Shilpa’s bully gets invite from Govt: come to India for its healing feeling

On a recent episode, Goody questioned Shetty’s ability to speak English calling her a “liar.” As Shetty protested, Goody burst into a colourful, bleeped-out tirade: “You need elocution lessons…you need a day in slums. Go to those people who look up to you and be real. You f…ing fake.”

The “invitation” to Goody has been extended by the London branch of the India Tourism Office — under the aegis of the Tourism Ministry — in an open letter published in The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph.

Titled “To Jade Goody and friends,” the letter is addressed:

“Dear Jade Goody,
“Once your current commitments are over, may we invite you to experience the healing nature of India,” it says. “Being one of the world’s oldest civilisations, our land is one where the ancient and the modern co-exist and a multitude of religions live in harmony.”

The letter, its sarcasm unmistakable, directly appeals to Goody: “As a beauty therapist, you may be especially interested in visiting one of the many spas where you can cleanse your stresses away, enjoy yoga in the land that invented it and experience Ayurvedic healing which promotes positive health and natural beauty.” The letter also tells her about India’s “bustling cosmopolitan cities”, “snow-clad mountains” and “long sandy coastlines.” Its sign-off line: “We look forward to welcome you.”

A senior official of the Tourism Ministry told The Indian Express that the letter was published after consultation with the Minister and other senior officials. “Any publicity is good for Indian tourism,’’ he said.

The ad, he said, was the idea of London-based creative and media agency Smarter Communications. When asked whether the “invitation” was a genuine one, the official replied: “Of course, we are ready to bear all expenses if she plans to visit India.”

How serious is the offer can only be known if Goody responds to the ad.