother===
In February 2007, Shetty attended a reception at the ] by invitation of ] MP to meet with then Prime Minister ]. She was also invited to meet with ] at Marlborough House in London in March 2007. During an interview on '']'', Shetty confirmed that she had been asked to act in the British '']'' soap opera, and turned it down as it would mean all her other arrangements would have to go on hold.<ref>{{cite web
| work=Radiosargam.com| title=Shilpa turns down part in EastEnders | url=http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archives/2143/shilpa-turns-down-part-in-eastenders.html | accessdate=1 July 2007}}</ref>

She was the subject of a ] documentary entitled ''The Real Shilpa Shetty'', which was produced by British television production company ]. The large number of commercial offers that Shilpa received after winning ] themselves became reason for controversy with an increasing number of accusations about her riding the 'racism' wave to commercial gain.<ref>{{cite web | work=Bollyrock.com | title=Shilpa Shetty To Milk Britons Dry | url=http://www.bollyrock.com/?p=13 | accessdate=1 July 2007}}</ref> She was on the cover of the first issue of ] to be sold in India.<ref>{{cite web|work=in.movies.yahoo.com|title=Shilpa on the cover of OK Magazine|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/060517/24/64b4o.html | accessdate=6 January 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20061209010948/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/060517/24/64b4o.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 9 December 2006}}</ref>

In early September 2007 she modelled at the ], which also displayed some famous ] actresses including ] and ].<ref>{{dead link|date=February 2012}}. ''Yahoo.com''</ref> As of October 2007, Shilpa will be seen in a musical titled ''Miss Bollywood''. On her agenda next is a cookery book titled ''Soul Curry'' and the role of Sita in Uru Patel's international venture ''Hanuman''.<ref>. ''indiaglitz.com''.</ref>

===Bigg Boss===
In August 2008, Shetty began hosting the second season of '']'', the Indian version of ''Big Brother''. Controversially, ] was one of the initial housemates. Goody left the Bigg Boss House early in the series after receiving news that she had ], of which she later died on 22 March 2009.

===Indian Premier League===
In February 2009 Shilpa and her husband ] became part owners of the ] franchise cricket team ] by paying approximately US $15.4&nbsp;million for a 11.7% stake.

===HIV-AIDS===
In February 2006 Shetty lent support to a BBC World Service Trust television show designed to tackle the problem of ] in India.<ref name="bbcaids">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Bollywood stars in BBC Aids show
| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4697030.stm | accessdate=4 January 2007 | date=9 February 2006}}</ref> The project, which also involved other celebrities ], ], and ] in separate episodes, featured Shetty as she shadowed a young achiever whose work involved raising awareness about the condition. According to reports, she participated in order to show ] with HIV-AIDS sufferers.<ref name="bbcaids"/>

The issue is particularly close to Shetty's heart as she had portrayed an HIV-positive sufferer in her 2004 movie '']''. Speaking about the movie and HIV in general, Shetty said: "Why not a film on HIV positive patients? It is a social stigma in our society. We made this film to highlight this problem&nbsp;... This film will bring about a social awareness about AIDS in our country. It is high time we talked about this in our society".<ref name="rediffheart"/>

===PETA===
]
In March 2006 various sources reported Shetty's joining ] as part of an ] against the use of wild animals in circuses.<ref>*{{cite news |work=The Hindu |location=India | title=Distress call from tinsel town 'tigress' | url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/02/stories/2006050202730200.htm | accessdate=2 January 2007 | location=Chennai, India | date=2 May 2006}}<br />*{{cite news |work=The Hindu |location=India | title=Say no to tortured circus animals | url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/05/22/stories/2006052201210200.htm | accessdate=2 January 2007 | location=Chennai, India | date=22 May 2006}}<br />*{{cite web
|work=The Tribune |location=India | title=Starry crusaders & circus beasts | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040321/spectrum/main6.htm | accessdate=2 January 2007}}<br />*{{cite web
| work=petaindia.com | title=Circus: A Ring of Abuse | url=http://www.petaindia.com/feat/shilpa/index.html | accessdate=2 January 2007}}{{dead link|date=February 2012}}</ref> According to a PETA India press release, Shetty is a long-time PETA supporter and has assisted the campaign by posing for photographs in a figure-hugging tiger costume. She explained that her crouching in a cage was uncomfortable during the photoshoot, but that her discomfort was insignificant compared to the pain suffered by the creatures. "These once dignified animals only leave their cages, which are barely larger than the size of their bodies, for a few minutes each day to be forced into the ring to perform tricks which make no sense and are upsetting to them. The best way to help animals suffering in circuses is to boycott the circus".<ref>{{cite web | work=petaindia.com | title=Shilpa Shetty Speaks Up About Cruelty To Animals In Circuses | url=http://www.petaindia.com/newsnew/NewsItem.asp?id=2996
| accessdate=2 January 2007}}</ref>

Shetty revealed in a later interview that she felt strongly about this cause and that she was appalled to hear of the cruel treatment suffered by such animals. "I thought I should stop that. If I can make a little difference to their lives, why not go for it?"<ref name="rediffheart">{{cite web | work=rediff.com | title=Shilpa Shetty on matters close to her heart
| url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/30shilpa.htm | accessdate=2 January 2007}}</ref>

