Just finished with the Oneness course and heading back to Chennai to take a flight back to Bombay, and my phone kept ringing incessantly with unknown numbers flashing, so I didn’t take them, then I started getting messages from people from the media… and then I realized what had got them so excited, another piece of NEWS! Yes it’s out… Amitji will host the next season of BIG BOSS and people want to know how I feel… So here it is… This piece of news didn’t come as a surprise as I was told before by the Creative head of the channel, and I feel happy that they’ve got him to say yes. I know he will do a fantastic job. I will definitely be watching it. The channel have the right to do what’s best for the show so that’s that Also I will be shooting the whole of October and November in the UK, so I couldn’t have done it this time, but nevertheless I will miss Big Boss as it has been an integral part of my life and I enjoyed doing it last season. Well on the other hand more interesting things are happening at my end, as promised will keep u posted first Leaving for Maldives with family and friends on the 7th cause its 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… Till next time… adios Big Boss. Ha ha!

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Got into Bombay yesterday, and rushed to visit Lalbaug ka Raja with my family in tow. This is a Ganpati pandal I visit every year for the last 5 years out of sheer faith. My wishes and sometimes maybe more have been manifested here… really believe that Idol has some powers. So much so that I have said that I will bring a miniature version of him home next year Hope he fulfills that wish and gives me the strength to take it forward. After that took the flight to Chennai, now am at the Oneness University, in Varadaiahpalem, on the outskirts… here I seek Solace in my Gurus AMMA and BHAGVAN, and follow their advice blindly, and it’s made a huge difference in my life, work and relationships. 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. This Silence is so rare to find in our fast paced lives, just comforts; no luxuries that make you value everything that you have once you get back to your life. 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 any Religion! I would prescribe this place for anyone who needs a break and a different and positive way to living life.

Anyway enough preaching… Just sharing with you my experience, taken out some ME time. I have been so busy with people, things and attaining my goals that I had forgotten about me. This place has helped me get in touch with myself! You must be intrigued how, well right now am doing a MAUNA, i.e. where I am not allowed to talk to anyone, so practicing that, it’s difficult but enjoying it Not allowed to take any calls, only checking my emails. Just written this blog to tell you that will write again after 4 days. Till then will miss ya. Take care and as a parting shot… VALUE YOURSELF AND YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

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HERE we go again; my marriage plans are doing the rounds yet again for the nth time. 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! Grrrr…2 things have irked me - one, the press trying to do the thinking for me, and second, details of the reasons given to procure my dad’s passport, don’t even think it’s legal to give out personal info. 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 always…its harrowing enough for him to go back and forth every time for his passport and now to deal with these terrible stories from the past just bring back such bad memories. To top it all to be hounded by journalists when he went to visit the temple made it worse. My dad’s 67 and aging, 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.

And most importantly I’d like to state, like I’ve said before I will make an official announcement on this site like I always do, 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 AM NOT GETTIN MARRIED THIS YEAR, yes I am looking at next year, but date not decided. Phew! Anyway there’s so much on my plate, and am not talking about Food! Ha ha… have to say I can’t wait to get married but everything has a right time and place leaving from London tomorrow, will be back in India for a week… so long you people, until next time, and keep writing in…

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Hey guys landed in London after a 7 hour flight from New York. Here on work embarking on another business venture that I am announcing at a press conference today. and when I do something new the first place you’ll get to hear of it is here It gives me great pleasure to announce that Raj and me have invested with the V8 Gourmet Group, we’ve dabbled in a whole lot of different things, CRICKET, Medispas and now the F&B market. Got to acknowledge the fact that Indian food is much enjoyed (chicken tikka masala becoming the nation’s favorite) and has a huge market in Britain. Me being a self confessed Foodie also being synonymous with a healthy lifestyle and to top it all being a SHETTY, a surname associated with the Food sector (pioneers in Udipi restaurants) in india, this was only a sign for us to think it right to invest and procure a 33% stake in V8 that encompasses Vama, The Bombay Bicycle Club and Tiffinbites We also do airline catering and the newest plan is to introduce Readymade Indian meals that will be under 10 % fat!

Very excited about this venture and with the expertise of Co-owner and celebrity chef Andy Varma hope to cater to all those people who enjoy delicious, healthy, authentic Indian food that will be convenient to cook! Hoping to launch this line of readymade meals after Christmas in Britain. it’s great to know that our restaurants are 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 and even our very own Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan. Will be branching out to Dubai and Jordan by end of this year, and many more in years to come. Would also like to clarify all those reports and rumors about it being in honor of Jade Goody is completely and utterly baseless! So you’ve heard this from ME, and that’s what counts. Sorry about not blogging as often but hope you understand how manic it’s been to multitask amidst all these various projects. Please do keep writing in, it means a lot. All of this is only possible with all your love good wishes and support.

