I wouldn't be that bothered if it were the so-called Indian news channels (who have been covering little else apart from a certain upcoming wedding) - what worries me is that this was one of the headlines on the news on Radio 1

It's certainly not just the "Indian Media" that's a joke; it's every nation's news channel that falls privy to stupidity and frivolousness. I recall CNN's having given an inordinate amount of attention to Anna Nicole Smith, Britney Spears, and the "Dean Scream," in somewhat recent times.

Gotta go back a little farther than that! I S Johar planted a whopper on Simi in damn the name elude me at the moment...... What I don't understand is the big hoopla about Shilpa getting smooched, please keep smooching her anybody, please she needs it!.......

In my opinion the problem is the immature media of India. These fools from Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal, VHP, BJP, some Tamil party etc.. specially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka etc.. get free publicity due to the stupidity of the media. The media blows up such small things and then gives coverage to the demonstrations by these fools, which further encourages these people/parties to oppose any and everything that they deem will get them publicity. It is not about any cultural feelings and or sentiments being hurt, rather it is simply a cheap way for small time politicians and nobodys to get national (international) publicity. YOu make the media go away and I guarantee these fools will find other stupid things to do rather than hold such demonstrations.

OK, maybe the UK media too as Shilpa is now one of their adopted celebs. But looking at the Indian channels on cable I can see it's still big news now. I like her reply though ""I am happy that this has happened because at least now people will talk about the issue of Aids and HIV". Unfortunately the Indian news media is not doing that.

The UK media likes to report on anything odd or shocking about India or Indians. I'm still shocked about the report last week that said 2 out of every 3 kids in India have been abused.



Was it Johar & Mehmood in Goa? Can't remember it. What was surprising was the kiss in Mera Naam Joker was an inter-racial kiss done with the russian girl. I wonder if that was censored back then?

What the f***? 66.6% of Indian children are abused? That's some fantastic statistic to pull out of one's ass...

Yeah well, that's what the government report says. Seems to hard to believe. Didn't you even hear about it?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6539027.stm

could it be staged by Shilpa in Janet Jackson's teets style!!It is hard to believe it was innocent, un asked for

Nope, not until your post.

The report actually states '3 out of 5' of all children in India have suffered some form of abuse. First of all keep in mind that the definition of the word 'abuse' as per the report encompasses a lot of things. Abuse as defined by the report includes, child labor, mental abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. In a poor country like India, you obviously have a lot of children that have to work for a living, which as per Western standards is considered as child abuse. Secondly, and more importantly one must also understand that this is a report by an incompetent beuracracy/government, thus I would not bet my life on the accuracy of these figures. I am sure you all understand that all such reports are based on a sample survey and that even a slight mistake in the selection of the sample would give you very wrong figures. Selecting the right sample to represent a country as large and as economically, religiously and culturally diverse as India, is quite a challenge actually.

I personally believe it to be a more common than we think, occurrence in third world countries. some cultures are more tolerant and promiscuous for this, but it is unfortunate!!

as far after reviewing, shilpa/gear fiasco, I am positive that it was pre made. as Gear's ignorance does not account for act, he knew all the time to spare lips.

as far as Shilpa is concerned or any other person from her culture, be hugely embarrassed by the act, even if it came unprovoked/unexpected and she should not be defending her and gear and making hues and cries.

as far as Gear even if it was spontaneous on his part, that I dont believe though, should have apologized to Shilpa and media, for being so ignorant.

I have seen Gere with his harre rama malas as chief guest in many bollywood awards ceremonies with ample opportunities , but he never indulged in such a behavior!

So bottom line in cultural background it was hugely embarrassing act imho.

I do not have any reasons to doubt duos sincerity re HIV/AIDS cause!

I agree with Sanjay. "Abuse" can be a lot of things, and the term is both political and subjective. I haven't seen the report, but if it bluntly stated that 60% of all Indian children have suffered from child abuse, I think it made a bull-shit statement. Yes, child labor is common in India, but I find it a stretch to clump that in with the general idea of "abuse." Also, numbers are often unreliable: based on generalities and misconceptions, and frequently unable to take all that is pertinent into account.

Concerning the Shetty–Gear thing, it's preposterous that it became as big as it did. I don't think Shilpa expected it, and I don't think Gear meant to do anything "inappropriate." Sure, things didn't look "graceful," but they weren't objectionable, either. Some people seem to have reacted as though she was raped on-stage — .

OK, so abuse can mean anything. But it's still wrong. I bet it happens alot in other developing countries too. I was just pointing out that anything negative about India is quick news in the west. Like they reported on this white unemployed male from South London who went to Gujarat and re-invented himself as the reincarnation of a goddess. News like that I find both funny and disturbing at the level of ignorance but what's worse is the townsfolk actually believe he really is the goddess. The guy himself doesn't care, he's taking it easy being treated like a goddess.

Why doesn't the Shiv Sena protest over something like this? Oh, sorry it's not in Mumbai so it's not their concern. By the way Richard Gere has been helping AIDS charities in India for almost 10 years giving thousands, does the Shiv-sena help AIDS charities? From what I know they are known for disturbing the peace and making people's lives a misery.

"Abuse can mean anything, but it's still wrong"? Well, then, what exactly is it that's wrong? How can you possibly say something is wrong if there's not even a clear definition of it? What I consider "abuse," I feel is wrong; I don't know that I'd be able to say "abuse" is wrong based on someone else's concept of the word.

Agreed, the Shiv Sena's not a very commendable party. That said, I think they might get more bad publicity than they deserve.

Well blah, blah, blah....! We all have some idea of what abuse is.