==Personal life==
]
Shetty married ] on 22 November 2009 and announced on her web site that "I am officially Shilpa Shetty Kundra now!!"<ref> 26 November 2009</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Thank-god-Ill-marry-only-once-Shilpa/articleshow/5281437.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=Thank god, I'll marry only once: Shilpa | date=30 November 2009}}</ref>.
Shilpa gave birth to her first child, Viaan Raj Kundra on 21 May 2012.<ref>http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/report-shilpa-shetty-gives-birth-to-a-baby-boy/20120521.htm</ref><ref>http://in.video.yahoo.com/entertainment-26099860/bollywood-26715902/shilpa-raj-names-baby-viann-raj-kundra-29574396.html</ref>

===Obscenity charges===
In April 2006, a ] court issued non-bailable warrants against Shetty and ] for "posing in an obscene manner" in photographs published by a ] newspaper.<ref name="inrediff">{{cite web
| work=in.rediff.com
| title=Non-bailable warrants against Shilpa Shetty, Reema Sen
| url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/21shilpa.htm
| accessdate=3 January 2007}}</ref> The report stated that the two actresses had failed to comply with earlier summons for the same reason, hence the issuance of the warrants.<ref name="inrediff" /> The petitioner submitted that the paper had published "very sexy blow-ups and medium blow-ups" in its December 2005 and January 2006 issues, and alleged that these violated the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986, Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act 1956, and the ] Section 292 (Sale of Obscene Books). The petitioner further demanded that the images be confiscated under the terms of the Press and Registration of Book Act 1867.

Shetty responded that she had not received any court summons and also discounted the charges. She further claimed that the pictures were freeze-frame shots from a recent movie that only exposed her ]. "As far as my photographs go, what is obscene about it? If navel-showing is obscenity, then our traditional Indian outfit – the traditional ] – should be banned in the first place."<ref>{{cite news
| work=timesofindia.indiatimes.com
| title='If navel is obscene, let's ban saris'
| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1504414.cms
| accessdate=4 January 2007
| first1=Afsana
| last1=Ahmed
| first2=Smrity
| last2=Sharma
| date=25 April 2006}}</ref>

In January 2007 outgoing ] Y.K. Sabharwal confirmed that Shetty had written to him requesting that he enunciate guidelines against frivolous ] against artists, but that he had refused her plea on the grounds that she should have filed a formal ] instead of writing a ].<ref>{{cite news
|work=The Telegraph |location=Kolkota, India
| title=Top judge snubs Shilpa’s plea
| url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070114/asp/nation/story_7260510.asp
| accessdate=16 January 2007
| first=Our
| last=Legal
| date=14 January 2007}}</ref>

===Celebrity Big Brother racism controversy===
{{main|Celebrity Big Brother racism controversy}}
]

During her time on '']'', Shetty was the target of racism and ] by other housemates, chiefly by ], ] and ].<ref name="bbcracism">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Anger over Big Brother 'racism' | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6265127.stm | accessdate=17 January 2007 | date=16 January 2007}}</ref> After mocking the east London dialect of Jade Goody's mother, who mispronounced her name as 'Shiwpa', Shetty was mocked for her Indian ] and was branded "The Indian" and a "dog". Disparaging conversations took place among the other housemates about Indian eating habits, and Shetty's cooking was criticised for giving O'Meara diarrhoea.<ref name="bbchowrow">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=How the Big Brother row erupted | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6271161.stm | accessdate=18 January 2007 | date=17 January 2007}}</ref> After Shetty attempted to dispose of left-over ] down the toilet and caused a blockage, ] suggested that she should pick the bones out with her teeth<ref name="bbchowrow"/> and allegedly referred to her as a "fucking ]",<ref>{{cite news | work=timesofindia.indiatimes.com | title=Big Brother has a Big Mouth | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City_Supplements/Calcutta_Times/Big_Brother_has_a_Big_Mouth/articleshow/1186065.cms | accessdate=15 January 2007 | date=14 January 2007}}</ref> although show producers denied this and stated that the word used was "]".<ref name="guardiandiplo">{{cite news | work=politics.guardian.co.uk | title=Racism, ratings and reality TV: now Big Brother creates a diplomatic incident | url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,,1992924,00.html
| accessdate=18 January 2007 | location=London |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070120145029/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,,1992924,00.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 20 January 2007}}</ref><ref name="guardianracism">{{cite news | work=media.guardian.co.uk | title=Big Brother racism complaints soar | url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,,1991561,00.html | accessdate=17 January 2007 | location=London | first=Leigh | last=Holmwood | date=16 January 2007}}</ref> During a fierce argument, Goody told Shetty that she needed to "spend a day in the slums", although the media falsely reported this as "go back to the slums".<ref>{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk
| title=Shetty fears Big Brother 'racism' | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6273677.stm | accessdate=3 February 2007 | date=18 January 2007}}</ref> Claiming that she did not know Shilpa's surname, Jade referred to her as "Shilpa Fuckawallah", "Shilpa Durupa", and "Shilpa ]", later claiming that they were non-racist references to Indian food.<ref name="bbcnotracist">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Rows 'not racist', say housemates | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6277301.stm | accessdate=4 February 2007 | date=18 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| work=media.guardian.co.uk | title=Beauty and the beastliness: a tale of declining British values | url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,,1994220,00.html | accessdate=3 February 2007 | location=London | first=Stuart | last=Jeffries | date=19 January 2007}}</ref> Lloyd had opined that Shetty's English-speaking skills were lacking and verbally indicated her desire that Shetty would "fuck off home".<ref name="bbcquotes">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Big Brother controversy in quotes | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6282883.stm | accessdate=3 February 2007 | date=20 January 2007}}</ref> Shetty had been reduced to tears on several occasions, confiding to fellow housemate ]: "I feel like I'm losing my dignity."<ref name="bbchowrow"/>

