Shilpa made a name for herself in India as a model, before heading to Bollywood where she’s had starring roles in films such as Baazigar and Dhadkan. She rose to fame in the UK after her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year.

Shilpa slams ’wild accusations’ - July 25 2007
Shilpa Shetty has hit out at "wild accusations" that she helped ruin another woman’s marriage.

The Celebrity Big Brother winner has been romantically linked with British-based Indian businessman Raj Kundra, 31.

But his estranged wife Kavita, 25, the mother of his 10-month-old daughter, claimed her husband’s obsession with the Bollywood star ruined her marriage.

A spokeswoman for the 32-year-old actress said she and Kundra were just friends.

The star has now released a statement criticising the "baseless allegations against me of ruining her [Kavita Kundra’s] marriage".

She said: "My understanding is that Raj and Kavita’s marriage was over a year ago and they have filed for divorce and have been living separately for over a year.

"I met Raj Kundra three months ago in a business capacity, so where the question of me breaking up her marriage arises, this is impossible as I have known him for 12 weeks.

"I am disgusted by her reported comments and completely refute the allegation."

She warned of legal action if the allegations continued.

"My culture and upbringing does not permit me to break marriages and I am the least interested in knowing or hearing any more about her."

Shilpa said her "conscience is clear" over the "wild accusations".

Kavita has been quoted as saying: "Now I look at the pictures of them together and think, she’s with my husband, she’s living my life.

"She can have any man she wants and there are plenty of single men about."


Shilpa musical headed for Europe - July 20 2007
Shilpa Shetty is heading for the West End with her new Bollywood musical, before taking it on tour to Germany.

The Bollywood star, who plays the lead in the new show, told The Times of India newspaper the musical was not based on her.

The musical tells the story of a Bollywood actress who gives the world a glimpse of India through songs and dances - so not actually a million miles away from the Celebrity Big Brother winner’s life.

And Shilpa revealed she was excited about starting rehearsals for the musical, titled Miss Bollywood.

The show may also move on to other destinations, she added, as well as Germany where 60 performances are planned.

The star, who has been awarded a doctorate of arts by Leeds Metropolitan University, has previously said she hopes the musical will gives Westerners a glimpse into Indian tradition.

"I want foreigners to get familiar with Indian culture. Racism breeds out of ignorance," she explained.


Doctorate for Shilpa - July 19 2007
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was praised for her "dignity and poise" as she received an honorary degree.

The Celebrity Big Brother winner was awarded a doctorate of arts by Leeds Metropolitan University.

She was praised for the way in which she handled the Celebrity Big Brother racism row earlier this year.

Wearing an orange outfit, deep red robes, a blue and orange hood, black cap and gold strappy sandals, Shilpa took her place on the stage with academics from the university.

Addressing the graduands, Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Lee described the Bollywood beauty as distinguished and inspirational and made reference to her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house when viewers complained about the way she was treated by Jade Goody, singer Jo O’Meara and model Danielle Lloyd.