Shilpa, against whom a Madurai-based lawyer filed an obscenity case over a still from Kannada film "Auto Shankar", asserts, "It (the photo) is not vulgar. I am an actor and an entertainer and I won't endorse vulgarity.
"I always do everything in a dignified manner. And tell me, have I done anything that other actresses have not done?"
"With god's grace, work is going fine. But this is definitely affecting our reputation. In my family, everybody has worked hard for small little success. We are law-abiding citizens. We won't do anything unlawful," Shilpa told.
The star of "Baazigar", "Dhadkan, "Phir Milenge" and "Dus" is not too happy with the media hype either.
"I don't like the way the media is focusing on such inane issues. They are making a mountain out of a molehill," she says.
However, Shilpa says she has full confidence in the judicial system and even wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India Y.K. Sabharwal. The actress sought a guiding precedent in "maligning cases" by lawyers against film artistes.
"Its not that the chief justice is going to write a reply to me. But I have full faith in the judiciary and I am sure something positive will come out. The case is in the court. Legal proceedings take time in our country," she says.
Upbeat about her latest release "Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar" with Salman Khan, the actress says: "It's a nice commercial film and has got a great script. I think the audiences are going to like it."
She also defends Salman, who was upset with the makers for delaying the film.
"In Salman's defence, I will say that he is one guy who has pushed this film till here. He put in lots of energy and effort into this project and he is the most affected due to the delay in release," said Shilpa.
The svelte actress, known as much for her willowy frame as for her ability to shake a leg, says she does not worry about the future.
"It has been almost 13 years and I never needed to think about my future in advance. I never planned anything. I never thought I would last so long in the industry. The work kept coming my way. I have done a variety of roles - comedy, romance, thriller, offbeat, everything.
"In my forthcoming films, the audience will see me in a completely new role. I am doing 'Apne' and 'Metro'. Both are commercial films and I am playing different kinds of roles in them," she says.
And are wedding bells in the offing?
"Of course. I plan to settle down. I am waiting for the right person. The day I find someone, I will make a formal announcement," she says.