UK celebrity lashes out at Shilpa's attitude

Shilpa Shetty might be in the limelight in Britain but she's facing quite a few brickbats as well. The latest to join the 'Hate Shilpa' bandwagon is sixty-something TV horse-racing pundit John McCririck.

McCririck, a former Celebrity Big Brother contestant himself, let flow a flurry of anti-Shilpa comments during a television interview.

According to him, the Bollywood actress is "up herself".

"She's no wonder girl. How many times has she had sex ? Probably very few and not very often. These girls are very precious. Their bodies are so special that no man may penetrate it. She is difficult."

Well, McCririck can't be accused of racism, can he? But isn't there a law against making remarks like that?

In other (more positive) news, Shilpa now has a work permit in Britain - very necessary for her to make money from interviews and public appearances. All thanks to NRI Keith Vaz who took a personal interest in the case.

Currently in Mumbai, Shilpa will soon be back in London to take part in the Zee Carnival from February 16. This time around she will shake a leg with the likes of Priyanka Chopra and Esha Deol. A Bollywood onslaught - seems like it.

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Shilpa in a Hugh Grant flick!
Shilpa fever rocks British Parliament
Shilpa's life after Big Brother
SPOOF - Shilpa nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
COMMENT - Of India, Sexual Racism and Shilpa Shetty
ANALYSIS - Racism on Big Brother: Shilpa Shetty to win
FORUM - Racism on Big Brother
Shilpa says Jade's behaviour not racial

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS of Shilpa's stint on Big Brother
Shilpa wins: The final moments
Day 26
Day 25
Day 24
Day 23
Day 22
Day 21
Day 20
Day 19
Day 18
Day 17
Day 16
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11: Part Two
Day 11
Day 10: Part Two
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1

VIDEOS
The Best of Shilpa Shetty on Big Brother
And the winner is - Shilpa Shetty
Day 14 - The Jade-Shilpa row
Day 11 - Shilpa in the Jackson Five band
Day 20 - Shilpa's Showgirl routine
Day 19 - Shilpa's Aunt Jameela act

Of India, Sexual Racism and Shilpa Shetty

Ok, so this isn't directly linked to Shilpa Shetty on Big Brother but felt I had to share it with you guys. The Times Big Brother blog linked to Vir Sanghvi's column in the Hindustan Times about the Shilpa Shetty racism controversy. And then got a barrage of comments from people complaining about the racist treatment they experienced in India - including in one case a man who masturbated in front of a shocked woman tourist.

Kara: I was subject to REAL racism all the time in India and have been to India several times. But not a single Indian stood up to object. The whole country on the other hand, supports Shilpa over envious girl-squibbles. I was refused train and bus tickets, hotel rooms and called 'white pig', 'dog', 'white whore' and what not. In all of this, I had done nothing to these people but stand there and be western...

Amita: ...Men were intimidating till the point that i went to the police for harassment only to be laughed at and looked at by the police there. On a train journey a man masturbated in front of me to my horror and shock, i tried to take a photo of a temple and was told if i took another one i would be killed... I felt the society is backwards, women live in fear of men and people in general are full of prejudice and racism against other cultures...I thought my country was backwards and narrow-minded...until i visited India.

Leona Ferguson: So Vir Sanghvi is angry at the racism he feels has been perpetuated within the BB house, but has no compunction about using the term 'white trash'? Nor does he look within his own culture...An apparently intelligent man making such facile, narrow-minded and seemingly superior remarks makes me despair far more than a group of nasty bitches on the telly.

Sarah: Did find the country backwards as most people didn't like the fact that I was a woman travelling on my own , and that I was wearing shorts and t-shirts and flip flops.

Kara: ...when I stood at 23:00 in Madurai train station waiting for a ticket and was denied one because "we don't want you peoples here" with the ticket window slammed closed in my face - there was no reason, no comment from my part, or any provocation. I was stunned. And it happened more than once...Indian people are extremely passive aggressive and racist to the max. Indian men will grab privates or breasts when they pass a western woman on the street, or start masturbating right in front of you. No kidding here. This happened not once or twice, but every day, several times a day to me.

Erin_f: Men would masturbate right in front of me and make lewd and offensive comments and gestures and even touch me on buses and trains. In Bombay my flight was cancelled. I was exhausted and tried to find a hotel. Not a single one would take me in because I was a white female and traveled by myself. A front desk clerk in a 4 star hotel even told me that they did not approve of "your kind of activities" in their hotel and that all women in the west were "bad women walking streets". Nothing could convince him of the opposite. Having nowhere to go after trying to get a room in six different hotels, I finally ended up sitting on a bench on Marina Drive tired and sleepy...I found India extremely racist, lawless and truly disgusting.

