Date:03/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/03/stories/2007020303071004.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

L'affaire Shilpa

Had Shilpa Shetty quit half way or walked out of Channel 4's Celebrity Big Brother show, it would have amounted to surrender to racism. Jade Goody and some of her other housemates wanted exactly that. The need of the hour is to take pride in our culture and race. If we decide to stay out of international events out of fear of being bullied, we will be the ultimate losers.

Gulzar Hussain Kargili,
Chandigarh

But for Ms. Goody, CBB would have been ignored by the Indian media. The beneficiaries of such shows are only the hosts, participants and the media. The spat roused the passions of Indians. Viewed in this context, Shilpa deserves a pat on her back for her exemplary handling of the situation and eventually winning the prize.

Sashu Ramesh Babu,
San Ramon, California

The entire country wasted time analysing and responding to Shilpa's cries when it could have utilised it better. It is time for Shilpa to reciprocate now. She should donate at least 50 per cent of her prize money to the underprivileged.

R. Chandini,
Chennai

Ms. Shetty has won the contest after experiencing the pain of discrimination. It is her moral responsibility to do something for ending caste discrimination in India. She should donate a major share of her money to the cause.

B.R. Chikte,
Adilabad

The British saved the situation by making Shilpa the winner but what about the racism that the common people face in Britain as well in India? Why isn't anybody talking about the issue anymore? Are we waiting for another celebrity to start a row over racism?

Mohita Kukreja,
Kurukshetra

A niece of mine from the U.K. complains that her schoolmates now take digs at her saying: "Hey Shilpa! Where's your Big Brother?"

Anunay Bhargava,
New Delhi

The ill-treatment of an Indian in a foreign country jolted the entire nation. But no different is the treatment of students from the northeast in our own metros.

Thangkhochon Haokip,
New Delhi

The clashes between Jade and Shilpa gave rise to knee-jerk reactions from the government, the people, and the media. But they also played a key role in promoting the show's ratings. For an actor who was past her prime, the controversy paved the way for a comeback. It has also enhanced her image as a steadfast person.

Afaq Ahmad,
Gonda, U.P.