Dubai: In terms of a harrowing personal experience she never had it so bad. But in terms of an image boost Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty probably never had it so good either.
In the eye of a storm after having agreed to participate in Celebrity Big Brother (CBB), a British reality television show, Shetty, no stranger to controversy, has seen her stock rise amid allegations that she is the target of constant racial abuse and bullying by the other contestants.
The furore is generating generous column centimetres of newsprint in the British media. It has, at last count, seen 16,500 official complaints made against the show. This would make CBB the most complained about programme in British history, beating the previous record which was against Jerry Springer: The Opera.
The controversy, which has all the ingredients of a Bollywood script, can see Channel 4 lose out on a big sponsorship deal by Carphone Warehouse, the show's biggest sponsor.
The controversy gathered pace yesterday by attracting the attention of the Indian Government and British political heavyweights, Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown, who, coincidentally, is on a visit to India. Brown, whose visit was primarily to focus on money and jobs, has been left defending the image of Britain instead.
But it hasn't been all bad for Shetty. A £365,000 (Dh2.65 million) pay cheque is a case in point, coupled with the fact that bookmaker William Hill has given her odds of 6-4 to win CBB thanks to a rising public sympathy vote in her favour provided she hangs in there, in the face of further abuse.
House rules: Big Brother is watching you
- There is no contact with the outside world.
- Housemates are filmed 24 hours a day and must wear a personal microphone at all times.
- Housemates must give frank and honest reasons for nominations.
- Eviction is decided by public vote and all tasks are compulsory.
- Housemates must not act violently towards any other housemate. If any housemate breaks the rules they may be asked to leave the House.
- Microphones can only be taken off in bed, in the shower and in the pool. Prior to entering the Big Brother House, the housemates are not allowed to talk to the media.
- Big Brother reserves the right to change the rules at any time.
Your comments
Big Brother is a trashy show that exhibits trashy behaviour, nothing more. Insults and backstabbing are what give the show its entertainment value. Shilpa placed herself in a vulnerable position for money and cheap media attention. Now she has it ... I guess she is a whole lot smarter that her house buddies. As for racist ... they have said worse things against white and black contestants ... I guess being in a minority group has its advantages.
Cate M.
Toronto,Canada
It is of serious concern to me the number of people jumping on the race bandwagon. I would like to begin by stating that Jade, Jo and Danielle's behaviour has been abhorrent and is, in my opinion, malicious and deliberate bullying stemming from their lack of class, intelligence and insecurity. However, nothing overtly racist has been said. Calling Shilpa a dog is an insult but is not racist, wondering where her hands have been is an insult but is not racist and referring to her as a princess of Neverland is an insult but is again not racist. Similarly making fun of Shilpa's accent is cruel but is not racist, as the mocking of regional accents is commonplace.
Meharyab
Dubai,UAE
Shilpa got paid a hefty sum and knew exactly what the show was all about. She should just quit now, if she feels she can't handle it. It's only a reality show after all.
Ashley
Kuwait City,Kuwait
Our obsession with reality shows is amazing. We all find the time to get upset about so-called reality shows but we are oblivious to the everyday violence across the world.
M Herbert
Dubai,UAE
This is not the time to asses the amount of money celebrities receive or the quality of TV show or analysing the value of the star's morals. This is a clear case of racism still existing in many of the countries which claim to be the watchdogs of human rights. This has to be condemned.
P.S.Binoy
Dubai,UAE
I am really getting sick with this news now. I don't understand whats wrong with the people and media by making these petty and useless news on top of the newspapers. She got paid heavily and she knew all the rules, no one forced her. Stop burdening yourselves.
John
Sharjah,UAE
I think it is a waste of time watching such programs on TV and participating in the public opinion poll. What good message does it send in to the society? The celebrities are acting because they are getting good amount of money and the public is wasting its time by watching such programs and participating in opinion poll. It would be better to watch some program which gives a useful message to the society, rather than creating a controversial uproar, like the one in reference.
Murali
Abu Dhabi,UAE
If Shilpa leaves I will never watch BB again.
Christine
Essex,England, UK
It is so unfair for Shilpa, being treated like that, I hope she wins. The Goody's don't deserve do be on CBB as they are not celebrities.
Rishtee
London,UK
