People News
Gere and Shetty's kiss expose India's hangups
By Stone Martindale
Apr 19, 2007, 15:59 GMT

Hard to believe in a country that gave the world the "Kama Sutra" and displays Gods with bared breasts and dual genitalia, that Indians would find offense in a harmless kiss between Richard Gere and Shilpa Shetty during a press junket.

But a couple of ridiculous lawyers have, and actor Richard Gere and former Celebrity Big Brother star Shilpa Shetty may face real legal action for kissing in public at a recent Aids awareness campaign launch.

ITV news reports three lawyers have filed complaints in Indian courts against the two celebrities, claiming that the public display of affection was "an obscene act".

Even television channels who broadcasted the footage of Gere kissing Shetty on the cheek are in hot water too.

Technically if the stars are deemed guilty they can face fines and jail time.

The incident also sparked some Indian crowds burning effigies of Gere and chanting "Down with Shilpa Shetty".