Indian star Shetty steals show at UK parliament

LONDON, Feb 7 (Reuters) Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, revelling in her newfound fame after winning a British reality television show, personally thanked Prime Minister Tony Blair today for his support following a racist bullying row.

The ''Celebrity Big Brother'' winner, who was tormented by some fellow contestants on the live programme, said Blair had been ''very, very sweet'' during a six-minute meeting and had given her a portrait of parliament signed by himself and his wife, Cherie.

The glamorous actress, wearing a white sari, caused a media storm at parliament as scores of Indian and British journalists pursued her -- to the distress of parliamentary officials who enforce strict rules on visitors.

''He said I carried myself with utmost dignity and that he was very sad to see what I had to go through in the (Big Brother) house,'' Shetty told some 80 reporters outside parliament.

A planned news conference inside the building was shelved by parliamentary gatekeepers citing security concerns.

Earlier, Shetty watched Blair perform in the weekly session of prime minister's question time, during which Blair condemned racism in all its forms in response to a lawmaker's question.

Shetty emerged victorious from the Big Brother House last month after being subjected for weeks to disparaging remarks from some fellow contestants that sparked international uproar. Viewers vote to evict contestants and she was the last member.

The A-list Indian star was called a ''dog'' on the programme and was referred to as ''the Indian'' and ''Poppadom''.

She told reporters today that parliamentarians were much more polite than her fellow contestants.

''I thought it'd be really boring, but I quite enjoyed it,'' she said of her visit that included meetings with other ministers, lunch with lawmakers and several photo calls.

Shetty confirmed that she would be publishing a book of her Big Brother experiences but denied rumours she was planning on entering Indian politics.

''I've never really been politically inclined. Nobody has spoken to me about joining any party,'' she added.

Asked about her feelings towards her Big Brother tormenters, who have been vilified in the British press, she said she bore no grudges.

''I have forgiven them and I have moved on and I request that the media moves on. I don't want them to suffer,'' she said.

Blair's spokesman later said he had been pleased to meet Shetty, pointing out that her triumph had underlined that there is no room for racism in Britain.

REUTERS BDP PM2326