Shilpa doesn't want Shamita on Bigg Boss

Shilpa Shetty might have achieved name, fame in participating and winning the reality show Big Brother in UK but she is against her sister Shamita Shetty's decision of taking part in Bigg Boss 3. Shilpa has got her own reason to go against Shamita’s decision.

"Ok! It's out, my sister Shamita is in the Big Boss house. Took the next flight to Bombay from London when she told me she was going in, I scurried to spend the last two days before she left, tried to dissuade her; considering she'll be away for three months if she lasts!," Shilpa wrote on her blog.

Shilpa remembered the days of racial discrimination in the house of Big Brother which created so much hullabaloo in UK as well as in India. It takes a lot of patience to be a part of such show and she praised her sister for showing the guts. "She had her reasons to take part, felt it was a great opportunity to test herself and her level of patience. Must say she's been very brave 'cause trust me, it takes a lot of gumption considering she's an introvert and very private," she added.

Shilpa who hosted Bigg Boss 2 said that she enjoyed watching Amitji on TV again. "...I enjoyed watching Amitji on TV again. I had missed him, and as usual he's doing a great job! His panache is unmatched," Shilpa wrote.

Shilpa, Bipasha, the powerpuff girls!

Shilpa Shetty’s home production starring Bipasha Basu has been revived; the two actresses will undergo special training for the action film

What’s been stopping many female-oriented projects is the supposed commercial non-feasibility of a chick flick. But now, Bollywood divas are all set to make it happen for themselves.

The Bipasha Basu-Shilpa Shetty project which was put on the backburner because of the recession is now being revived due to the warm vibes that the two actresses shared while shooting for Farah Khan’s talk show.

The film has been under wraps but secretly Shilpa’s plans for a home production have been crystallising. While one Shilpa Shetty-Raj Kundra production is being planned to re-launch Shilpa’s sister Shamita, the other is an action film that Shilpa will be doing with Bipasha.

Shilpa and Bipasha will have to undergo special training to acquire the agility to look convincing as action queens. Interestingly, the film is being written and directed by Manish Jha, who has earlier directed Matrubhoomi, a film on female foeticide.

Bipasha, who is looking forward to the film, says, “If everything works out properly, I would love to work with Shilpa. She’s a terrific person but doing the film depends on budget, and a host of other things.”

While commercial non-feasibility of female-oriented projects is a common thing in Bollywood, things are slowing changing. Apart from Shilpa’s film, Shristi Behl is all set to cast Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif in a desi adaptation of the Anne Hathaway-Kate Hudson Hollywood starrer, Bride Wars. Also, Katrina, who has bought the rights of a female-oriented French film, has asked Dibakar Banerjee to direct it. Katrina had earlier told Mumbai Mirror, “I don’t want to talk about it until I lock in all the details. I don’t want my idea to be used by anyone else. As for the director, I’m not saying anything. But this is a role I haven’t done before.”

Shilpa Shetty is not even allowed to take calls

The actress Shilpa Shetty was kept on her toes all these days, busying herself in some venture or the other. Shilpa is said to be relaxing by doing a special course on wellness from Oneness University in the outskirts of Chennai. Her blog went on to say, "This time I am here for a course, because it’s been a hectic 6 months with a whole lot of work, old and new which had taken up a lot of time and my energy is sapped! This place just rejuvenates me." Here, she is seeking solace under her gurus Amma and Bhagvan, by following their advice blindly and also has undertaken a vow of silence, Mauna Vrat.

About the experience the actress has penned on her blog, "I have been so busy with people, things and attaining my goals that I had forgotten about myself. This place has helped me get in touch with myself. You must be intrigued how... well right now am doing a mauna, that is, where I am not allowed to talk to anyone, so practicing that, it's difficult but enjoying it." She is not even allowed to take calls but can check her mails. Shilpa has prescribed this place for those who need a break and a different and positive way to living life.

