Shilpa Shetty is a rather wonderful Bollywood actress, brilliant at what she does and quite rightly much admired for her prowess in the field of acting, but it seems that a reader she is not.
When hearing about the plans for schools in India to include books such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in the curriculum Shilpa told the Times of India that she thought that the novel was a wonderful way of teaching children how to look after animals. Twitter wasn’t kind in informing her of her mistake.
She started so well saying that “I think having books like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter as part of the syllabus is a great move because it cultivates imagination and creativity at a young age,” however when recommending Little Women she may have got the plotline a little wrong “I think books like Little Women would also encourage respect towards women at a young age.” and then came the literary faux pas that has everyone offering up their own #shilpashettyreviews with this recommendation for Orwell’s dystopian allegory for the rise of Stalinism Animal Farm which should be included in curriculum reading as “Even a book like Animal Farm should be included as it will teach the little ones to love and care for animals,”
Here is how Twitter responded:
Perhaps something to encourage their artistic talents?
“Fifty Shades of Grey is an amazing coloring book.Children will love it”#ShilpaShettyReviews
— Fats (@a_bit_too_much) November 28, 2016
Or to teach the the importance of good manners.
“The Hobbit is good. All children should develop good hobbits.” #ShilpaShettyReviews
— Harish Iyengaar (@scaryhairyman) November 28, 2016
Of course, we musn’t forget our children’s mathematical skills.
The Life of Pi should be read by all children as it will enhance their mathematical skills. #ShilpaShettyReviews
— Shashank Singh (@RccShashank) November 28, 2016
Then there are books for those who want to pursue an agricultural career in their futures.
Perks of being a wallflower is a great read, particularly for gardening enthusiasts with space constraints. #ShilpaShettyReviews
— Tanushka. (@TanooshkaM) November 28, 2016
A self help book for those who suffer with embarrassing flatulence issues.
#ShilpaShettyReviews Gone with the wind will teach kids to deal with an upset stomach after eating too many nuts.
— Arnold’s Soundness (@brakoo) November 28, 2016
The perfect How To guide for future Off Gridders.
Mein Kampf is a nice guide on Camping and other Outdoor Activities. #ShilpaShettyReviews
— Nimrah (@nim147) November 28, 2016
Something to teach our little ones the consequences of forgetfulness.
100 Years of Solitude, a harrowing tale of a man who forgets to bring his phone to the loo #ShilpaShettyReviews
— Swati Tyagi (@swatyagi) November 28, 2016
A little something for train aficionados who have more than a passing respect for health and safety laws.
Trainspotting is a good book/movie to spot & stop trains from collision.#ShilpaShettyReviews
— Mohit (@mohityprakash) November 28, 2016
A few helpful Tweeters reminded Shilpa that not all books are suitable for schoolchildren.
Books like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ should be banned as they promote violence and murder of the exotic birds.
#ShilpaShettyReviews— Mahrukh (@Mahrukh_bhutta) November 28, 2016
Of course we do not advocate cyberbullying but it seems that these suggestions were all tongue in cheek and were greeted by Shilpa in the manner they were intended to be received, as a gentle ribbing rather than anything cruel.
Thank you for making us smile Shilpa and keeping on being amazing at what you do.
Whilst I admire the writers of LOTR, Harry Potter & Animal Farm I’ve “NEVER” read these books(@ the cost of soundin even dumber!)Not my kind
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) November 28, 2016
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OMG. Is she for real? Love all the twitter ‘reviews’
Instead of going by the title, she should actually read those books. Then to top her comment she called herself stupid for making a suggestion without thinking it through. How can one “admire” a writer without reading his/her work? Really loved all the #ShilpaShettyReviews ..