Shetty speculated that she might be a victim of racism,<ref name="Shilpavictim">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Channel 4 denies Brother 'racism' | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6272585.stm | accessdate=18 January 2007 | date=18 January 2007}}</ref> but later retracted it by claiming: "People say things in anger."<ref name="bbcnotracist"/> A record 40,000 complaints were received jointly by ] and ] about the treatment of Shetty, 30 of which were formally investigated by ] police.<ref name="guardiandiplo"/><ref>{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Lawyer joins Big Brother review | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6292521.stm | accessdate=4 February 2007 | date=23 January 2007}}</ref> ] suspended its sponsorship of the show<ref>{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Big Brother sponsor suspends deal | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6274881.stm | accessdate=19 January 2007 | date=18 January 2007}}</ref> and ], the founder of the ] charity, branded ]'s behaviour as "unforgivable".<ref>{{cite news |work=The Scotsman |location=UK | title=Violent soap operas and bullying behaviour on television shows harm children | url=http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=116102007 | accessdate=1 July 2007 | location=Edinburgh | date=23 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | work=entertainment.timesonline.co.uk | title=Big Brother 'racism' complaints flood in to watchdog | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,23569-2549464,00.html | accessdate=17 January 2007 | location=London | date=16 January 2007 | first=Sadie | last=Gray}}</ref> The controversy reached the ] as an ] in the ] was tabled.<ref>{{cite web | work=edmi.parliament.uk | title=Allegations of Racist Behaviour on Big Brother | url=http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=32315&SESSION=885 | accessdate=18 January 2007}}</ref><ref name="bbccommons">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Big Brother row reaches Commons
| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6268401.stm | accessdate=17 January 2007 | date=16 January 2007}}</ref> The row then escalated into an international diplomatic incident after a formal complaint from Indian ] Anand Sharma lodged with then British PM Tony Blair that threatened to sour relations and damage trade between the two countries. In the city of Patna in Bihar, India, angry protestors marched in the streets and burned ] in protest of the show, terming it 'Bigot Brother'.<ref name="bbcpolitics"/><ref>{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Big Brother crashes into politics | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6270825.stm | accessdate=18 January 2007 | date=17 January 2007 | first=Nick | last=Assinder}}</ref>

During a parliamentary ] session Blair responded that "We should oppose racism in all its forms."<ref name="bbcpolitics">{{cite news | work=news.bbc.co.uk | title=Politicians enter Big Brother row | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6270825.stm | accessdate=18 January 2007 | date=17 January 2007 | first=Nick | last=Assinder}}</ref> ], then ], who was in India on a goodwill visit, condemned the controversy as "offensive" and the opposite of what Britain stood for: "I want Britain to be seen as a country of fairness and tolerance. Anything that detracts from that I condemn."<ref name="guardiandiplo"/><ref>{{cite news |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK | title=Blair and Brown dragged into TV racism row | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/01/18/nbb18.xml | accessdate=18 January 2007 | first1=Graeme | last1=Wilson | first2=Richard | last2=Alleyne | first3=George | last3=Jones | date=18 January 2007}}</ref> In an official statement, Channel 4 denied that overt racial abuse or behaviour had been directed at Shetty, but acknowledged that a "cultural and class clash" was responsible for the disputes.<ref name="Shilpavictim"/> After a thorough investigation, OFCOM made an unprecedented move and issued a ruling that Channel 4 were guilty of broadcasting potentially racist material, and required them to make multiple apologies on air during the next ''Big Brother'' season.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Guardian |location=UK | title=Ofcom makes landmark ruling over Big Brother | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/may/24/ofcom.channel4 | accessdate=4 January 2008 | first=Tara | last=Conlan | date=24 May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title = Adjudication of Ofcom Content Sanctions Committee – Channel Four Television Corporation in respect of its service Channel 4 | publisher=] | date = 24 May 2007 | url = http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/obb/ocsc_adjud/channel4_cbb/ | accessdate =4 January 2008}}</ref>