Shilpa Shetty Comes Out of Her Silence

We heard a lot from Shilpa Shetty for a while; from wedding rumors to restaurant partnerships, the Bollywood beauty was quite a busy bee! And then all of sudden, nothing!

What happened? Well, the "Shut Up & Bounce" item girl had in fact taken a vow of silence as part of a wellness course with her two gurus Amma and Bhagvan. But don’t worry, the meditation sessions have now ended and Shilpa is back in the game!

After spending a few days in Chennai to connect with herself and find some inner peace, Shilpa will soon be on her way to the Maldives to celebrate beau Raj Kundra’s birthday, on September 9.

"I’ts Raj’s special birthday on 9th September… 09-09-09. So excited, it’s a once in a lifetime date so will be celebrating it there. Come back and plunge into work so going to make the best of this trip!" said Shilpa.

So what’s next in line for the "Apne" star ?

"I will be shooting the whole of October and November in the UK," Shilpa reveals on her blog.

We can’t wait to see the results of Shilpa’s big break! What do you think? Will the vow of silence at the wellness course make any difference in Shilpa Shetty’s life? Share your thoughts!

Nowadays I'm a sucker for recipes: Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa is India’s new mistress of spices to Britain. And she’s taking her job very seriously.

It looks like a sabbatical from acting for Shilpa as she gets busy in her new role as an international cuisine queen.

And the best thing about her new role is, Shilpa doesn’t want to go the Tarla Dalal or Madhur Jaffrey way. No instant cook books for the latest recipe Rani. Shilpa wants to go the whole hog.

On the lookout for the rarest and most exotic and undiscovered dishes Shilpa will now cruise to the remotest parts of India in search of new recipes.

In coming montha and years Shilpa hopes to spread the aroma of Indian spices and curries to every part of the world. In her new avatar as the part-owner of a reputed chain of restaurants and Indian cuisine in Britain, Shilpa Shetty is adamant to prove she is not just a glamorous name for the franchise as she was accused of being in cricket.

Shilpa intends to lend not just her name and glamorous persona to her new food-brand Shilpa’s Gourmet Creations she’s also determined to be a hands-on mistress of spices.

The lady currently more an entrepreneur than an actress is learning as many recipes from Britain’s cleberity chef Andy Varma as she can. Once she returns to India Shilpa will enter her mom’s kitchen and get to part with all her famous secret recipes.

Says Shilpa excitedly from London. “Everyone presumed I was as big a novice at cuisine. Not true. I’ve always enjoyed cooking. And I love cooking for my friends and family. Now with Raj (Kundra) and me becoming part of Andy Varma’s chain my interest in cooking has turned into a passion.”

Shilpa has now gone from skimming through trade magazines to scrutinizing recipe books. The dishy actress is learning new dishes everyday from master chef Andy Varma

Determined not to let the cynics snigger about her new role as cuisine queen Shilpa says, “You’d be surprised to know how popular Indian food is in England. Do you know the country’s favourite dish is chicken tikka masala?

I want them to discover our food beyond the obvious currys and biryanis. And all our Indian snacks and meals will contain under 10 percent fat.”

To discover the food of India Shilpa is now a complete foodie. “Not eating, but preparing. Nowadays I’m a sucker for recipes.”

Poppadom in Memorium. That could well the the signature chant for Shilpa Shetty’s new avatar as a cuisine queen.

From being called a ‘poppadom’ by Jade Goody to providing bonus papads with her new lineup of cuisine in Britian, Shilpa has come a long way. And she doesn’t deny it.

“It’s true. Jade, God bless her soul, used to call me ‘Poppadam’ on Big Brother. It used to hurt. Today we’ve papad as bonus for all the snacks and meals that I’m associated with.It’s really ironic.”

However she stresses that her food offer is in no way a homage to Jade Goody, as reported in the British press.

Preity Zinta attacks Shilpa Shetty

Both Priety Zinta and Shilpa Shetty are the owners of IPL team. They are strong competitors and Preity accepted this very fact on the 10th anniversary celebration of FICCI. When Preity was asked about her competitor Shilpa, she said, “She is not going to play cricket.”

