Indian Mission instructed on Shilpa issue: Pranab

Chennai, Jan 18: Expressing dismay over the alleged racial comments on Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty in London, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said India will not tolerate any act of racism against any countryman in any form.

Asked for his comments on the reported racist attacks on Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty in a British Television show, the minister said that he had already instructed the Indian Mission there to get in touch with the British authorities and sort out the issue.

Expressing shock over the incident, he said the country cannot tolerate any racist attack on any Indian in any form. ''We are dejected'', he added.

Shilpa Shetty, who featured in the reality TV show ''Celebrity Big Brother' on UK's Channel 4, broke down in tears on January 15 after she was allegedly taunted by fellow house mates about her skin colour, accent and cooking.

When asked about India's stand on Sri Lankan issue, Mr Mukharjee declered comment.

UNI