===Richard Gere kissing incident===
On 15 April 2007, ] kissed Shetty on the cheek several times in jest during an AIDS-awareness event.<ref name="a kiss">{{cite web | work=comcast.net| title=Chaos over a kiss| url=http://www.comcast.net/entertainment/index.jsp?cat=ENTERTAINMENT&fn=/2007/04/16/637859.html| accessdate=16 April 2007}}</ref> The pair were appearing at a press conference in New Delhi as part of a campaign to preach safe sex to truck drivers in ] and promote ] awareness.<ref name="HIV AIDS CAUSE">{{cite news |work=Daily Mail |location=UK | title=Shilpa & Richard up for a cause| url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=448932&in_page_id=1766&ito=1490
| accessdate=16 April 2007}}</ref> The kiss, considered an attack on India's cultural and moral values{{who|date=November 2010}}, prompted protesters – alleged members of the extremist Hindu group ] – to beat burning ] of Gere with sticks.<ref name="protests over a kiss">{{cite web | work=news.yahoo.com| title=Kissing Incident| url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070416/od_nm/india_gere_aids_dc| accessdate=16 April 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070418170020/http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070416/od_nm/india_gere_aids_dc <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 18 April 2007}}</ref> Others set fire to glamour shots of Shetty. Some groups demanded an apology from her and threatened to ban her movies in the state.<ref name="apology demanded">{{cite web | work=rediff.com| title=Shilpa: I will not apologize| url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/apr/16shilpa.htm| accessdate=16 April 2007}}</ref> Shiv Sena leaders denied involvement in the protests, but Shiv Sena member of parliament ] observed that the protests are "just a manifestation of the anger of the general public" and that there was "nothing wrong with expressing contempt at such an act".<ref>{{cite web | work=dnaindia.com| title=Protest over Shilpa-Gere kiss justified: Sena| url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1091336| accessdate=22 April 2007}}</ref>

Similar protests broke out in other cities, including ], ]'s holiest city, and the northern town of ], where crowds of hundreds of thousands chanted "Down with Shilpa Shetty!" The ] office was also attacked. The protests did not take any violent turn and the situation was quickly brought under control, with some activists being detained.<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news | work=The Hindu| title=Shilpa, Gere's kissing triggers an outcry | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200704162068.htm| accessdate=22 April 2007| location=Chennai, India| date=16 April 2007}}</ref>

Shetty responded to these protests by saying, "I understand this (kissing) is his (Gere's) culture, not ours. But this was not such a big thing or so obscene for people to overreact in such a manner. I understand people's sentiments, but I do not want a foreigner to take bad memories from here."<ref name="The Hindu"/>

On 26 April 2007, an Indian court in Rajasthan issued a warrant for Shetty and Gere's arrest.<ref name="Arrest Warrant">{{cite web | work=accesshollywood.com| title= Indian Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Richard Gere | url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah5051.shtml| accessdate=26 April 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070428080818/http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah5051.shtml <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 28 April 2007}}</ref>

The legal action against both Shetty and Gere has been suspended by the Indian Supreme Court until the court decides on the case's proper jurisdiction. Gere has since expressed regret for causing any offence and Shetty has said, "so much has been blown out of proportion."<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news | work=International Version| title=Shetty questioned over Gere kiss | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7016745.stm| accessdate=28 September 2007 | date=27 September 2007}}</ref>

==Filmography==
{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by Shilpa Shetty}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language !! Notes
|-
| 1993 || '']'' || Seema Chopra || ] || Nominated—]
|-
| 1994 || '']'' || Chhaya || Hindi||
|-
| 1994 || '']'' || Mona/Basanti || Hindi ||
|-
| 1994 || '']'' || Bijli || Hindi ||
|-
| 1995 || ''Gambler'' || Ritu || Hindi||
|-
| 1995 || ''] || Neha || Hindi ||
|-
| 1996 || '']'' || Shilpa || ] || Dubbed into Hindi and Telugu as ''Mr. Romeo''
|-
| 1996 || '']'' || Seema || Hindi ||
|-
| 1996 || '']'' || Nisha || Hindi ||
|-
| 1996 || '']'' || Sona || ] || Dubbed into Hindi as ''Saagar Kanya''
|-
| 1997 || '']''|| Journalist || Hindi || Incomplete role
|-
| 1997 || ''Prithvi'' || Neha || Hindi ||
|-
| 1997 || '']'' || Divya || Hindi ||
|-
| 1997 || '']'' || Roma Khurana || Hindi ||
|-
| 1997 || '']'' || Prathna Thakur || Hindi ||
|-
| 1997 || ''Veedeva Dandi Babu'' || Nandhana || Telugu ||
|-
| 1998 || '']'' || Chinni Malhotra || Hindi ||
|-
| 1998 || '']'' || Komal || Hindi||
|-
| 1999 || '']'' || Mamta || Hindi ||
|-
| 1999 || '']'' || Special appearance || Hindi || ]
|-
| 1999 || '']'' || Lawyer's daughter || Hindi ||
|-
| 2000 || '']'' || Kanaka Mahalakshmi || Telugu ||
|-
| 2000 || '']'' || Anjali || Hindi ||
|-
| 2000 || ''Tarkieb'' || Preeti Sharma || Hindi ||
|-
| 2000 || '']'' || Macarena || Tamil || ]
|-
| 2000 || ''Jung'' || Tara || Hindi ||
|-
| 2001 || '']'' || Anjali Rajshekar Azad || Hindi ||
|-
| 2001 || '']'' || Shilpa || Telugu || Dubbed into Hindi as ''Sherni Ka Shikaar''
|-
| 2001 || ''Maduve Agona Baa'' || Preeti || ] ||
|-
| 2001 || ''Preethsod Thappa'' || Chandana(Chandu)|| Kannada||
|-
| 2002 || ''Karz'' || Sapna || Hindi ||
|-
| 2002 || '']'' || Vaijanti || Hindi || Nominated—]
|-
| 2002 || '']'' || Gauri Shivalkar || Hindi ||
|-
| 2002 || '']'' || Kaajal || Hindi ||
|-
| 2002 || '']'' || Radha/Banto Betty || Hindi ||
|-
| 2002 || '']'' || || Hindi ||
|-
| 2003 || ''Ondagona Baa'' || Belli || Kannada ||
|-
| 2003 || '']'' || Gayathri || Hindi ||
|-
| 2004 || '']'' || Tamanna Sahani || Hindi || Nominated—]
|-
| 2004 || '']'' || Jannat || Hindi ||
|-
| 2005 || '']'' || Aditi || Hindi ||
|-
| 2005 || '']'' || Neha || Hindi ||
|-
| 2005 || ''Khamosh: Khauff Ki Raat'' || Sonia || Hindi ||
|-
| 2005 || '']'' || Money Lender || Kannada ||
|-
| 2006 || '']'' || Ahana || Hindi ||
|-
| 2007 || '']'' || Shikha || Hindi ||
|-
| 2007 || '']'' || Simran || Hindi ||
|-
| 2007 || '']'' || Herself || Hindi || Special appearance in the song "Deewangi Deewangi"
|-
| 2008 || '']'' || || Hindi || Special appearance in the song "Shut Up & Bounce"
|-
| 2010 || '']'' || Gautami || Hindi, English, Chinese ||
|}

