Firstly terribly apologetic for not blogging so often. It’s been a crazy few weeks, I’ll explain why later. Landed in Hyderabad to shoot the last schedule of Desire day before yesterday. It’s a film I’m so looking forward to as a lot of effort has gone into it’s making and a different genre for me to experiment with as well… Anyway coming to why I’m actually writing today, I have some great news to share with you, as promised I would personally give you the good news… So here it is — This is it, YES, THE WEDDING DATES ARE FINAL and celebrations begin from the 21st November with the Wedding on the 22nd and the Reception on the 24th. PHEW! Okay, I said it. So these are the real dates (now the press can stop speculating). The last two weeks have only gone into preparations. It was a huge decision and there were a lot of logistical problems mainly because of lack of time and venues… Now all that’s in order, I can breathe a sigh of relief. The past week has been full of meetings, meetings and more meetings, since I’m shooting in Hyderabad, everything had to be done before I’d left for this schedule. In the midst of Odissi rehearsals (can you believe it! ‘cause I am shooting for a song here, ha ha! ), guests list, hotel arrangements, wedding planners, trousseau outfits, the list is never ending. There’s a lot of work to be done and I will be shooting and dubbing till a week before the wedding. Got to finish all work commitments before I leave for a month after the wedding. C’est la vie! To all those who want to know how I am feeling, I just want to say – I’m going through a lot of mixed feelings – happiness, excitement, nervousness, just like any bride to be and sadness as well, I miss my sister and hoping that she’ll be out soon in my last few days at home. My parents are ecstatic and doing everything to make things perfect on my special day, absolutely adore them! Honestly it still hasn’t sunk in completely, it’s a strange emotion, can’t describe it… The only consolation is that I’m tying the knot with “Raj” – a man who lets me be myself and doesn’t want me or my life to change, that erases premarital jitters. Obviously marriage is a huge step and with it comes responsibilities, and since I believe in the institution, so I hope and pray that I can make “ours” a success. Thank you so much for all your best wishes. I’ve overcome and survived all hurdles with your good wishes and God’s blessings. Will keep you posted. Pray for me because I am on the threshold of a new beginning. So just two weeks to go, the countdown begins!! Love to you all!

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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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Hello hello! Maldives was fun, I completely recommend it if you want to visit heaven on earth, breathe the purest air and be alive again! Had the greatest time with family and dear friends, will put some pictures up soon In London now on work, regarding my new Curry project that should be out at the end of the year. Was shooting for a really fun show yesterday called ‘Something for the Weekend’ with Tim Lovejoy… did some cooking with Simon, made a delicious pudding but couldnt eat it, due to the Navratri fast. I observe this is the only time in the year that I turn vegetarian for the whole 9 days and fast on the last. It’s difficult especially since I travel so much and to top it all am such a sea foodie! Anyway, there seems to be a delay in Sunny’s film schedule yet again! But that gives me a chance to do all my other work Reading scripts for my home production, and working on my Ghatkopar center for my Medispa and thrilled to announce the opening of IOSIS Medispa in Jalandhar. Kiran and I are very excited - it’s our first franchise out of town. So lots happening and lots to tell you, will definitely tell you guys about something exciting happening, once things are finalised as I always do. So watch this space!! Keep in touch and thanks for all those beautiful messages. Love you all, its your love that keeps me going!

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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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