Hillary: I'm sure upper class Indian do have their manners and try to do good for themselves and their country but India unfortunately is also a very backwards country where women travelling on their own are NOT WELCOMED. They basically think we are sluts which I find so offensive and ignorant....I accept that people in the BB house behaved badly but to all of you who are trying to sell us India as paradise on earth, open your eyes, there is a billion people in there and most of them live in poverty while a few are very, very rich.

Miranda: Indians never gave me a chance, I was a woman, I was alone, I was travelling. In their eyes I'm a disgraceful bitch with no values.

And lastly,

Praveen: ...in the same way people have been saying that Indians should not go by the behaviour of stupid and ignorant people like Ms. Goody as a reflection of British Society; I hope the behaviour of a few uncivilised individuals also does not serve as a yardstick for judging Indian society in general.

You can read all the comments here

Shilpa Shetty in Big Brother (Day 20)

Going bananas

Ian and Shilpa are discussing yesterday's attempts to make Big Brother laugh in the Diary Room. Their not so splendid performance is easily explained away by Ian.

Ian: It's not our job. That's like stand-up comedy. We're used to having a script and me a song

Finally managed to catch a video of Shilpa's make-Big-Brother-laugh-challenge performance last night. She had dressed up as a hideous old woman with buck teeth who exhorts viewers to eat bananas as they "keep doctors and everybody away". Shilpa then proceeds to peel and eat the banana in jerky staccato motions. Well, after watching her impersonation of a senile old woman, Shilpa gotta be careful she won't end up doing mother-in-law roles in Bollywood movies back home in India.

Somebody's rolling in toilet rolls

That's the big conversation at breakfast today. Five rolls of toilet paper have mysteriously disappeared and housemates have to make do with scraps.

Ian: Where the hell has it all gone? There's not that many bums in here

Shilpa: Someone's been using a lot of tissue

Ian: Someone's got a big ass

Jermaine: It's that curry

Ian: I can't believe you just said that

Jermaine: It's not me. I don't eat that

Ian: Why is everyone hiding it?

Can that curry reference qualify as a racism-against-India thing :) Reminds me of an old joke.

Q: Why do curry-eating Indians use water instead of toilet paper
A: Coz toilet paper would burn

The Showgirls routine

The eight housemates are at their entertaining best today. Their new task involves dressing up and performing a sunchronised Showgirl chorus dance routine. Their big moment would come after hours of practising the moves displayed on the plasma screen.

Kicks, Hips, Twirls - all and more are on display as the housemates, including poor downcast-looking Dirk struggle to do their best. Shilpa, predictably was upbeat, but isn't too happy with the skimpy costume worn by the Showgirl on screen. She's gonna wear tights underneath, she says.

The countdown begins and the housemates take to the stage clad in feather boas, head-dresses and top hats. Amidst whoops, cheers and numerous gyrations, the Big Brother showgirls pass the task easily (despite mistakes by Dirk and Jack).

Their reward is a party with champagne and music. Yippee!

Spider in the House

No, there is no arachnid on the premises. It's just Jack being naughty and touching Danielle on her back, making her scream. Kind-hearted Shilpa lets Danielle in on the secret and peace finally reigns in the Big Brother household.


Click here for highlights of Shilpa's stint on Big Brother
Day 19
Day 18
Day 17
Day 16
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11: Part Two
Day 11
Day 10: Part Two
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1

Also Read
ANALYSIS - Racism on Big Brother: Shilpa Shetty to win
FORUM - Racism on Big Brother
Shilpa says Jade's behaviour not racial

Watch Videos
Day 14 - The Jade-Shilpa row
Day 11 - Shilpa in the Jackson Five band

Shilpa Shetty in Big Brother (Day 18)

Dirk goes crazy (because of Shilpa?)

Day 18 in the Big Brother house dawned with American actor Dirk Benedict displaying some pretty odd behaviour. He reveals he hasn't showered for four days, he talks about inspecting other people's shit (literally!) and says he communicates through skipping. The other housemates feel poor Dirk is slowly losing his marbles. The A-Team star has also taken to smoking indoors, much to the irritation of others.

Danielle and Cleo think Dirk's feelings for Shilpa are responsible for this new turn of events and decide to take matters to the Diary Room.