==See also==
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|id=792908}}
* Profile Page at
* May 25, 2012
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
|title='']'' Winner
|years=]
|before=]
|after=]
|}}
{{S-end}}

{{Big Brother UK winners}}
{{CBBUKHMS}}
{{Bigg Boss}}

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|NAME=Shetty, Shilpa
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Indian film actress
|DATE OF BIRTH=8 June 1975
|PLACE OF BIRTH=], India
}}
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Revision as of 15:03, 6 August 2012

Shilpa Shetty
Shilpa Shetty at the 2007 IIFA Awards in Sheffield
BornShilpa Shetty
(1975-06-08) 8 June 1975 (age 49)
Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Occupation(s)Actress, model
Years active1993–present
SpouseRaj Kundra (2009–present)
Children1
Websitewww.shilpashettylive.com

Shilpa Shetty (born 8 June 1975) is an Indian film actress and model. Since making her debut in the film Baazigar (1993), she has appeared in nearly 40 Bollywood, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, her first leading role being in the 1994 film Aag. Although she has been through years of decline during her career, Shetty has been willing to reinvent herself quite often. Her performances in Dhadkan (2000) and Rishtey (2002) were appreciated, while her portrayal of an AIDS patient in Phir Milenge (2004) won her many accolades. Her younger sister Shamita Shetty is also a Bollywood film actress.

After taking part in the British Celebrity Big Brother TV show in 2007, Shetty was crowned the winner with 63% of the final vote, after an international racism controversy involving her and fellow contestants Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd. This was followed by a re-establishment of her status in the film industry in 2007 when she appeared in two successive movies, Life in a... Metro and Apne, with her performance in the former drawing positive reviews.

Early life

Shilpa Shetty was born in a traditional family in Mangalore that hails from the Bunt community. She is the elder daughter of Surendra and Sunanda Shetty, manufacturers of tamper-proof caps for the pharmaceutical industry, In Mumbai, she attended St. Anthony Girls' High School in Chembur, and later attended Podar College in Matunga. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she was also into sports and was the captain of the volleyball team in schools. She has a black belt in karate and is currently a dancesport expert and enthusiast. Shetty's younger sister Shamita Shetty is also a Bollywood actress. They worked together once in the film Fareb (2005).

Acting career

1990s

Shetty at the musical Miss Bollywood

Shetty started her career by modelling for Limca in 1991 at age 16 and made her film debut in 1993 with Baazigar, portraying a woman murdered by her psychopathic boyfriend. Shetty took the supporting role of Seema, co-starring alongside Shahrukh Khan and Kajol; the film was a major success and earned her a nomination for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award.

Her first leading role was in the film Aag in 1994, which was averagely received at the box office. She had a hit that same year with the film Main Khiladi Tu Anari opposite Akshay Kumar. This was followed by many films which were average to poor performers at the box office. Shetty starred in another big film that year, Aao Pyaar Karen, followed in 1995 by Hathkadi, where she was working alongside actors such as Saif Ali Khan, Govinda and Madhoo, but they failed at the box office. 1997 was one of her busiest years: she appeared in six different films, beginning with the Telugu language film Veedeva Dani Babu. Her first major Bollywood film of that year was the action thriller Auzaar. Shilpa portrayed the character of Prathna Thakur alongside actors Salman Khan and Sanjay Kapoor. In 1998, she had one release, Pardesi Babu, for which she received critical acclaim and won the Bollywood Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress.

