Tring Tring wearing the “RING” – Yes its official – I am engaged. I wanted it to happen first and then blog which is why I’ve been maintaining a silence. But the press always beats me to it! The media attention can sometimes get to you, but have to admit that they looked more excited than my parents and some looked genuinely happy which was very endearing. If this was the reaction for the engagement, I am dreading the wedding. Ha ha! It’s been a time of both - joy and sorrow for me, the joy is obvious because Raj and I feel happy to take our relationship to the next level, but as most of you know my sister Shamita is still in the Big Boss house and could not attend. She doesn’t even know. The date was decided a week ago and we all came to the consensus that we should go ahead because another good mahurat (auspicious time) was a long way off – and considering Raj’s parents and relatives were down from London for a week… so it seemed convenient as I leave after a week to shoot for “Desire” to complete the film in Hyderabad. Raj leaves for the IPL workshop in Bangkok which I’ll miss because of my shoot – Hence we thought it best to go ahead with this date under these circumstances.

As much as I wanted to have Shamita there during this special moment, I had to be considerate towards Raj’s family too… so for all those who wanted to know WHY I went ahead without Shamita – it was a difficult decision but this is the answer. I know Shamita will be shocked (she’ll kill me) but still be happy, that’s what family is about, and our LOVE is unconditional. Missed her more than words can describe but I’m sure she’ll understand! Can’t wait to show her my ring!! Didn’t have the heart to get her out as she’s doing so well in Big Boss! I’ve never commented on what I think of her in there, but just want to say she’s been the pampered baby in our house, it made our whole family so proud to see her have no airs and do all the chores with no qualms. She’s never cooked in her life and I saw her make ROTIS!! Felt terrible watching her cry on TV, but I am amazed to see her growth on this show, this will definitely make her a stronger person. Speaking out of experience I know how difficult living in the BB house is!  But so proud of the way she’s conducting herself with so much dignity.

Anyway the engagement was strictly a family affair – just his and my family and two of my friends – kept it simple and traditional. A lot of people asked me if I was nervous - I guess I would have been if I wasnt sure. But I have to admit I had a sinking feeling in my stomach just when I was reaching Raj’s house, but as soon as I saw Raj’s face, I had a smile on mine. PHEW!

I know everyone’s eager to know about the wedding date. All I can say is YES it’s been finalized and will make an official announcement as soon as I know when Shamita’s coming out!
To all my relatives, friends and fans – thank you for all your good wishes. Need them badly . Can’t wait to tell you when the big day is as I’ve promised, will definitely keep you posted on my blog – so till then watch this space!! Love to all

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Pictures from Agra & Jaipur trip as promised! Enjoy!!

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It’s been a long day as you know Jermaine (J) and Halima, my dear friends are in town and they expressed their desire to see more of India. So Raj and I put an itinerary together with pride and set to show them one of the wonders of the world – the TAJ MAHAL! Landed in Agra in the morning, had lunch (yummy) at Amarvilas and took a Tonga (horse carriage – J was thrilled) to reach there. And low and behold – when we set eyes on this monument of true eternal love, our hearts skipped a beat! Gosh the beauty and workmanship is breathtaking! Can just keep going on and on, but moving on… after which we went straight to the airport to come to Jaipur, staying at the Rambagh Palace, one of the most beautiful properties here – I just love coming to Jaipur, it makes me feel at home, maybe it’s the Rajasthan (Royal) connection. J Wanted them to experience the rich culture, food and rustic ethos of this place. Got a long day tomorrow, got to show them the beauty of India before we leave tomorrow evening.

By the way adding one more minute of fame to Mr. Hirani who has got his 5 minutes of fame in London by claiming he’s “SUING ME!” when the fact of the matter is this is a dispute he had with the V8 Group, before I’d even joined the group. Not willing to waste any more time on this and this is my reaction to all those false accusations. So you’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth!

Back to more important things in life, got to brush my teeth before I sleep, ha ha – it’s been great catching up with my old friends here. Having the time of my life – As always will post the pictures of this memorable trip soon. Keep writing in – love reading what you have to say!! J

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Pictures from Maldives holiday, as promised!!!

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Ok! It’s out, my sister Shamita is in the Big Boss house. Strange as it might sound, it’s the truth. 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 3 months if she lasts! Can’t describe how difficult our last goodbye was; now I know what she went through when I left 3 years ago to be part of Big Brother. We are very close so it was heartbreaking. But I’ll get to see her everyday if that’s any consolation. She obviously had her reasons to take part, felt it was a gr8 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, but nevertheless friendly… was heartening to see her on stage with Amitji, got emotional especially when I saw her touch his feet seeking his blessings… miss her already… (I’ve dialed her twice by mistake in the day so it’s gonna be hard.) Phew! Before I left from London, I bumped into Cleo Rocco, an ex-housemate from BB, at a restaurant. On the other hand I met Jermaine Jackson and Halima his wife, after nearly 3 years, strange timing of coincidences… My sister going into BB and meeting my ex Big Brother housemate on the same day! Hmmm! (trying to figure out the uncanny connection) So we celebrated it over dinner at my place, watching TV (my sister entering BB) caught up on old times, got nostalgic over our experiences in the BB house, it had been so long but we picked up from where we left, one thing being constant - our friendship, so was happy on that front.

Also have to mention I enjoyed watching AMITJI on TV again. I had missed him, and as usual he’s doing a gr8 job! His Panache is unmatched. Looking forward to every episode with bated breath, obviously I have a bias, to see this mix of people will be interesting to watch. (entertaining ) ALAS! MISS saying “Chakkar pe chakkar, Pange pe panga, Dekhte rahiye Big Boss, cause yeh hai sabse changa!” Ha ha, my closing line when I used to host it… Will miss being part of this season but am sure that one Shetty in the House will more than make up for me Sure this experience will be a learning curve… that’s when it struck me not to analyze the sequence of events in my life because they’ve all been for a reason… the best! That’s when I came to the conclusion about the BB connection in my life… it’s given me so much, Friendship (Cleo, Jermaine and me in Big Brother), Love (that’s how I met Raj, long story another time) confidence, success and much more That was that! Never question what the Lord has planned - he knows best, just tread the path he paves and only good will come out.

So on that note the Tradition continues… hoping Shamita braves the storm… we’ll be watching…!!

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