The actress then said, “I own a team, I am an investor in the team, I am the chairperson of the team. It is very difficult for them to digest that I am the boss.”

Preity might have forgotten that Shilpa Shetty is also the boss as she is the owner of the Rajasthan Royals. While Shilpa was literally correct saying, “Our teams are in competition.”

Well Preity, we will get to know who is more effective as boss on field.

Shilpa Shetty is frantically learning Indian recipes for her restaurant business

Shilpa is India's new mistress of spices to Britain. And she's taking her job very seriously. It looks like a sabbatical from acting for Shilpa as she gets busy in her new role as an international cuisine queen.

And the best thing about her new role is, Shilpa doesn't want to go the Tarla Dalal or Madhur Jaffrey way. No instant cook books for the latest recipe Rani. Shilpa wants to go the whole hog.

On the lookout for the rarest and most exotic and undiscovered dishes Shilpa will now cruise to the remotest parts of India in search of new recipes.

In coming months and years, Shilpa hopes to spread the aroma of Indian spices and curries to every part of the world. In her new avatar as the part-owner of a reputed chain of restaurants and Indian cuisine in Britain, Shilpa Shetty is adamant to prove she is not just a glamorous name for the franchise as she was accused of being in cricket.

Shilpa intends to lend not just her name and glamorous persona to her new food-brand 'Shilpa's Gourmet Creations' she's also determined to be a hands-on mistress of spices.

The lady currently more an entrepreneur than an actress, is learning as many recipes from Britain's celebrity chef Andy Varma as she can. Once she returns to India, Shilpa will enter her mom's kitchen and get to part with all her famous secret recipes.

Says Shilpa excitedly from London. "Everyone presumed I was as big a novice at cuisine. Not true. I've always enjoyed cooking. And I love cooking for my friends and family. Now with Raj (Kundra) and me becoming part of Andy Varma's chain, my interest in cooking has turned into a passion."

Shilpa has now gone from skimming through trade magazines to scrutinizing recipe books. The dishy actress is learning new dishes everyday from master chef Andy Varma

Determined not to let the cynics snigger about her new role as cuisine queen, Shilpa says, "You'd be surprised to know how popular Indian food is in England. Do you know the country's favourite dish is chicken tikka masala? I want them to discover our food beyond the obvious currys and biryanis. And all our Indian snacks and meals will contain under 10 percent fat."

To discover the food of India, Shilpa is now a complete foodie. "Not eating, but preparing. Nowadays I'm a sucker for recipes."

Poppadom in Memorium. That could well be the signature chant for Shilpa Shetty's new avatar as a cuisine queen.

From being called a 'poppadom' by Jade Goody to providing bonus papads with her new lineup of cuisine in Britain, Shilpa has come a long way. And she doesn't deny it.

"It's true. Jade, God bless her soul, used to call me 'Poppadam' on Big Brother. It used to hurt. Today we've papad as bonus for all the snacks and meals that I'm associated with. It's really ironic."

However, she stresses that her food offer is in no way homage to Jade Goody, as reported in the British press.

Shilpa Shetty undergoes spiritual rejuvenation

Actress Shilpa Shetty has taken a break from the usual hustle and bustle of her work and gone down south for spiritual rejuvenation at the Oneness University just outside Chennai.

The leggy beauty is presently observing a maun vrat (a vow of silence) which is part of the wellness course she’s taking at the university. Shipa isn’t finding it easy to abstain from talking but she’s begun to enjoy the silence.

“I’ve taken out some ‘me’ time. I have been so busy with people, things and attaining my goals that I had forgotten about myself. This place has helped me get in touch with myself. You must be intrigued how... well right now am doing a mauna, that is, where I am not allowed to talk to anyone, so practicing that, it’s difficult but enjoying it,” Shilpa wrote on her blog, www.shilpashettylive.com/blog.