2000s

In 2000, Shetty received much acclaim for her role in Dhadkan which earned reasonable takings at the Indian box office. She received several nominations under the Best Actress category in award ceremonies. She would later go on to star with Anil Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor in the film Rishtey (2002). Her comic performance as an eccentric fisherwoman was appreciated and she received a nomination under the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award category and nominations for Best Comedian as well.

2004 was a good year for Shetty with the release of Garv in which she portrayed a Muslim orphan and disillusioned table dancer starring opposite Salman Khan. According to Shetty, she chose to do the film because she liked the subject. The film was a cop drama. She received much acclaim for her performance in Phir Milenge, where she made a sensitive portrayal of a successful city high-flyer who contracts HIV from unprotected sex and becomes a social outcast as a result. The film, based on 1993's Philadelphia, was perceived to have tackled a social taboo as yet unaddressed by Bollywood. The film earned Shetty a Filmfare Best Actress nomination, and provided an impetus for her HIV-related charity work (see below). Film critic Taran Adarsh from indiaFM noted, "Phir Milenge belongs to Shilpa Shetty completely. She delivers, what can be rightly called, the performance of her career. The viewer feels and empathises with the character mainly because of her effective portrayal. She conveys the pain and the emotional upheaval through her expressive eyes, making it amongst the most memorable performances the year has seen so far." Shetty stated that she had taken the role to reinvent herself by portraying the rather unconventional character of an anti-terrorist squad member.

She starred with her sister in the film Fareb in 2005. Shilpa had one release in 2006, the much delayed Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar. The film was a box office flop, but she got good reviews for her role as a not entirely likeable wife. In 2006, she was a judge on Jhalak Dikhlaja, a Sony Entertainment Television dance show based on the original UK show Strictly Come Dancing.

Shetty was once featured in Mani Ratnam's stage show, Netru, Indru, Naalai.

2007 proved to be Shetty's most successful year at the box office so far. Her first release, Life in a... Metro, won a significant reception and became the first Bollywood movie to premiere at Leicester Square. The film performed well at the box office and was declared a semi-hit within three weeks. Additionally, the film was critically acclaimed and Shetty's performance was appreciated, with Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN writing, "It's a terrific performance and unquestionably Shilpa's best to date." Her second release, alongside three Deols (Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby), the drama Apne, was also a box office success.

Other projects

Celebrity Big Brother

Shetty was a contestant in and the winner of Celebrity Big Brother UK. and was the first Indian celebrity included in the Celebrity version. Reportedly paid Rs.31.5 m (£367,500 GBP) for her participation, she said to presenter Davina McCall, "I just want every Indian to be extremely proud that I'm in here". As for her participation, she stated: "I have zero expectations. The only thing I really hope to keep is my self-respect and my dignity." Her sister Shamita told the Times of India that this "is the boldest decision Shilpa has taken hitherto."

During her time, Shetty instructed fellow housemates Carole Malone and Ken Russell in meditation, and flirted with Dirk Benedict but tempers started to fray by Day 7 as a clique formed in the house disapproving of Shilpa's presence. Following a worldwide controversy that publicised her as a target of racist bullying within the house (see below), Shetty won the contest after gaining 63% of the public vote and described the experience as "incredible and overwhelming". She further thanked the public for "a fantastic opportunity to make my country proud".

Post Celebrity Big Brother

In February 2007, Shetty attended a reception at the House of Commons by invitation of Keith Vaz MP to meet with then Prime Minister Tony Blair. She was also invited to meet with Queen Elizabeth II at Marlborough House in London in March 2007. During an interview on This Morning, Shetty confirmed that she had been asked to act in the British EastEnders soap opera, and turned it down as it would mean all her other arrangements would have to go on hold.

She was the subject of a Sky One documentary entitled The Real Shilpa Shetty, which was produced by British television production company Twofour. The large number of commercial offers that Shilpa received after winning Celebrity Big Brother themselves became reason for controversy with an increasing number of accusations about her riding the 'racism' wave to commercial gain. She was on the cover of the first issue of OK! Magazine to be sold in India.

In early September 2007 she modelled at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, which also displayed some famous Bollywood actresses including Lara Dutta and Celina Jaitley. As of October 2007, Shilpa will be seen in a musical titled Miss Bollywood. On her agenda next is a cookery book titled Soul Curry and the role of Sita in Uru Patel's international venture Hanuman.

Bigg Boss

In August 2008, Shetty began hosting the second season of Bigg Boss, the Indian version of Big Brother. Controversially, Jade Goody was one of the initial housemates. Goody left the Bigg Boss House early in the series after receiving news that she had cervical cancer, of which she later died on 22 March 2009.

Indian Premier League

In February 2009 Shilpa and her husband Raj Kundra became part owners of the Indian Premier League franchise cricket team Rajasthan Royals by paying approximately US $15.4 million for a 11.7% stake.

HIV-AIDS

In February 2006 Shetty lent support to a BBC World Service Trust television show designed to tackle the problem of HIV-AIDS in India. The project, which also involved other celebrities Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, and Raveena Tandon in separate episodes, featured Shetty as she shadowed a young achiever whose work involved raising awareness about the condition. According to reports, she participated in order to show solidarity with HIV-AIDS sufferers.

