By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

Even as Shilpa Shetty expressed her delight at the enthusiasm generated in Britain over her next release "Metro", she is being blamed for its delay. But director Anurag Basu gives her a clean chit.

"Shilpa had (sought my permission) before leaving for 'Big Brother'. We tried to complete her work before her departure. But her dates couldn't be coordinated with the rest of the artists. Shilpa thought she'd be evicted from 'Big Brother' by Jan 20. She never dreamt she'd stay on till the end. She has nine days' work left," Basu told IANS.

Basu is, in fact, overjoyed by the overseas buzz for "Metro".

"I don't have an overseas audience. It's because of Shilpa that they're now making inquiries about 'Metro' from festivals across the world. The film has benefited greatly from her presence. We are all very proud of her. My co-producers UTV were taken into confidence about pushing its release in April."

Basu is also the director of "Suicide Bomber", the launch vehicle of Mahesh Bhatt's son that has got delayed because of "Metro". Bhatt has apparently been grumbling about it.

Basu admitted the link: "The delay in 'Metro' has caused a chain reaction. 'Suicide Bomber' is delayed.

"I can't shoot two films together. But what difference does a couple of months make when there's such a larger issue? Shilpa has done all of us proud. Why create bad blood? I've told Shilpa I'm lucky for her. I'll now be polishing up the script for 'Suicide Bomber'."

Asked about the delay in "Metro", Shilpa said: "I've nine days' work left. But that's not the reason why the film's release has been pushed forward. They were anyway planning to release it a month later.

"And incidentally the film's producer Ronnie Screwvala came to London to meet me. They're very happy for me. Why are people making me out to be this ruinous element who doesn't care about home just because she has found new fame abroad? Rubbish!"

Bhatt is quoted as saying that Shilpa "messed up" with the schedules.

"But he's not connected with 'Metro'! 'Metro' is going to be my first release after 'Big Brother' and I'm very excited. It's going to have a massive marketing in Britain," said Shilpa, who has resumed the shooting of the film after coming back from London.

"I always felt Basu's film had the potential to work in the international market. If my presence helps the film to achieve the international level, then I would be really happy."