Danielle: Big Brother, we're worried about Dirky baby

Cleo: We are expecting alien visits

Danielle: Maybe he's asking them to drop off some beans

Cleo: He's very strange. It might be the frustration of sleeping close to Shilpa, but not close enough, if you know what I mean

The troublesome twosome decide to take matters in their own hands. They are thinking of hiding Dirk's underpants under Shilpa's pillow and watching their reactions. This way Cleo could also bring them together, or so she thinks. Personally, I don't think using underpants as Cupid's arrows is such a good idea.

Cleo also talks to Shilpa about Dirk, sans any reference to the underpants, of course. But Shilpa is being sensible.

Shilpa: He's very nice. BUT very old

Some Indian horror for Big Brother

Shilpa regales the girls with stories from her films. She mentions Ram Gopal Varma's Darna Mana Hain - a film which starred Shilpa as part of an ensemble cast in six horror stories woven together.

Shilpa plays a housewife who buys some strange apples from a roadside vendor and wakes up to find whoever ate the fruit turned into an apple. She's the only one left unscathed. Well, we sure hope Shilpa's the only one left unscathed by all the bad apples on Big Brother.

Dirk finally takes a shower (Thank God!)

Dirk smells his armpits and fortunately decides that the theory of smelly men turning women wild needed some more research. Immediately after his shower, he runs over to Shilpa.

Shilpa: Let me smell you

Dirk: Did I pass the sniff test? You should have had a before and after

But as she came close, the 61-year-old actor took the opportunity to steal a hug.

Cleo: Hey, is jumping Shilpa better than jumping rope?

Dirk: It gets your heart beating faster (Shilpa extricates herself from Dirk's hands as he tickles her) I will have my way with you. Honey, you're more fun than skipping rope

Jo: You dirty dog

Dirk leaves the room but the other girls are still planning to get the lonesome twosome together somehow.

Cleo: Now, it's a competition. This is fun now

Later, Cleo dresses up as her alter ego 'Tiara' and tries her charms on Dirk. But he's not amused. Finally Shilpa has to step in and asks Cleo to calm down as Dirk walks off in a huff.

Cleo gets bouquets, Jade some brickbats

If there's one person both Shilpa and Jermaine really like, it's Cleo.

Shilpa: I love her. She's so adorable

Jermaine: Very special, very very special. We should stay in touch with her

The conversation then turns, as it almost always does, to Jade Goody.

Jermaine seems to be thrilled that viewers chose the Londoner for eviction.

Jermaine: It's amazing. The situation and how it evolved and what was said...and how her followers...it was amazing. Wasn't it? Amazing. It's just good to know that people out there still look for the good in people because I'm pretty sure if I was acting ugly in here, I'd be out of here. It doesn't matter who you are, you just can't be cruel

Shilpa is still surprised she's not out of Big Brother yet.

Jermaine: Did you think that you were going to be leaving?

Shilpa: Yeah. Because she kept telling me that, you know, she has a huge fan base...she was saying to all of us that she had so many fans and people come up to her all the time telling her how much she's loved and she's the 20th most influential person in the world

Jermaine: That means nothing. What took place was about just being right. Being right. And if you're so famous and you're wrong, you're wrong... if you're not famous and you're right, you're right.

Shilpa hasn't got the eviction out of her mind and now proceeds to eat Ian's head.

Shilpa: In the Diary Room when they asked me 'how would you feel if you left and do you want to stay', I said, 'I don't know... I accept it either way. I'm prepared to go because I learnt that Jade has a great fanbase here and I know I have my fanbase in all the Indians and Pakistanis and Bangladeshis' and, I said... 'if they (the public) want me to be in here they'll keep me in here and if they don't want me in here they'll vote me out... so I accept their decision.'

Sock your time away and then clean

It's certainly boring in the Big Brother House without loudmouth Jade. Too much of peace and tranquility may not be a good thing after all. Shilpa and Cleo are talking in funny voices at the dining room table - using a pair of socks as phones. How childish is that.

Now Shilpa's really gone crazy. She snaps at poor Jermaine who's got into a cleaning streak.

Shilpa: What's got into you suddenly?

Big Brother, please make Jade come back on the show as a wildcard. I don't like this side of Shilpa at all.

Of chickens having sex

You can imagine how bored the housemates are feeling if the conversation turns to whether chickens have sex.

Jo: Do chickens have sex?

Danielle: Yeah

Cleo: I'm not entirely sure how it happens

Jo: A chicken lays one egg every day - they must have a lot of sex.
The conversation cracks up Shilpa. She's obviously thinking why Big Brother couldn't arrange for housemates to match her intellectual calibre.