The issue is particularly close to Shetty's heart as she had portrayed an HIV-positive sufferer in her 2004 movie Phir Milenge. Speaking about the movie and HIV in general, Shetty said: "Why not a film on HIV positive patients? It is a social stigma in our society. We made this film to highlight this problem ... This film will bring about a social awareness about AIDS in our country. It is high time we talked about this in our society".

PETA

File:ShilpaShettyPETA.jpg
PETA campaign advertisement

In March 2006 various sources reported Shetty's joining PETA as part of an advertising campaign against the use of wild animals in circuses. According to a PETA India press release, Shetty is a long-time PETA supporter and has assisted the campaign by posing for photographs in a figure-hugging tiger costume. She explained that her crouching in a cage was uncomfortable during the photoshoot, but that her discomfort was insignificant compared to the pain suffered by the creatures. "These once dignified animals only leave their cages, which are barely larger than the size of their bodies, for a few minutes each day to be forced into the ring to perform tricks which make no sense and are upsetting to them. The best way to help animals suffering in circuses is to boycott the circus".

Shetty revealed in a later interview that she felt strongly about this cause and that she was appalled to hear of the cruel treatment suffered by such animals. "I thought I should stop that. If I can make a little difference to their lives, why not go for it?"

Personal life

File:Shilpa with Raj Kundra.jpg
Shilpa Shetty with husband Raj Kundra

Shetty married Raj Kundra on 22 November 2009 and announced on her web site that "I am officially Shilpa Shetty Kundra now!!". Shilpa gave birth to her first child, Viaan Raj Kundra on 21 May 2012.

Obscenity charges

In April 2006, a Madurai court issued non-bailable warrants against Shetty and Reema Sen for "posing in an obscene manner" in photographs published by a Tamil newspaper. The report stated that the two actresses had failed to comply with earlier summons for the same reason, hence the issuance of the warrants. The petitioner submitted that the paper had published "very sexy blow-ups and medium blow-ups" in its December 2005 and January 2006 issues, and alleged that these violated the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986, Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act 1956, and the Indian Penal Code Section 292 (Sale of Obscene Books). The petitioner further demanded that the images be confiscated under the terms of the Press and Registration of Book Act 1867.

Shetty responded that she had not received any court summons and also discounted the charges. She further claimed that the pictures were freeze-frame shots from a recent movie that only exposed her navel. "As far as my photographs go, what is obscene about it? If navel-showing is obscenity, then our traditional Indian outfit – the traditional sari – should be banned in the first place."

In January 2007 outgoing Chief Justice Y.K. Sabharwal confirmed that Shetty had written to him requesting that he enunciate guidelines against frivolous lawsuits against artists, but that he had refused her plea on the grounds that she should have filed a formal petition instead of writing a letter.

Celebrity Big Brother racism controversy

Main article: Celebrity Big Brother racism controversy
Shetty in 2007

During her time on Celebrity Big Brother, Shetty was the target of racism and bullying by other housemates, chiefly by Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd. After mocking the east London dialect of Jade Goody's mother, who mispronounced her name as 'Shiwpa', Shetty was mocked for her Indian accent and was branded "The Indian" and a "dog". Disparaging conversations took place among the other housemates about Indian eating habits, and Shetty's cooking was criticised for giving O'Meara diarrhoea. After Shetty attempted to dispose of left-over chicken soup down the toilet and caused a blockage, Jack Tweed suggested that she should pick the bones out with her teeth and allegedly referred to her as a "fucking Paki", although show producers denied this and stated that the word used was "cunt". During a fierce argument, Goody told Shetty that she needed to "spend a day in the slums", although the media falsely reported this as "go back to the slums". Claiming that she did not know Shilpa's surname, Jade referred to her as "Shilpa Fuckawallah", "Shilpa Durupa", and "Shilpa Poppadom", later claiming that they were non-racist references to Indian food. Lloyd had opined that Shetty's English-speaking skills were lacking and verbally indicated her desire that Shetty would "fuck off home". Shetty had been reduced to tears on several occasions, confiding to fellow housemate Ian Watkins: "I feel like I'm losing my dignity."

Shetty speculated that she might be a victim of racism, but later retracted it by claiming: "People say things in anger." A record 40,000 complaints were received jointly by OFCOM and Channel 4 about the treatment of Shetty, 30 of which were formally investigated by Hertfordshire police. Carphone Warehouse suspended its sponsorship of the show and Louise Burfitt-Dons, the founder of the Act Against Bullying charity, branded Jade Goody's behaviour as "unforgivable". The controversy reached the British Parliament as an early day motion in the House of Commons was tabled. The row then escalated into an international diplomatic incident after a formal complaint from Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma lodged with then British PM Tony Blair that threatened to sour relations and damage trade between the two countries. In the city of Patna in Bihar, India, angry protestors marched in the streets and burned effigies in protest of the show, terming it 'Bigot Brother'.

