At a time when Bollywood couldn't be any sexier and films couldn't be any more bold, B-town beauty Shilpa Shetty has found herself in the midst of another scandal, this time with Hollywood's acclaimed and  talented actor, Richard Gere. The two appeared at a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday to highlight the HIV/AIDS epidemic among India's truck drivers. In front of a cheering crowd, Richard kissed the giggling Shilpa on the hand, then kissed her on both cheeks before bending her in a full embrace to kiss her cheek again (really, can anyone blame him?).

While Shetty laughed it off with a poised "eyeh thoda zyaada ho gaya" ("this was a bit much") to the truckdrivers, they seem to have agreed. The audience expressed anger and distaste at Richard's behavior and some of the audience requested an apology from both actors. This was just the beginning...TV media played the kisses over and over throughout India which has resulted in ridiculous reactions from the Hindu extremists and audience. In Mumbai (a.k.a. Bollywood), in addition to burning effigies of Richard Gere members of the right-wing Hindu nationalist group Shiv Sena set fire to glamorous shots of Shilpa while shouting death threats and demanding apologies. If India was still in the running for the Cricket World Cup, would this kiss even be an issue? Shilpa in response has lashed out at the media stating, "we don't want us to look like idiots in front of the foreign media." (I think this may be too late!). "I understand this is his culture, not ours. But this was not such a big thing or so obscene for people to overreact in such manner."

Since then, Richard has called Shilpa three times to apologize as he didn't want to hurt the sentiments of the Indian people. And if he did, he is sorry. Richard Gere is the same actor who, for decades has dedicated his time and money to charitable causes throughout India and Tibet. This was not his first trip to India but would anyone blame him if it were his last? Slip into any movie hall and you can clearly see in 2007, Bollywood oozes sexy "item" girls and seductive dances. Yet, this incident between two respectful adults has likely alienated Bollywood and proved to the world that although we've made technological advances, India still has a LOT to move forward on. Desi Hits! can think of a thousand more insulting issues to draw attention to...Anand Jon ring a bell?

At a time when Bollywood actors are trying to break into Hollywood cinema, if we can't laugh at ourselves why would the West want to take any chances on us? A country that is full of sex (duh! hence the need for safe sex and HIV awareness) the scandal over a fun loved, innocent kiss is beyond hypocrisy...where does this leave India now...what happens to the noble cause for which Richard Gere and Shilpa Shetty volunteered...what happens to ALL of the causes for which Richard Gere draws attention to? It's utterly embarrassing that a man who's will and dedication to making India a better place is likely contemplating if he ever wants to step foot in the country again!