"SHILPA WAS INDEED APPROACHED FIRST FOR 'THE PINK PANTHER'. HOWEVER, SHE DECIDED NOT TO DO IT", comes an official statement from Shilpa Shetty's spokesperson Dale Bhagwagar.

He adds, "A recent story that has come in a popular tabloid yesterday is a lie. This is proved through the email below which makes it clear that Shilpa Shetty was indeed approached two months ago for the role of Sophie in 'The Pink Panther'."

Justifying the reason why there was no announcement earlier in this regard, he says "We are professional people and we deemed fit not to boast, as we decided not to do the film. This clarification only comes in the wake of this FALSE AND FAKE STORY which aims to mar Shilpa Shetty's reputation."

Below is one of the initial emails from the casting agency 'ILENE STARGER CASTING' which proves that Shilpa was indeed the first choice.

Date: 16-Jul-2007 18:34
Subject: The Next Pink Panther
To: Shilpa Shetty

REGARDING: SHILPA SHETTY

I am writing regarding SHILPA SHETTY and the film THE NEXT PINK PANTER starring Steve Martin. Ilene Starger is the casting director in New York City and Harald Zwart is the director. The producer is Robert Simonds and it is a Columbia Pictures/Sony/MGM film.

Ilene Starger has asked that I check the availability of SHILPA SHETTY for this project for the role of SOPHIE. The film is set to begin shooting approximately August 20th, 2007 through the first week of November 2007 with prior rehearsal and travel dates. The film is tentatively scheduled to shoot two weeks in Paris and the balance of the film in Boston, Massachusetts. Please let us know her availability as soon as possible. If she is available we would like to have some demo material on her either by mail at the address below or e-mail link.

Many thanks for your help and we await your reply.

Valerie Lindquist
Casting Assistant
ILENE STARGER CASTING
New York