During a parliamentary Prime Minister's Question Time session Blair responded that "We should oppose racism in all its forms." Gordon Brown, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was in India on a goodwill visit, condemned the controversy as "offensive" and the opposite of what Britain stood for: "I want Britain to be seen as a country of fairness and tolerance. Anything that detracts from that I condemn." In an official statement, Channel 4 denied that overt racial abuse or behaviour had been directed at Shetty, but acknowledged that a "cultural and class clash" was responsible for the disputes. After a thorough investigation, OFCOM made an unprecedented move and issued a ruling that Channel 4 were guilty of broadcasting potentially racist material, and required them to make multiple apologies on air during the next Big Brother season.

Richard Gere kissing incident

On 15 April 2007, Richard Gere kissed Shetty on the cheek several times in jest during an AIDS-awareness event. The pair were appearing at a press conference in New Delhi as part of a campaign to preach safe sex to truck drivers in India and promote AIDS awareness. The kiss, considered an attack on India's cultural and moral values, prompted protesters – alleged members of the extremist Hindu group Shiv Sena – to beat burning effigies of Gere with sticks. Others set fire to glamour shots of Shetty. Some groups demanded an apology from her and threatened to ban her movies in the state. Shiv Sena leaders denied involvement in the protests, but Shiv Sena member of parliament Sanjay Raut observed that the protests are "just a manifestation of the anger of the general public" and that there was "nothing wrong with expressing contempt at such an act".

Similar protests broke out in other cities, including Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city, and the northern town of Meerut, where crowds of hundreds of thousands chanted "Down with Shilpa Shetty!" The STAR News office was also attacked. The protests did not take any violent turn and the situation was quickly brought under control, with some activists being detained.

Shetty responded to these protests by saying, "I understand this (kissing) is his (Gere's) culture, not ours. But this was not such a big thing or so obscene for people to overreact in such a manner. I understand people's sentiments, but I do not want a foreigner to take bad memories from here."

On 26 April 2007, an Indian court in Rajasthan issued a warrant for Shetty and Gere's arrest.

The legal action against both Shetty and Gere has been suspended by the Indian Supreme Court until the court decides on the case's proper jurisdiction. Gere has since expressed regret for causing any offence and Shetty has said, "so much has been blown out of proportion."

Filmography

See also: List of awards and nominations received by Shilpa Shetty
Year Film Role Language Notes
1993 Baazigar Seema Chopra Hindi Nominated—Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award
1994 Aao Pyaar Karen Chhaya Hindi
1994 Main Khiladi Tu Anari Mona/Basanti Hindi
1994 Aag Bijli Hindi
1995 Gambler Ritu Hindi
1995 Hathkadi Neha Hindi
1996 Mr. Romeo Shilpa Tamil Dubbed into Hindi and Telugu as Mr. Romeo
1996 Chhote Sarkar Seema Hindi
1996 Himmat Nisha Hindi
1996 Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya Sona Telugu Dubbed into Hindi as Saagar Kanya
1997 Dus Journalist Hindi Incomplete role
1997 Prithvi Neha Hindi
1997 Insaaf Divya Hindi
1997 Zameer: The Awakening of a Soul Roma Khurana Hindi
1997 Auzaar Prathna Thakur Hindi
1997 Veedeva Dandi Babu Nandhana Telugu
1998 Pardesi Babu Chinni Malhotra Hindi
1998 Aakrosh Komal Hindi
1999 Jaanwar Mamta Hindi
1999 Shool Special appearance Hindi Item number
1999 Lal Baadshah Lawyer's daughter Hindi
2000 Azad Kanaka Mahalakshmi Telugu
2000 Dhadkan Anjali Hindi
2000 Tarkieb Preeti Sharma Hindi
2000 Kushi Macarena Tamil Item number
2000 Jung Tara Hindi
2001 Indian Anjali Rajshekar Azad Hindi
2001 Bhalevadivi Basu Shilpa Telugu Dubbed into Hindi as Sherni Ka Shikaar
2001 Maduve Agona Baa Preeti Kannada
2001 Preethsod Thappa Chandana(Chandu) Kannada
2002 Karz Sapna Hindi
2002 Rishtey Vaijanti Hindi Nominated—Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award
2002 Hathyar Gauri Shivalkar Hindi
2002 Chor Machaaye Shor Kaajal Hindi
2002 Badhaai Ho Badhaai Radha/Banto Betty Hindi
2002 Junoon Hindi
2003 Ondagona Baa Belli Kannada
2003 Darna Mana Hai Gayathri Hindi
2004 Phir Milenge Tamanna Sahani Hindi Nominated—Filmfare Best Actress Award
2004 Garv: Pride and Honour Jannat Hindi
2005 Dus Aditi Hindi
2005 Fareb Neha Hindi
2005 Khamosh: Khauff Ki Raat Sonia Hindi
2005 Auto Shankar Money Lender Kannada
2006 Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar Ahana Hindi
2007 Life In A... Metro Shikha Hindi
2007 Apne Simran Hindi
2007 Om Shanti Om Herself Hindi Special appearance in the song "Deewangi Deewangi"
2008 Dostana Hindi Special appearance in the song "Shut Up & Bounce"
2010 The Desire Gautami Hindi, English, Chinese

See also

References

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Series 5 (2007)
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