The actress, who has recently been scotching the rumours of her marriage to beau Raj Kundra by this year end, added that her spiritual break is like “a cleansing process” that doesn’t involve much preaching on part of the gurus.

“This silence is so rare to find in our fast paced lives. It just comforts. There are no luxuries and that makes you value everything that you have. It’s also a cleansing process, which I feel we all need from time to time. The beauty is that the process is a spiritual journey without preaching,” the 34-year-old actress wrote.

Shipa said her two gurus, Amma and Bhagvan, have made a great difference to her life.

“I follow their advice blindly, and it has made a huge difference in my life, work and relationships,” she wrote.

Now showing, the Return of Shilpa's Poppadoms

More than two years after a 'poppadom' jibe against her caused global outrage, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has announced plans to “dish out the poppadoms” to Britons.

Poppadoms - as the Indian snack papad is called in Britain - will be an important part of Shilpa's Gourmet Creations, a range of low-fat readymeals, chutneys and pickles that will be sold in British supermarkets from 2010.

The irony isn't lost on Shilpa, who was called 'Shilpa Poppadom' by the late British celebrity Jade Goody in a reality television programme in January 2007, causing outrage in India and elsewhere.

“We're dishing out poppadoms… they go really well with the curry,” Shilpa told Independent Television News (ITN).

“There was this whole connection with 'Shilpa Poppadum'… so brought back some weird memories, but we just wanted to tell people we have a good sense of humour,” she added.

Jade, who died earlier this year of cervical cancer, denied she was being racist in using the name for Shilpa in a celebrity version of Big Brother, a show where 'inmates' live together in front of television cameras.

However, Culture Minister Tessa Jowell slammed the show as “racism being presented as entertainment”.

Shetty, who along with her fiancé, entrepreneur Raj Kundra, picked up a 33 percent stake in the V8 Gourmet Group for a reported six million pounds, said last week she will keep the new range healthy.

“There is this preconceived notion that Indian food isn't very healthy. We're making sure it will be under 10 percent fat. So it's going to be a healthy choice,” she said.

The curries, which Shilpa will develop along with master chef Andy Verma, will be “less acidic and less spicy, catering to the taste buds here and keeping it authentic Indian.”

Speaking at a press conference, Shilpa quoted from her own comments made when she was voted the winner of the 2007 Celebrity Big Brother: “As I said, Chicken curry rules.”

I'm not getting married this year: Shilpa Shetty

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is upset over news that she is set to tie the knot with London-based businessman Raj Kundra by the year end. She clarifies that she isn't getting married this year.

"I've said before, I will make an official announcement the day my parents decide on my marriage date and I promise the press will have at least a month to celebrate the announcement. So to set the record straight, no I'm not getting married this year. Yes, I am looking at next year, but date not decided," said Shilpa posted on her blog www.shilpashettylive.com/blog/.

A British newspaper reported Thursday that the actress would be getting married between September and December in Britain after her father, Surendra Shetty, wrote so in an application to an Indian court.

But Shilpa has slammed the news. "I am sick and tired of people calling me to clarify after they've put it as breaking news on some channels and wasted reams of paper on concocted news articles," she said.

Shilpa is also upset over the leakage of the details her father gave to the court to acquire his passport. "My poor dad is already having a tough time every time he has to travel abroad and has to apply for his passport, and as alway it's harrowing enough for him to go back and forth every time for his passport...," she said.

Surendra Shetty's passport was reportedly confiscated after he was charged with threatening a business associate he claimed owed money to his daughter. Since then, he and his wife Sunanda have only been able to travel overseas with the court's permission, which is why he applied for the passport on the alleged pretext of Shilpa's wedding.

"My dad's 67 and ageing, please let the poor man live in peace and dignity, it's annoying. I request the press to report responsibly and not make any baseless assumptions," stated Shipa.

Shilpa Shetty's father gets his passport back

SURAT: A local court on Saturday ordered to hand over passport to Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty's father Surender Shetty, an accused in a 2003 extortion case, for four months.

