IANS

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, who features in Britain's reality show "Celebrity Big Brother", is teaching her housemates to chant 'Om'.

Apparently, Shilpa will have a date with a housemate on the show and be encouraged to flirt.

But right now she is concentrating on teaching meditation to her housemates - newspaper columnist Carole Melone and director Ken Russell. The show went on air Jan 3.

"On the second day, after entering the house of 'Celebrity Big Brother', Shilpa tried teaching 'Om' chanting relaxation techniques and meditation to Carole and Russell," said Dale Bhagwagar, Shilpa's publicist.

"And you know what, Shilpa gave Russell some cool instructions on how to inhale and exhale before the trio launched into their first chant," added Bhagwagar.

But her teaching didn't help Carole and Russell much.

"Shilpa explained to them that they were not breathing right. She also told them that nowadays people are so occupied with life and the stuff they have to do that they hardly breathe," added Bhagwagar.

Bhagwagar feels that Shilpa is not going to give up the teaching soon. "She's kinda the pursuing kind, you see," he added.

The Indian coverage of the show will reportedly focus on romance in Shilpa's life. The actress, who is unmarried, will be given an opportunity to dine with the housemate she finds the most attractive.

According to reports, the producers are trying to cash in on the popularity of the Hindi film star among the two million-strong Asian community in Britain.

They are hoping Shilpa will encourage the Asians to watch and participate in the programme.

Other contestants include Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine, A-Team star Dirk Benedict, Donny Tourette of punk band The Towers of London, model Danielle Lloyd, former S Club 7 singer Jo O'Meara, ex-Steps star Ian "H" Watkins and "Kenny Everett" Show actress Cleo Rocos.

Russell, who is 79-years-old, is the oldest of the contestants.

The first instalment of the show was aired in March 2001. It was produced in aid of Comic Relief, as part of a joint effort between Channel 4 and BBC.

In India, "Bigg Boss", an Indian version of the show, is currently running on Sony TV.