Then Shilpa gets drunk

When in Rome, do as Romans do. Shilpa decides to try some of Danielle's cider.

Shilpa: It tastes like apple juice gone bad

Danielle: Shilpa's gonna be drunk in a minute!

Sure enough. Shilpa is behaving weirdly.

Shilpa: I think I am a little high...I'm a cheap date

Cleo: We don't want that getting out in the wrong context

Jo: Has that affected you? Seriously?

Shilpa: It's made me...

Danielle: Your eyes are rolling to the back of your head!

There are strong rumours that a new housemate will be joining the Big Brother house soon. Hope he or she saves Shilpa from her Jade-less frenzy.


Click here for highlights of Shilpa's stint on Big Brother
Day 17
Day 16
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11: Part Two
Day 11
Day 10: Part Two
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1

Also read
ANALYSIS - Racism on Big Brother: Shilpa Shetty to win
FORUM - Racism on Big Brother
Shilpa says Jade's behaviour not racial

Shilpa Shetty in Big Brother (Day 17)

News at the Breakfast table

Early in the morning, the housemates were informed that either Jade or Shilpa would leave the house later tonight. The two foes were not surprised to hear their names called out.

Jade: I knew I'd be up

Shilpa: Me too

Ian: Whoever goes will be happy, and they can sleep in their own bed

Jade: Yeah. And when I find out who nominated me, I won't speak to them ever again

Seems old habits die hard.

But the new-found truce between Jade and Shilpa seems to be a strong one. Jade has taken the racism rap pretty seriously. She doesn't want to be evicted for the wrong reasons and her confession shows she's worried about this.

Jade: Shilpa says she knows I'm not racist, but the press have a lot of power and if they want to print I'm racial.. that could influence a lot of people and I could be evicted for the wrong reasons. Fair enough if people vote me out because they don't like me, but if it's because they think I'm a racist b**** I'll be worried about walking out - because that's not me.

Meanwhile, Shilpa and Jermaine are mulling over the nomination list

Jermaine: Nobody was surprised

Shilpa: I wasn't. The groups were formed. It was very apparent that we were going to be up for eviction

Obsessive fans the Jade way

Jade, who has had experience with previous Big Brother rounds, is telling Shilpa and the other girls about people obsessed with the reality show. There was one "nice" elderly lady who wrote down everything the housemates did. Wonder what Jade would say if she came to know I also blog about the daily Big Brother grind - although only about things concerning Shilpa.

Is that a helicopter I hear?

The housemates have been instructed to go indoors because there's a helicopter circling round the house. Is it some angry Indian come to rescue Shilpa from her racist prison? Or some enterprising journalist who wants some exclusive photographs? Well, nothing happens and no helicopter lands on the Big Brother grounds. I wish it had though - it would have been the most memorable scene on the show ever.

The racism debate continues

None of the housemates know how serious the situation is outside. How Great Britain and India are engaging in diplomatic warfare, if it can be called that. And yet by instinct, they keep talking about the impact of Jade's comments.

Ian feels the conflict is scary and yet there's no racism involved. Cleo agrees. Shilpa is in Mother Teresa mode today - she says she won't mind leaving.

Shilpa: I don't mind getting evicted, I didn't want to leave saying, 'I want to get out'. I'll miss you guys. I'm okay

But the Indian actress is apparently concerned over the effect Jade's behaviour on the reality show would have on the Londoner's life.

Shilpa: I don't want Jade to feel that I've spoiled all that she's made for herself. I really wish that from the bottom of my heart. I have a life back in India and that's going to be unaffected really

Cleo feels Shilpa'll be a huge success when she finally leaves Big Brother.

Shilpa: You think so? That's really nice

Cleo: It's not really nice. It's the truth

And as if to make things worse, Jade is telling Cleo, Shilpa and Ian about her children and the stigma of being a single mother. Awww! I feel sorry for her already.

Of pillow fights and college sweethearts

Both the eviction nominees are busy in their own way. Shilpa and Dirk are preparing food together while Jade engages boyfriend in a pillow fight. Must say Jade is quite talented in this aspect.

Dirk, on being told that he's extremely romantic, is telling Shilpa all about his old college sweetheart. Shilpa has a confession of her own. She isn't always the smartly-turned out diva she is on Big Brother.

Shilpa: I am such a jeans and t-shirt person it's not funny

Big Brother's Human Philharmonic Orchestra

The housemates have a musical task today - with no musical instruments. Each housemate is to perform a piece of classical music using only their bodies and voices. They split into four groups - woodwind, brass, strings and percussion -under their enthusiastic conductor - Ian.

