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.