‘People around me have changed’-shilpa

'People around me have changed'

Shilpa Shetty, in an exclusive interview from London, tells BT that her life has taken a 360 degree turn after UK reality show Big Brother

AFSANA AHMED Times News Network

After her success in the UK reality show Big Brother, Shilpa Shetty now finds herself amidst a whirlwind of activities. Even as she speaks to BT, British MP Keith Vaz calls to brief her on her upcoming meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
How much have you changed post-Big Brother?

• I am the same old Shilpa, but people around me have changed.
How does it feel to be a famous Indian internationally today?

• It's a new high, new phase, and a new life for me. Earlier, I was only recognised by the Asian community here but now to be chased by the paparazzi, to be acknowledged by the Britishers is a strange feeling. Recently, when I walked the red carpet for a film premiere, the crowd screamed as I stepped out. I was choked with emotion.
One lesson that you have learned from the
house experience?

• Success has many fathers. Everyone wants to be associated with you. But today I know I can handle any situation.
You really evoked the racism issue globally.

• Every non-white is a victim of racism, but nobody talked about it till this happened. Unconsciously, I proved to be the catalyst. But again, I wasn't a victim of racism. And those three girls were not racist. They were young insecure girls trying to be nasty to me.
Have you tried meeting Jade Goody?

• No I haven't really had the time. I've heard that they have gone into hiding and people are pelting stones at their houses. Jade (Goody) was in rehab, but now she is out. I hope all this settles down. But I am glad that now, Indians are looked with more respect than before.
Cynics say you appeared fake in the show...

• Trust me, it's not possible to put up an act 24x7. On the contrary, I conducted myself quite responsibly. I read that Faroukh Dhondy commented on this. Pray who is he? And how well does he know me to make a loose comment like that?
Some say that you went there for money, while others say it was to revive your dying career.

• Yes, they paid me my price. And what reviving career are we talking about? It's just another lucrative job for me. Don't we all look for opportunities in life? I didn't plan my career move. Life has certainly taken a 360 degree turn for me.
Will Bollywood get second-hand treatment?

• Bollywood is synonymous with me, how can I disown it?
Are you signing a comedy with Hollywood actor Hugh Grant?

• Nothing has been signed officially. I am under a confidentiality contract and I have to abide by it.
There are reports that your family duped Jazz Barton and Bobby Khan.

• Too much of damage has been done by their loose talk. So we've filed a defamation case against them. To begin with, they were never our agents. Our agents are Max Clifford and Farhat Hussein. If they have any proof, show it. But yes, I wouldn't want to take away the credit from them. Bobby introduced me to Jazz who got me the deal and she was paid her dues. Throughout Bobby said that he was doing it as a friend. What angered us was when Jazz, on my behalf, signed a deal of a crore-and-ahalf, without consulting us. Nobody has the power of attorney but my mom.

ON CLOUD NINE: Shilpa Shetty

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