Shilpa's S2 rises to No 1 spot in UK fragrance charts

Mumbai, July 27 (UNI) In less than a month of its launch in the UK, Shilpa Shetty's signature perfume S2 (pronounced 'S square') has emerged a bestseller, becoming the number 1 in fragrance charts.

The scent is learnt to have beaten off stiff competition from signature perfumes of Kylie Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani and Paris Hilton, proving itself to be a cut above the rest in the sea of celebrity fragrances in the UK.

''It's a thrilling feeling for Shilpa and she's almost jumping with joy,'' said her spokesperson Dale Bhagwagar, about the actress having championed the perfume market.

When asked, whether the controversy about Shilpa's marriage rumours with NRI businessman Raj Kundra, who is the licensor of the perfume, fuelled its sudden popularity, Bhagwagar admitted, ''S2 was already on No 3 a week ago. Though I won't deny that the controversy could have played a role in boosting its sales further.'' Describing the fragrance, which has been created by the oldest French perfumer Robertet, Bhagwagar informed, ''Each ingredient has been hand-picked by Shilpa with each keynote having an individual importance to her. It is a kaleidoscope of rich florals with a fruity zest including the scent of Mandarin, Bergamot, Peach, Jasmine and Sandalwood among others.'' This sweet smell of success comes close on the heels of the actress being awarded the honorary doctorate by the Leeds Metropolitan University. Shilpa Shetty has become an iconic household name in the UK after winning the reality show Celebrity Big Brother.

Meanwhile, Shilpa is finalising the nitty-gritty of her Broadway musical which will be along the lines of 'Moulin Rouge' and Andrew Lloyd Weber's 'Bombay Dreams'.

''Shilpa has begun the ground work on the musical. Her role requires lots of dancing and acting, which is something she loves doing anyway,'' remarked Dale.

''From the last couple of months, Shilpa's basic aim is to showcase Bollywood and Indian culture in the West. Even for the musical, her costumes will be designed by popular Indian designer Neeta Lulla and will represent the ethics and culture of India,'' he added.

Bhagwagar further informed that choreographer Ganesh Hegde would set the steps for the musical, while Shilpa would focus on her performance, leaving the singing to professionals.

Starting with shows in the UK for the first three months, the musical could travel to other parts of the world including the US and Australia.

''After 'Big Brother', Shilpa was constantly under media glare with all her moves being marked. She was looking at expanding her horizons by going to another level. This musical gives her a chance to do something she'd always wanted to,'' Bhagwagar added.

UNI