India reacts to 'Big Brother' remarks

NEW DEHLI, India, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The Indian government said it is reviewing alleged racist remarks against Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty on the British show, "Celebrity Big Brother."

Anand Sharma, minister of state for external affairs, said his office was gathering information on the matter, NewKerala.com said. His office did not say how the country would respond.

Viewers in Britain and elsewhere complained that Shetty was the target of racist remarks from other participants.

"Racism has no place" in civilized society, Sharma said. "India has, throughout, thrown out any kind of racism and discrimination."

Actress Meera Syal said she "could not have taken as much" as Shetty on the show that brings celebrities together in a house without access to the outside world.

"There is a very thin line between what is entertainment and a vile spectacle and I think we are in that area now," she said.

Indian protesters also were reported burning effigies over the television show, Sky News said.

Shetty, a former model, has appeared in more than 40 romantic movies since her 1993 debut.