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In New York, this place used to be my favorite holiday (shopping) destination every June for 3 weeks, and now it’s been 2 and a half years since I came here! Had some really fun times, landing here made me nostalgic Anyway yesterday went into getting over my Jetlag and figuring out what to wear, considering I was in for a shock when I realized upon opening my bag, I had left my kurta back in Bombay, so half my day went into planning and coordinating how the outfit could reach me in time, trying to figure out who I could catch to get the outfit in from Bombay, I HAD to wear an Indian outfit since it was an Indian occasion! We managed to get it in the nick of time with a stewardess who flew in with it, an hour before the event, phew!

Attended a press conference in the midst of this pandemonium… Anyway my day started early, because today is the India Day Parade. I must say I had underestimated it, thought there would be a few thousand people, but this was the mother of all Parades, nearly 70000 people were out on the streets to show solidarity to their motherland. WOW! Was overwhelmed by the response. Quite wonderful to see and felt like I was still in India Appreciated the fact that Mayor Bloomberg and the FIA who keep the Indian culture alive made it possible for this event to happen… Madison Avenue was cordoned off, that’s no mean feat!! Felt proud to represent the South East Asian community in America. It was heartwarming to see that even though Indians have migrated abroad, they still are very Indian at heart. Still wanting to stay in touch with their roots. It was nearly 35 degrees and one of the hottest days but the warmth of the people kept me going. On that note Jai Hind to all you patriotic Indians from this proud Indian. Tired now, will write soon, crashing out now. Take care zzzz

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Hello all you lovely people, while I am all set to leave for the airport, my mind is heavy with concern pertaining to the alarming rise in swine flu patients in our country. While precautionary measures were being doled out on TV, 3 days ago I scurried to buy myself a mask wanting to use it at the airport! Imagine my dismay at learning masks were out of stock at the medical stores (but are being sold at three times the cost by some unscrupulous stores!) it’s insane that people could think of capitalizing in such grave situations. I finally procured mine from my dentists where I had an appointment yesterday. So as hideous as I might look I will be donning mine at the airport! Hoping to reach NY, devoid of any virus!

Looking forward to reaching New York, where I am invited to be the Grand Marshal for the Independence Day Parade, which will happen on the 16th August. Indeed a proud moment considering the 1st Grand Marshall was Raj Kapoor. It’s endearing to know that every year NRIs congregate in huge numbers to celebrate the fact that they are proud Indians. Hope I add to their joy. Sweet! Anyway after that I stop over at London to make another announcement, you will hear of it soon been a hectic week, shifting my office. Phew! It’s a never-ending job, my Medispa is up and running and am so excited about my next venture. Can’t wait to tell u guys! Return in two weeks, and hope and pray this Serious Swine flu situation tides away… please take care, Prevention is better than cure. On that note will say goodbye, take care of your health and for those ill, get well soon. will write soon!

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Got back from Orissa last night, was shooting for a new TV show. Woke up and switched on the TV and to my horror saw the Headlines which read that an FIR was filed in my name in Orissa for shooting INSIDE the Sakshigopal temple! It was Preposterous! The fact of the matter is that we didn’t even shoot in the temple, and the channel obviously took permission to shoot at the footsteps without which we couldn’t have proceeded. So don’t know what the fuss is about and I still don’t know why the FIR is in my name ‘cause I was there hired as an actor to perform for the channel. The production wasn’t mine; neither did I seek permissions and above all WE DIDNT SHOOT INSIDE THE TEMPLE! Have no idea why these stories have been concocted and quite obvious that this is the easiest way for some people to seek publicity! This is ridiculous, they have to stop constantly making scapegoats of celebrities, it’s such a waste of precious time and energy, and there is a huge backlog of more important judiciary matters that’s pending and need to be addressed.

