Shilpa Shetty inspires Shammi Kapoor's son

The life altering 'Big Brother' episode continues to reap the rewards for Shilpa Shetty. The latest is that legendary actor Shammi Kapoor's son is planning to make his directorial debut with a film inspired by the dusky beauty's 'Big Brother' experience.

'Titled Baltidevi: Queen of Southhall', the musical to be directed by actor Aditya Raj Kapoor, or Mickey, as heis fondly called , is about the rags-to-riches journey of a poor girl in Southhall. "The entire Shilpa Shetty episode of winning the 'Big Brother' contest inspired me to write this story," says the upcoming director.

Looks like for Shilpa it's almost like acquiring the living legend status. After all it's a big honour to have a member of the acclaimed Kapoor family choose 'the important episode' in her life as the subject of his debut film. Agrees Shilpa's spokesperson and publicist Dale Bhagwagar, "Yes, it is indeed flattering that someone has considered making a film out of the real life incidents that took place with Shilpa."

The reports are that the film produced by Balakumar and Rajeev Agrawal will showcase leading lady Rakhi Sawant in a different way, fully clothed, in a serious avatar. Interestingly Rakhi has openly talked about her tremendous respect for Shilpa who she acted along with in Deepak Tijori's 'Khamosh' and holds her in high regard for 'being good and kind to her'. However what would Shilpa have to say about the choice of Rakhi who till now has been known as an item girl specializing in bit parts along with sporting a brash and outspoken image? Says Bhagwagar, "As long as there is no mockery, why should she mind?"

And what if the makers think about roping in their 'inspiration', Shilpa for a guest appearance in the movie? "It'll be speculative to comment on that. But Shilpa has always maintained that she is willing to do all roles which are substantial and challenging. She has just finished shooting for her DVD video on yoga. After walking the ramp for Tarun Tahiliani in Delhi this week, Shilpa will be heading for Toronto for a fund raising event where she is going to present veteran actor Richard Gere with an award for his contribution to charity. By the end of this month, her musical 'Miss Bollywood' would be premiering in Berlin, Germany. It's a happening year ahead for her", adds Bhagwagar.

-Sneha Hazarika (SAMPURN)