Shweta Basu to initiate legal action against journalist, newspaper

Mumbai, Nov 3: Telugu film actress Shweta Basu, who returned home after spending two months in a rescue home following her alleged involvement in a prostitution racket, finally broke her silence on what happened that night and the 60 days that followed. Speaking to a Mumbai-based newspaper, Shweta Basu said she has no complaints against anyone. However, she said the only grouse she has is against a journalist who made up a statement and attributed it to her. That statement was widely circulated and she said she became aware of it only after her release from the rescue house. To a question, the actress replied that she never made any statement as she was in custody and was not allowed to speak even to her parents. She said the person who made up that statement had damaged her reputation. The actress clarified that no such thing has happened. "The film industry has always been very warm and welcoming to me, she added. The actress, however, said these are outrageous lies and she had never uttered such statements. Shweta Basu said that she and her parents were trying to identify the journalist and the newspaper from where the fake statements had originated. "We are taking very strong legal action against them. I need to set this falsification right before I move on," she said. Stating that she wanted to ask the journalist who made up the alleged statement as to how much he knew about her and her family, the actress said, "I've friends in the film industry. I am well-connected." At the time of her arrest, the actress was auditioning for roles. She was also in the process of making a documentary on Hindustani classical music. While agreeing that a major section of the media supported her in a graceful way, Shweta said she came out largely unscathed. She said she doesn't want to discuss as to what happened, as it is a legal matter. Clarifying about the whole development, the actress said she was not called to Hyderabad by any agent for commercial sex. She said she was in Hyderabad to attend an awards ceremony. Claiming that she has dedicated her life to cinema and acting, Shweta said, "I am not going to let one incident spoil my life." Shweta said she was an actress and that she will always remain one.