Shetty has appealed court to release his passport, which is in court's custody, as he needed to travel abroad for his daughter's marriage and for some business trips.

Sessions judge V R Vyas ordered to hand over passport to Shetty on a personal bond of Rs 2.5 lakh and asked him to submit it back to the court on January 1, 2010.

A Surat based businessman, Shivnarayan Agarwal had filed a case of extortion against Shetty and his wife Sunanda after he allegedly received threats from underworld don Fazl-Ur-Rehman and his aides asking him to pay the money he owed to Shilpa of an advertisement contract.

It's a birthday, not a wedding: Shilpa

Reports that Shilpa’s dad has been applying to retrieve his passport from Surat (where the document is kept because of a pending court case) so he can be in London for his daughter’s wedding has Shilpa in splits.

“The passport is certainly not meant for my wedding, please! It’s not happening in October, November, December or any of the dates that have been fixed for my wedding in the media. Raj and I will announce the date from the rooftops and invite the entire press corps to be part of the baraat when it happens. In the meanwhile, please leave my father alone.”

Papa Shetty’s passport needed retrieval not for Shilpa’s wedding but for another family gathering altogether.

“It’s Raj Kundra’s birthday on September 9. Our entire collective family will be bringing in the occasion at the Maldives. That’s what my dad needed his passport for.”

On a more sober note Shilpa says, “We all respect the judiciary. But it’s very humiliating for any daughter to have her father rushing to another town for his passport. It’s even more humiliating to have erroneous media reports being put out about one’s father. He had applied for his passport a few months ago.”

As for the wedding, “There’s no reason on earth why Raj I wouldn’t want to get married at the earliest. At the moment we’ve our hands full with many new exciting ventures. We need get the space in our lives to plan and enjoy this wonderful event. Haath peele karne ke liye haath khali to hone chahiye.”

Shilpa rules over taste buds now

She took over Bollywood, took the mantle of IPL, launched beauty spas… and now she is set out to rule the food kingdom. Shilpa Shetty along with her fiancé has entered into partnership with an international food company, V8 Gourmet Group.

The diva has shared her excitement through her blog, “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Raj Kundra (fiance) and me have invested with the V8 Gourmet Group... Got to acknowledge the fact that Indian food is much enjoyed (chicken tikka masala becoming the nation's favourite) and has a huge market in Britain.” The couple have invested 33% stake in V8 that comprises brands like Vama, The Bombay Bicycle Club and Tiffinbites. They are also into airline catering and soon will introduce readymade Indian meals that will be under 10 percent fat, the actress revealed.

She was very pleased that their restaurants were frequently visited and appreciated by A-list clientele like Brad Pitt, Woody Allen, Mick Jagger, His Highness King Abdullah of Jordan, Bryan Adams, Rowan Atkinson and Uma Thurman, Big B and Saif Ali Khan. But she clarified that the food chain were not in honour of Jade Goody and such reports were all baseless. According to sources, Shilpa said, “We will be branching out to Dubai and Jordan by end of this year, and many more in years to come.”

It is said that the company will soon introduce a range of ready meals, pickles and chutneys, called ‘Shilpa's Gourmet Creations’.

Now Shilpa truly can be called a mirchi gal!

Shilpa Shetty to marry Raj Kundra in autumn

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who became a household name here after her win on the reality show "Celebrity Big Brother" in 2007, is set to marry businessman Raj Kundra this autumn, her father has revealed in an application to an Indian court.

Shilpa and her London-based Indian beau formed a successful business partnership following her appearance on the reality television show. Their business empire includes a $16.2 million (10 million pounds) stake in the Rajasthan Royals Twenty20 cricket team and a recently acquired food company.

Shilpa's father Surendra Shetty revealed the couple's wedding plans in an application for his passport to be returned to allow him to attend the event. It was confiscated after he was charged with threatening a business associate he claimed owed money to his daughter, reported telegraph.co.uk.