Given their talents (or lack of thereof), it's not surprising the group comes through with flying colours on the 'William Tell Overture' despite Dirk's wobbly trumpet solo. A musical malady perhaps.


Jade and Shilpa: The final moments

The stately Indian and the loudmouth Briton soon pack up and carry their suitcases to the garden, and return to the kitchen for a tete-a-tete.

Shilpa: You ok?

Jade: You know how I feel? Yep

Shilpa: You know how I feel

Jade: Yeah - we have something in common

Shilpa and Dirk: To be or not to be

Dirk has a downcast air about him. Is it because he fears Shilpa may leave him tonight?

Shilpa: It's a weird feeling. It's not like a sad or a bad feeling though

Dirk's being "awfully quiet" is explained away as homesickness.

Dirk: My kids have gone long enough without me

Shilpa: You'll be home soon. Just nine more days

Dirk: Maybe less.

Is that sixth sense, Dirk?

Of Jade's trip to India

Jade is talking about her trip to India - a trip filled with memories of homeless people, crowded markets and unbelievable traffic.

Jade: We wanted to get McDonalds but it was over the street and the roads - oh my God!

Looks like she's not been to Connaught Place yet. And please, please Jade - please do travel on the New Delhi Metro. Methinks it's much much cleaner than the London Tube.

A strange eviction

Big Brother has just announced with a sombre air what everyone knew deep down already. Jade is leaving the show. The usual crowd noise is missing, though and the housemates are curious.

Danielle: Why's it so quiet?

Jade: I know why it's quiet. What I said the other day. I know. I don't know why I came back in here

Shilpa: I just nearly suffered a heart attack. (to Jade) You will be OK. There's nothing to fear

Jade: Don't start me crying. I don't want to cry

Shilpa escapes to the loo, followed soon by Ian

Shilpa: I don't want her to go out like this. I pray to God there's no problem for her out there. If I went out today I would have defended her

She comes out again to comfort Jade as she leaves the house.

Shilpa: It always works out for the best in the long run

Jade: I've been in this situation before... I'm the 25th most intellectual person.

Shilpa couldn't resist a final jibe.

Shilpa: Influential


Click here for highlights of Shilpa's stint on Big Brother
Day 16
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11: Part Two
Day 11
Day 10: Part Two
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1

Also read
ANALYSIS - Racism on Big Brother: Shilpa Shetty to win
FORUM - Racism on Big Brother
Shilpa says Jade's behaviour not racial

Shilpa SAFE; Jade EVICTED

The votes are in, the verdict is out. Jade Goody has been kicked out with 82 percent votes in the most anticipated eviction in Big Brother history. And Shilpa Shetty is safe - for now.

Jade, 25, had been accused of making racist comments against the Bollywood actress - something that triggered protests in India and an onslaught of complaints from viewers. Did Shilpa ride home on the sympathy vote? Does this mean she has a shot at winning the top prize? We can't wait to find out.

The Jade and Shilpa row

Footage of the Day 14 spat over chicken stock cubes in which Jade calls Shilpa a phony and a liar. Shilpa reacts with Jade needing some lessons in etiquette.

Shilpa Shetty in Big Brother (Day 16)

Jade gets quizzed by Big Brother

Big Brother asked Jade Goody about her conversation with Danielle Lloyd in which she referred to the Indian actress as 'Shilpa f***awhiler' and 'Shilpa Poppadom'.

Jade's defence - she wanted to use an Indian name and the only word she could think of was Indian food. Hence, poppadom.

Jade: Shilpa Poppadom. I explained that for the other two trying to get her name out. Her name is not Shilpa Harry or Shilpa Tweed or Shilpa Mackintosh, she is Indian, so will have an Indian name. No racial anything. She is Indian, thinking of an Indian name and only thing I could think of was Indian food. Wasn't racial at all. It was not to offend any Indian out there. Everyone knows I don't
like her. She don't like me. What I said about her was not meant in a racial way - it's not acceptable if done in that way. Mine wasn't done in that way.

It's not a racist thing, says Shilpa

In a conversation with Ian, Shilpa says that the behaviour of the housemates may not be racist.

Shilpa: You know, when I actually thought about it, I know it's not a racist thing. I thought about it for a long time. It's not racist. You know people say things in anger. She (Jade) tries to challenge me. She tries to challenge my beliefs.

The two foes are ACTUALLY hugging

The big news is that Jade and Shilpa have had a talk about their differences, cleared the air and then hugged. Ya, you read that right.

