Jade Goody will not be given special treatment, clarifies tourism ministry
The Indian government Thursday clarified that the controversial British TV star Jade Goody,
accused of hurling racist abuses at Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, would not be an official
guest if she visits the country, but could come and 'cleanse' herself.
Goody, who has reportedly approached the Indian high commission in Britain for a visa after the
country's tourism office invited her, can visit India 'just like any other tourist', said Tourism
Minister Ambika Soni.
Reports suggested that Goody's acceptance of the invitation had put the government in a
dilemma over playing host to her after New Delhi officially expressed its displeasure at her racist
remarks during the Channel 4 reality TV show 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
But Soni clarified that there was no official invitation for the British TV star.
However, she will have to wait a week to find out if she can get a visa to visit the country. Jade is
looking to restore her image and claims to be living in fear after some miscreants reportedly
smashed the windows of her house.
Jade has already visited India before as her brand perfume bottle is manufactured in India But
following the race row the manufacturer has stopped production of the bottles.
Government officials fear that Goody's arrival could create serious trouble for them.
"Through television channels, everyone in India knows every detail about the controversy. Goody
is not a star who will attract welcoming crowds. People will be hostile."
"And since she has accepted the ministry's invitation, we are bound to provide protection to her.
How can we do it? She cannot be a state guest? She cannot just come and go unnoticed. The
media will not let it happen," an official said.
Officially, the tourism ministry says that its foreign offices are free to advertise on their own.
"Our offices abroad are free to give advertisements," said Amitabh Kant, a joint secretary in the
tourism ministry.
Although Kant insisted that it would not be proper for him to make any comment on the issue, he
said: "Anybody who can obtain a visa can visit the country."
Some in the tourism ministry are asking what is the big deal.
"The advertisement was for everyone and our country welcomes everyone to enjoy our culture and experience," said one official who does not want to be named.
"Why should Jade Goody be given special treatment? We need to ensure the safety of all
foreigners who visit our country," he said.
posted by Rishil Babu @ 4:30 AM,