Surendra Shetty is accused of sending gangsters to collect a debt from sari manufacturer Pankaj Agarwal after his firm Praful Sarees failed to pay Shilpa for a modelling assignment when her Bollywood career was at a low point. Since then, Surendra Shetty and his wife Sunanda have only been able to travel overseas with the court's permission.

In his application, Surendra Shetty told the court the wedding would take place between September and the end of December in Britain.

Shilpa and Raj Kundra's latest venture is a food industry major

Last Sunday in London, Shilpa Shetty and her fiance Raj Kundra announced a 33% stake in the V8 Gourmet Group, an international Indian food company that includes The Bombay Bicycle Club Kitchens and Tiffinbites amongst other brands.

Says a source close to Shilpa, "Shilpa and Raj have invested 6 million pounds in the group. The money will be used to expand the company's Bombay Bicycle Club Kitchens delivery service. It will also enable the company to expand the Tiffinbites restaurants, concessions and franchises in London and abroad. Plans include opening a casual dining and shopping mall dining formats in Dubai in October this year and in Jordan next year.

Food for thought: Shilpa Shetty with chef Andy Varma at the launch of an international food company

Cooking's therapeutic
Shilpa says, "I feel proud to be associated with the group. They have carved a niche for themselves in the Indian food industry in the last 13 years, and spell consistency, quality and authentic Indian food. I know that our partnership will grow and envisage a great future with a whole new line of products and restaurants all over Europe, Dubai and Jordan. I love cooking, and find it therapeutic. Cooking has always been a hobby for me so what better than to be part of a chain that helps me to propagate my love for cooking?"

It is believed Shilpa will also launch her Gourmet Creations Range of premium authentic gourmet meals, chutneys and pickles. The range will initially be North Indian and will later offer cuisine from southern India (Shilpa's native state is Karnataka).

Genuine passion
Arjun Varma, Managing Director, V8 Gourmet Group says, "Shilpa shares a genuine passion for fine Indian cuisine and is a perfect ambassador for V8 whilst Raj brings a wealth of international business expertise which will help us to achieve our ambitious growth plans in the UK and overseas." Raj Kundra is CEO of Trade Essential Dubai an international trading company.

FACT
This year, Raj and Shilpa bought a 12 per cent stake in the IPL cricket team Rajasthan Royals.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty buys 33% stake in V8 Gourmet Holdings

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has bought a 33% stake in Indian food group V8 Gourmet Holdings and plans to launch a range of ready-made meals across Britain in the New Year.

Shetty’s Gourmet Creation Range will be initially North Indian, her native region. The selection will include fish, lamb, chicken and vegetarian dishes, although the full range is yet to be confirmed.

“I’m proud to be associated with the V8 Group. They have carved a niche for themselves in the Indian food industry in the last 13 years and spell consistency, quality and authentic Indian food,” said Shetty.

“I envisage a great future with a whole new line of products and restaurants all over Europe, Dubai and Jordan,” she added.

The £6m investment will be used to expand V8’s successful Bombay Bicycle Club Kitchen Delivery Service, of which there are currently 15 in the UK.

Based on the success of the first Vama restaurant in Chelsea, a second will be opened in Holland Park. There are also plans for global growth with two Tiffinbites restaurants opening abroad. One of the casual dining style restaurants will launch in Dubai in October 2009 and another is set to open in Jordan in March 2010.

Shetty’s fiancé Raj Kundra is involved in the joint venture. A successful entrepreneur in his own right, he is the chief executive officer of Trade Essential Dubai, an international trading company.

The V8 Group encompasses the Bombay Bicycles Club Kitchens, Tiffinbites, Vama and Gourmet creation brands.

Now, savour the Shilpa Shetty curry & poppadoms

Shilpa Shetty is learnt to be planning to launch her own brand of healthy curries and poppadoms.

