Shilpa to launch range of ready meals

After films, TV shows, cricket and yoga it’s now time for chef Shilpa Shetty to dazzle. The actress has acquired a 33 per cent stake in a London based restaurant group to launch her own range of ready meals. Shilpa has acquired the stake in V8 Gourmet group, along with her entrepreneur fiancé Raj Kundra whom she’s rumoured to marry in November. Plans include launching a range of ready meals, pickles and chutneys, called ‘ Shilpa’s Gourmet Creations’.

“There has always been this preconceived notion of Indian food being very heavy and fattening. So, we are just bringing our philosophy of serving Indian food out there,” said Shilpa. “I’m excited to work with Shilpa because we both are going to lock ourselves in the kitchen,” said Head of Food and Business Development, V8 Gourmet Group, Andy Varma.

Apart from the condiments and popular curries, the range will also include a variety of dishes from different regions of India. All curries will have less than 10 per cent fat. And there will be some clever but simple cooking tips from Shilpa herself. “I like to try different things like chicken curry. I don’t use cream, I use milk instead,” she said.

The range is expected to hit the shelves in 2010. And if it can make one look as good as Shilpa, it’s bound to be quite a seller.

IPL 2: Shilpa turns down Akon at the last minute

Shilpa Shetty was supposed to perform with the American R&B star Akon at the IPL finals on Sunday night.She decided to opt out at the last minute.

When contacted Shilpa explained, “I was just not prepared. It was an international platform, not some village nautanki.

I had to be fully ready. And I just didn’t get time to rehearse. So I regretfully had to say no. But I’d rather not give anything less than my best when I’m representing my country.”

Shilpa says she was happy to be just a spectator at the finals. “So what if my team wasn’t playing. I think I’m sporting enough to enjoy the game as just a part of the audience.”