Government takes note of racial attack on Shilpa Shetty

The government on Wednesday said it has taken note of the alleged racist attacks on Shilpa Shetty in a popular British reality television show.

"We are looking into all the aspects," Anand Sharma, minister of state for external affairs, told reporters. "We will take appropriate action as required. The world knows that India has throughout firmly rejected all forms of discrimination and racism," he added.

Shetty, who is participating in Celebrity Big Brother, has allegedly been the target of racist attacks by fellow contestants, some of whom have called her, among other names, a 'dog.'

The actress broke down on the show, and photographs of her crying made it to the front pages of newspapers in India on Wednesday. The issue was also raised in the British House of Commons.

The producers of the show have said they are probing the matter.