/> The reports of Shilpa Shetty being intimidated by the lack of privacy on the reality show Big Brother had just been proved wrong. Far from being nervous or apprehensive Shilpa was extremely hunk-dory about being on the show.

A few days before she left for the show she had spoken to me. "It's a big big honour. Unlike some third-world countries where we've practically anyone going on the show, only the most famous names are invited on the Big Brother UK—and they almost always go. I'm very excited about being on the show."

What about the lack of privacy? "No no," Shilpa had laughed. "I've completely verified all the pros and cons before agreeing to be on the show. You think I'd ever go on a show that would violate my privacy? No way! The loos have no cameras.

I checked on that before saying yes. I believe there're two versions of Big Brother in the UK. One where the camera follows the contestants everywhere. The other is a more conservative version, designed for family viewing. I'm on the latter."

On why she was invited on the show, Shilpa had her own take. "I believe they carried out an indepth survey before inviting me. Since about 80 percent of their viewers were Asian, my presence would be appreciated."

Remarkably a family-oriented girl like Shilpa was not the least afraid of being thrown together with strangers for weeks and months. "Yeah, I'm a family girl. I'm most comfortable in my home with my parents and my sister. But I'm also a very friendly girl. I warm up to people very easily. And I'm also a very brave girl.

I can hold on to situations until I get comfortable with it. Since I'd be representing our country on a show that will be watched by millions I wouldn't like to do anything to shame me, my family or India... and that would mean, no backing out of the show for reasons of nervousness or isolation. Really, I see no problems in holding out until the end."

"I want to come back from the show as the winner," Shilpa had promised before zipping off.