Jade: I know that what has happened has not been nice for you... and a lot of stuff got said the other day from you and from myself. I didn't say ('Shilpa Poppadom') it in a racial way... I do not judge people by the colour of their skin

Shilpa: I know that. I don't think you're racist

Jade: I appreciate you saying that - it does mean a lot

Shilpa: If somebody is going to keep calling me fake, it's bound to hurt me

Jade says that she got angry when Shilpa said she needed elocution classes.

Shilpa: I didn't say elocution. I said etiquette

Jade: It's obvious we don't get on. Different backgrounds

Shilpa: There is definitely a culture clash. You said more nasty things about me than what I said about you

Jade: I was angry of the fact that I'd let you make me get so angry over a cube! I don't want the awkwardness anymore. It's an awkward situation and I don't like it. I'm not spiteful and I'm not on purposely nasty.

Jade: I'm sorry

And with that, the bitter foes give each other a great big hug. They know they are not going to be best friends but there won't be any bad blood either. Now, if only that diplomatic row over racism on the Big Brother show gets solved this easily.

Shilpa: I really appreciate that you took the first step

The other housemates were enthusiastic when news of the truce trickled in. Amidst general applause, Ian burst into a rendition of 'Love is in the Air'. Awwww! And to think we have to choose between Shilpa and Jade for Friday's eviction.

A romantic date for Shilpa

Dirk Benedict may have confessed he's not that serious about Shilpa but the housemates are not done teasing the Bollywood actress yet.

Gay singer Ian Watkins told Shilpa the housemates have set her up on a romantic date with the A-Team actor.

Ian: We just went to the Diary Room. Guess what we asked for.

Shilpa couldn't guess so Ian finally told her.

Ian: We asked for a candlelit dinner for you and Dirk. You'd make such a nice couple.

Shilpa probably thought this would be the right time to set things straight.

Shilpa: He's very kind and sweet but he's not my type. I need someone more fun.

Ouch! Wish Dick never gets to hear that. Not that Shilpa's been bitching about him. She and Jermaine Jackson had been discussing what a nice guy Dirk is.

Dirk and Shilpa have been spending time together despite talk of a romance. He showed her pictures of his children and the two continue exercising together and having long chats about Dirk being a vegetarian.

Shilpa goes on to tell Ian she does have a fairly good idea about the ideal man for her.

Shilpa: There is no prototype, because that can restrict (you). Someone who has a sense of humour, someone who is extremely respectful, someone who I want to have kids with. Someone who'll be a great father and someone who...will be my friend. These are the prerequisites.

All hail Jermaine

The Master-Servant game might have ended in the first week of Big Brother but Jermaine obviously doesn't think so. Shilpa is there to do his bidding at night.

Jermaine: I'm in my pyjamas - can you just bring me a little bitty?

Shilpa: Are you normally this boring?

Jermaine: I'm sleepy. I'm an early riser

Shilpa: I have come to the conclusion that I am your servant

Jermaine: I like service

Shilpa: You're gonna get a kick up your ass!

Nevertheless, Shilpa runs to the kitchen to do Jermaine's bidding and returns with three strawberries.

Jermaine: I love service!

Shilpa: We can see that

Danielle and Shilpa make up and hug

At bedtime, Danielle is apparently sorry for her behaviour towards Shilpa - something she says was caused by stupidity and bad judgement.

Danielle: I didn't agree with some of the things you said to Jade, but I especially didn't agree with some of the things that Jade said to you. I hate confrontation. I hate arguing

Shilpa: (Jade and I) had a very good conversation outside. We cleared it all out. She doesn't need to be worried

Danielle: I'm sorry. 'Cos I'm young and quite naive, I've probably took the route where I'll stick with Jade. I feel really disgusted at myself... I'm following the leader, following the group - when (you are) a really nice girl. I'm not a bad person. I have got a good heart
Shilpa: You have to have your own identity

Danielle: Since Jade come... I've felt really intimidated because Jade's a much stronger person

The two exchange hugs. Peace finally reigns in the Big Brother house.


Click here for highlights of Shilpa's stint on Big Brother
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11: Part Two
Day 11
Day 10: Part Two
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1

Also read
ANALYSIS - Racism on Big Brother: Shilpa Shetty to win
FORUM - Racism on Big Brother

Jade's behaviour not racial: Shilpa

Shilpa tells Big Brother in the Diary Room that Jade Goody's behaviour towards her is definitely not racial. The "victim" retracts her earlier statement to Cleo Rocos about Jade's comments. But notice how Shilpa refrains from mentioning Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara. She's apparently unaware of many of the comments made by those two. Here's the text of Shilpa's chat with Big Brother -

Big Brother: Are you feeling happy?

