Actor RICHARD GERE and Bollywood beauty SHILPA SHETTY are facing legal action in India after being accused of committing "an obscene act" last weekend (15Apr07). The Pretty Woman star swept the popular Bollywood actress into his arms and kissed her several times during an AIDS-awareness event last weekend (15Apr07), with angry crowds burning effigies of Gere for going too far in a country where such public displays of affection are largely taboo.

Three lawyers in India have now filed complaints against their amorous actions, and Shetty, along with several private television channels, face two further charges for showing videos of the kiss after legal papers were filed in Ghaziabad. Chief Judicial Magistrate Reena Chaudhry is expected to hear the complaints today (18Apr07).

Shetty, who publicly defended Gere yesterday (17Apr07), says she is paying a price for being an international celebrity. Her spokesperson says, "The media should concentrate on the promotion of the cause of AIDS awareness rather than making an issue out of kisses."

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