The fire of the new IPL will soon scorch across the land and Shilpa Shetty with boyfriend Raj Kundra will form an integral part of the new alliance, having bought a 12% stake in the champions - Rajasthan Royals. “I completely relate to Rajasthan Royals," says Shilpa, "My story is similar to the team’s journey to the top. It is an honour to be a part of Rajasthan Royals.”

Undeterred by the lack of success of Chandni Chowk to China, Shilpa is beavering ahead with The Desire, her own perhaps more genuine Sino-Indian co-production. She was recently joined by Chinese actor Xia Yu for some filming in Kerala. Xia is a former winner of the Best Actor Award at the Venice International Film Festival for his role in In The Heat of Sun. "Shilpa is very pretty and talented,” he says. Rumour has it that Shilpa appears with a shaved-head look in parts of the movie.

Yesterday was Shamita Shetty's birthday and Shilpa bought her an Audi 6 sports car to celebrate. "Shamita loves fast, stylish and powerful cars," says a source, "It has always been her dream to own the Audi A6 and Shilpa has always wanted to fulfill her wish. This time, Shilpa and her parents quietly went ahead and bought a Rs 50-lakh silver-coloured Audi A6 and surprised Shamita with the gift at their Lokhandwala home last night. Shamita was ecstatic."