The Bollywood actress had been planning to start a chain of curry houses in London for a long time but put the plan on the backburner after she and her beau Raj Kundra bought a stake in the IPL team, Rajasthan Royals. But now, she’s learnt to be giving the idea another serious thought and has even finalized the names of some of the dishes.

For instance, the poppadom will be named ‘Shilpa Poppadom’ in the memory of the late reality TV star Jade Goody who was accused of racially abusing Shilpa on the British television show 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2007. It was on this show that Jade disdainfully called her ‘Shilpa Poppadom’.

A source close to Shilpa tells a news agency: “Shilpa thinks Jade will have a little chuckle in heaven about the poppadoms. She has been inundated with requests for her curry recipe and one day she just thought, 'Why don't I just create my own range?”

Shilpa has already launched a Yoga DVD and a perfume range in UK since her win in the reality show two years back.

“One of Shilpa's passions in life is healthy living so she wanted to incorporate that into her dishes,” the source added.

Shilpa Shetty to launch ready made food range in Jade Goody's memory

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is planning to pay tribute to her 'Big Brother' inmate Jade Goody by launching her own brand of healthy curries and side dishes including the 'poppadoms'.

Goody, who was accused of racially abusing Shetty, had taunted the actress as "Shilpa Poppa-dom" on the 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2007. Shetty later won the reality show while the British reality star became a household villain in India, Daily Star reported. Goody, who lost many lucrative deals after the racism row hit the UK papers, later tried to make up by apologising to Shetty. Goody also appeared in the 'Bigg Boss', the Indian version of the British reality show hosted by Shetty but had to leave it midway after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. She died of the disease this March. And now Shetty is planning the crispy appetiser to be on top of the menu to honour Goody's memory.

"Shilpa thinks Jade will have a little chuckle in heaven about the poppadoms. She has been inundated with requests for her curry recipe and one day she just thought, 'Why don't I just create my own range?," a source close to the actress said. "One of Shilpa's passions in life is healthy living so she wanted to incorporate that into her dishes," the source added. Shetty had planned to open a chain of curry houses but had to abandon the plan after she got too busy with IPL team Rajasthan Royals, which she owns with boyfriend Raj Kundra.

Shilpa Shetty's office moves into a larger space

Shilpa has just moved her production house S2 into a bigger office. Initially, her banner was operating out of a 2BHK space on Andheri Link Road but now she has moved her office premises to a bungalow.

Shetty's new office has been done up by interior designer Pritesh, in consultation with the actress and her mom, Sunanda.


For that auspicious vibe

S2's new office is close to the MHADA Telephone Exchange in the Four Bungalows area of Andheri. It's a spacious two-storeyed bungalow, There are a lot of Ganesha figurines handpicked by the mother-daughter jodi. There is also a lot of feng shui stuff like bamboo shoots and fountains.

Shilpa plans to launch her film next year, and is working on some projects abroad. A source close to the actress says, "The Shilpa Shetty Foundation is expanding and with her film production, Shilpa needed lots of space. The new office has been done up in a corporate style sleek and elegant in steel, chrome and pastel shades." Shilpa wants to sell off her old office property on Andheri Link Road.


Shilpa bani Grand Marshall

Last night, Shilpa left for New York. She has been invited to be the Grand Marshall for August 15 for the Independence Day parade. Raj Kapoor was the first film personality to attend the India Parade Day in New York. She says, "It's an honor to be the Grand Marshall. It's a grand event and is attended by 60,000 Indians. I will also be attending dinners with several VIPs and politicians on August 16 and 17."

This will be one of those few events that beau Raj Kundra won't be accompanying Ms Shetty. She adds, "He's busy with work in London and I shall join him on my way back."

Shilpa's outfits (see designs alongside) for the events have been designed by Tarun Tahiliani. While one is a long Mughal kurta with churidar sleeves and gillet embroidered with jewel motifs the other is a French lace sari encrusted with a dazzling array of crystalised Swarovski diamonds. The blouse is fluted with delicate spray of jewel flowers.