Such FIR’s shouldn’t be entertained… Being born into a spiritual family I know how to conduct myself, I’ve spent a good part of my life visiting temples all over, so there was report that said I walked into the temple with slippers on! Please stop this uncalled for tamasha and misusing the perks of Democracy. Anyway am glad I have this blog to clarify and express my stand. Getting back to more important things to handle Stay in touch all you lovely people. I enjoy writing and reading your comments. Thanks so much

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Was in Jaipur yesterday where I was shooting. Something about being in Jaipur makes me feel like I belong there, the people make me feel like that, they are so amazing. Then I realized maybe it’s the Rajasthan Royals connect Flying back now, and am very excited to share with you’ll - the launch of Iosis. With God’s grace it all went well. I’d like to thank all my friends and the press for coming and showing their solidarity towards my new venture. Rekhaji looked diva personified dressed in black looking svelte and very glamorous. She said she was really proud of me and she wrote me the sweetest note - “ We are not human beings having a spiritual experience… we are “Spiritual Beings” having a human experience.” I’d like to make a special mention about Sushmita, who came and was so gracious and warm. It’s very rare to see actresses being non-competitive and encouraging… ha ha! She not only came to wish me but genuinely felt happy for me. Was very touched by her gesture. God bless her for that, it’s such a beautiful quality to have.

Felt strange to be on the other side. I wore the garb of a host for the first time at an event. Having embarked upon a new venture, need everyone’s blessings and good wishes. The response has been overwhelming and I am really excited. So that’s that… work’s in full swing… so long friends… Leaving for Orissa to shoot for a TV reality show, will write soon.

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First and foremost really really sorry for not staying in touch, life has been manic between all the travelling and shooting, I’m also in the midst of readying my flagship store at Khar, our first Medispa venture IOSIS, my pride and joy. Something that I’ve wanted to do for a really long time and I’m glad it’s come to life at last. My partner Kiran Bawa and I are really bursting with excitement with the thought of the launch happening on 26th July. I had to think of who was going to do the grand launch and couldn’t come up with a better name than the diva herself – someone is who is synonymous with timeless beauty and wellness. So I approached (the one and only) Rekhaji. I’ve always looked up to her as an actor, as a role model for constant reinvention. We share a very special bond and have always been in touch with each other. I think it’s the South Indian connection. When I asked her to grace the occasion, she agreed and I was ecstatic. If I’d get to talking about her, it would be never ending. Looking forward to meeting all my friends from the fraternity there.

A lot of people ask me what the name Iosis means and I’d like to tell them that Iosis is the last stage in alchemy where metal turns to gold. It’s this transformation that is synonymous with my life where someone who was as ordinary as me, was called glamorous with the help of experts in the beauty business. For e.g. – hair, makeup, personal grooming and healthy diet, which is exactly what Iosis provides. Being part of an industry where beauty is a pre-requisite, I learnt from my own mistakes and this experience gave me the opportunity to reinvent myself. When people ask me how I did it, their questions will be answered through Iosis. My newest venture which is the fusion of four – figure styling, spa, salon and skin treatments, all under one roof. All this will be under the supervision of trained professionals, who will not just treat you but also give you sound advice on how you can modify not just your looks but also make a lifestyle modification plan.  I hope that Iosis Medispa works as a catalyst in bettering people’s lives at an affordable cost. Kiran and I, share one common vision - “WELLNESS INDIA”. We are both on the threshold of a new beginning and hope people enjoy the services that are provided here because they’ve been put together with a lot of love and thought. My philosophy in life is very simple – nothing can be achieved without a bit of discipline. So if you want to make a difference to your life, make that change and make it today. Place yourselves in the hands of our experts and let the magic begin.

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The British Asian Trust Cup on the 6th was a dream come true for me to see the Rajasthan Royals play at Lords, and what a victorious win. To see a full stadium was a proud moment. I’d like to thank all the fans who made it such a success despite the rain, they just waited patiently for an hour and luckily we had someone up there that was on our side! It was worth it at the end of it all, I guess.

So Shane left on the first flight back to Vegas to continue for the 2nd round of the world series of Poker, did you know he’s a professional Poker player… and the rest of the team and I went ahead and met His Royal Highness Prince Charles for Tea yesterday! Must say he still has such a sparkle in his eyes, so charming he had a conversation with everyone in the room. The proceeds of yesterday’s match went to his charitable trust and we donated nearly hundred thousand pounds to it. I Did compliment him on his charity work in India, and the awareness he’s spread regarding the issues pertaining to Global Warming, he said the Indian Media should give it more attention…Felt really lucky and honored to get this wonderful opportunity amongst all the others…life has been really kind. Going to be here for a few more days, shooting for the cover of a Fashion magazine tomorrow in Central London. Gonna do what I do best now, SHOP! Ha ha, the summer sales are on, yippee Well am just a normal girl!! HARRODS here I come. Will write soon… CIAO!!

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