At the end of the show's run she was crowned the winner, ensuring everyone knew her name.

What brought her to the public's attention wasn't so much her exotic beauty or her personality, rather it was the racist bullying that went on between some of the housemates, attracting huge numbers of complaints and causing controversy worldwide.

"The issue of racial discrimination - I'm happy I started it," she smiles.

"I was eager to tackle the issue and it's given people the confidence and courage to tackle life with more gumption. I've had a lot of Asian people come up to me and say that they now have the guts to stand up for themselves.

"I'm just happy the show helped me come into my own and I'm happy that the show addressed an issue of global proportions that should have been addressed before."

Viewers couldn't tear themselves away from the cruel antics of Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara, who imitated Shilpa's accent and called her " Shilpa Poppadom".

But through it all, instead of losing her temper and retaliating, the 32-year-old consistently tried to rise above their antics.

"I think getting upset and how you handle things are very different. It's a very Asian thing - we are far more tolerant and far calmer.

"I think it's been very strongly inbred in us, the value of giving people respect, which is of paramount importance. I think that was the reason for the way I dealt with things."

There are rumours that Shilpa has forgiven her tormentors, but has she really?

"Oh yes, a long time ago," she says.

"I'm someone who moves on in life - I don't hold grudges."

The end of Celebrity Big Brother saw the demise of Jade's career, Jo slipping into depression and Danielle losing footballer boyfriend Teddy Sheringham as well as some high-profile modelling contracts.

Meanwhile, Shilpa's career is on the rise. Her fan base has expanded beyond her home country and she was honoured for her conduct in the reality TV show at the International Indian Film Academy Awards.

"It was more special because it was my industry. It was like an extended family that was acknowledging the work I had done here and they established me so it was very, very special.

"I guess this is God's way of doing things. I'm sure they're (the others) going to be fine, and I think Danielle is doing okay now. She's doing some work and I met her at my premiere of Life Is A . . . Metro. I wish them all very well, and as far as I'm concerned everything is stemmed from the show's fame, so the doors aren't going to be open forever and I'm very happy with what I'm getting right now."

Next month the actress tests the British public's feelings towards her with a new fragrance, S2.

"It was offered to me amongst the other offers and I thought it is a good one to take up," she says.

"I think having to deal with the fragrance company and distribution companies is a learning curve. To have a perfume with your name is also very challenging.

"I want something that works for the day and the night. A night smell that lasts and isn't too overpowering, but at the same time is a distinct smell.

"I had my hand in the perfume-making process from scratch - right from the scent, the bottle, to the packaging, everything.

"I had to be because it is my perfume and if people don't like it, I would be to blame. I couldn't shoulder that."

And perfume is only the beginning of more merchandise.

"I can't speak too much about my other offers until I actually sign on the dotted line. I want to have my own clothing line as well, but other than that I'm looking at setting up my own restaurant. Let's hope that works."

She is also in charge of a musical, which she's very excited about.

Her entrepreneurial streak is evident, but as her father is a highly successful businessman, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise.

"It's in my blood. But, you know, for me to lend my name to something, it would have to be a good product.

"I wouldn't be a part of something just because I was being paid lots of money. I couldn't be like that."

If the business ventures aren't successful at least Shilpa can always fall back on her acting abilities.

She's appeared in nearly 50 Bollywood films and is considered to have the best body in the industry.

"I take that as a compliment!" she exclaims.

"I am genetically blessed I guess. I work out because luckily I have a gym in my house and it just makes things easier.

"Other than that, I'm more interested in being healthy, eating healthy, staying fit - looking good is just part of that."

With everything going for her, it looks like Shilpa's life is lacking in one thing - romance.

There's plenty of speculation about her love life, but she reveals she's currently single.

"I'll settle down as soon as I get a guy. Right now, no plans, no guy. I'm not really fighting them off!"

¿ Shilpa Shetty's S2 perfume will be available at The Perfume Shop and other stockists from July 2.