Shilpa: Yeah I'm OK, happiness is a state of mind, I mean it just depends on what you think makes you happy, I'm happy. I'm happy and I try to be happy in every given situation, I wasn't happy, mm, two days ago. Um, well the way I live, if something has saddened me I try, it takes me a day to understand, analyse, and then I just leave it right there and then I move on, that's the way I've always lived. Today I am in a calm frame of mind so I would just like to say that um, an apology is definitely in order, and if Jade apologises I, I will apologise back and um, and make up with her.

Shilpa: But I know that is not going to come forth from Jade's side, um and she thinks what she did was right and that was the right way to behave so I'm cool with that so I'd rather just be away, and keep my respect so that's that - I don't have anything against Jade, I just, I just don't like the way she speaks that is my only complaint against Jade, I have nothing to say against her as a person, I think she has really worked hard to be where she is right now, um, and I respect people who have come up the hard way but er, oh she definitely needs to brush up on some manners and the way she speaks.

Big Brother: Shilpa, you mentioned you were not happy two days ago, Big Brother noticed that you had a conversation with Cleo in the bedroom following an argument with Jade. You implied that you thought the differences between the two of you could be racially motivated?

Shilpa: No, actually I take that back. I thought it was cos everybody was having an argument with me and I take that back. I don't think that is true, you know people say things in a fit of anger and erm, I stand corrected so, I don't want people to think and feel that way and I continue to feel that way. So even if I said it I would like you to please clarify and put this as a statement from my side if you can. That I don't feel there was any racial discrimination happening from Jade's end.

Shilpa: Erm, I don't think that is true. That's it. I think that there are a lot of insecurities from her end but it's definitely not racial. So yeah, that's the way I feel.

The Jackson Five Tribute Band

Footage of Shilpa's Jackson Five tribute band performing on Day 11 of Big Brother

It's Jade vs Shilpa for eviction

The two women at the centre of the Big Brother racism furore battle it out for survival. They have been nominated for eviction by the housemates and only one will stay back on Friday night.

Earlier today, Shilpa had a premonition that she will be up for eviction.

Shilpa: I am getting nominated. It's common sense, not rocket science

But it's funny that Jade Goody is getting the flak for her so-called racist comments when it's Danielle and Jo who have made the more unforgivable remarks against Shilpa. Anyway, one of the two bitter foes will be evicted soon - and I sure hope it's not Shilpa.

Racism on Big Brother: The Backlash

News updates on the "Big Brother racism" controversy

Sponsor pulls plug on UK Big Brother

Shilpa Shetty's mum wants her out of "Big Brother"

Shilpa Shetty in Big Brother (Day 15)

Early risers Jermaine Jackson and Ian Watkins are discussing last night's spat between Jade Goody and Shilpa. Jermaine is amazed that the girls are ganging up against the Bollywood actress.


Jermaine: When Jade was going off at Shilpa, the other girls were laughing. They are being controlled by Jade, it's ignorance. It's become territorial now. I'm trying to be neutral but I'm not going to let things be unfair. I'm not willing to talk to Jade. I can't change Jade

Ian: In her mind, she's right

Jermaine: She (Jade) told her (Shilpa) that her head was so far up her own a*** she could smell her own s***!

Danielle makes peace with Shilpa

Former Miss Great Britain Danielle Llloyd, one of the three accused of making racist comments against Shilpa, appears to have had an attack of conscience. She follows Shilpa into the bathroom for a heart-to-heart.

Danielle: Shilpa, I don't like arguing with anyone and I don't want to argue with you

Shilpa: Don't worry, I'm cool (embraces Danielle). You were never like that with me.

Danielle: I don't want you to feel left out, I feel really bad and I'm not a bad person

Shilpa: You are not a bad person. And neither is Jo ... And neither is Jade. Jade just waits for an argument and I'm not like that. I can't be what she wants me to be...I don't have anything against you, trust me.

The Silent Treatment

Bitter foes Shilpa and Jade have not spoken a word to each other today, treating each other like invisible walls. But Jade continues to eavesdrop on Shilpa's conversations with other housemates.

Jade: Did you hear what she said? 'I didn't say a bad thing to Jade'

Jo: That's cheeky

Jade: Well, she is cheeky. When Dirk just came over Shilpa walked straight past him and ignored him, because he's been talking to us.

