Shilpa episode not to impinge on British ties: FM

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram today expressed the hope that racist remarks on the actress Shilpa Shetty during a British television reality show would not have any adverse bearing on the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries.

"This will pass. The episode has not strained relations between the two governments and the people," Mr Chidambaram said at a joint Press Conference with UK Chancellor of Exchequer Gordon Brown during the launch of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.

"I am confident that the universal condemnation of the racist remarks will result in change in behaviour of persons associated with the programme," the minister added.

Mr Brown said after insults were hurled on Shipa Shetty, many Britons had condemned it. He said his country wants to send a signal that nothing which affects its reputation of a fair and tolerant society would be tolerated.

"We are against any form of racism," Mr Brown remarked.

The actress broke down on Monday after allegedly being taunted by fellow inmates in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' show on Channel 4 about her mannerisms and colour.

UNI