Two weeks in Big Brother

The housemates calculate that it's been two weeks since they first set foot within the Big Brother house. Shilpa, Jermaine and Cleo are wondering how they have survived for so long and Shilpa says it certainly didn't go by smoothly.

Ian reveals his admiration for Freddie Mercury and Shilpa points out that the Queen rocker was originally from India. Must say Shilpa's not all that dumb, considering that most Bollywood actresses are supposed to be deficient in the brain area.

Dirk thinks of a new name for the show. "This show probably has the record for people busting out. 'Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, that's what this is.". Are you thinking of busting out too, Dirk?

Ian asks Shilpa whether she has a following in the UK. He thinks Shilpa will certainly get one once she gets out. Little do the two know about the Big Brother racism brouhaha that has hogged headlines worldwide. Am sure everybody in the UK now knows who Shilpa Shetty is.

Modern Art for the Housemates

Big Brother has a new task for his nine inmates. The housemates, in groups of three, produce works of modern art depicting an emotion they experienced during their time in the house.

Ian, Shilpa and Jermaine decide on the theme of strength. Their work of art is a cardboard torso with a flexed right arm and a painted red heart.

Shilpa: (explaining the concept to Big Brother) This explains the strength we all try to show in every situation, even in times we are really distressed. It doesn't just denote... physical strength - but also in terms of character

Is that a subtle message for Jade?

Dirk and Shilpa: A Damp Squib

All hopes of a Hollywood-Bollywood romance seems to be fading. Dirk reveals that he would have been interested in Shilpa HAD he been younger.

Dirk: Shilpa ... it's fun, I can make her giggle and blush. If I was younger, she would interest me. But the truth is, she was very nice about it, she handled it well. She could have not liked it at all, said 'I don't find this appealing, it's not attractive, it's not charming, it's not funny, stop it' which I would have done

Danielle in Confession Mode

While chatting with Danielle in the Diary Room, Big Brother asks her what she meant by telling Shilpa to "f*** off home". Danielle appears to have forgotten this outburst and says she regrets the offensive comment and is disgusted with herself. She resolves not to follow the herd in her reactions to Shilpa and be more understanding.

Jade and Cleo make up

Cleo Rocos, who has tried to act as a mediator between Shilpa and the other girls, has been avoiding Jade for some time. Jade is keen to clarify matters and makes it clear she doesn't want Cleo to stop talking to Shilpa.

Jade: I openly speak about people in front of you, but I'd never, ever say that you shouldn't talk to [Shilpa] because of this. I'd never pull you away from somebody. I just wouldn't.


Click here for highlights of Shilpa's stint on Big Brother
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11: Part Two
Day 11
Day 10: Part Two
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1
ANALYSIS - Racism on Big Brother: Shilpa Shetty to win

Racism on Big Brother: Shilpa Shetty to win

That's right. Being a victim of racism is turning out to be a win-win situation for Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. No publicity is bad publicity. Who would have thought that a story on UK's Celebrity Big Brother would hog headlines even in international media. Forget Aishwarya and Abhishek's wedding - Shilpa is the most talked about person in India right now.

The friendly neighbourhood aunt arrives early in the morning to borrow a bowl of sugar - and asks how Shilpa is doing. At the office, people are no longer interested in cricket or Sachin - it's the latest racist remark on Big Brother that's fuelling workplace gossip. The weather is no longer a conversation starter at Page 3 parties -Shilpa Shetty has taken over top spot.

People in Patna are burning effigies of Shilpa's housemates and the issue threatens to snowball into a diplomatic war between India and Great Britain. You have Gordon Brown and Tony Blair talking about it. What more does Shilpa need. A statement from Osama bin Laden threatening to bomb the headquarters of series producer Endemol and broadcaster Channel Four? Well, that might just be in the pipeline.

As for me, I have been inundated by mails asking how and where to get video footage of Big Brother. For the record, you can get it on the show's official site here.

The Last Word: Is there racism on the show? Yes, there is but what people don't realise is that this racism stems from Shilpa's beauty and grace which is making the other woman housemates insanely jealous. The men on the show are going ga-ga over Shilpa and the women can't handle it. Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd are not getting enough attention from Dirk Benedict, Jermaine Jackson and Ian Watkins. And the only way they can get back at Shilpa is through racist comments. You don't believe me! What about Jade's threat to headbutt Shilpa?

Anyway, whether Shilpa wins the Big Brother contest or not, she will certainly benefit from renewed interest in her flagging Bollywood career. And that is what I call a win-win situation.


Click here for highlights of Shilpa's stint on Big Brother
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11: Part Two
Day 11
Day 10: Part Two
Day 10: Part One
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1