Shilpa Shetty ridiculed for saying Animal Farm is about animal welfare

But the Indian film actress has now admitted that she has never read the Orwell classic

Shilpa’s suggestion Orwell’s dystopian satirical novella is about animal welfare has been the subject of much ridicule on Twitter (Getty Images)

While many have nodded and smiled cluelessly as someone gushed about their favourite book, Shilpa Shetty has made the ultimate faux pas of expressly and effusively recommending a book she has never even read a Wikipedia entry about.

Shetty might have won Celebrity Big Brother in 2005 but she appears to know little about the Orwellian origins of the reality TV show. For the record, the Channel 4 show’s name and premise derives from George Orwell's novel 1984 - a dystopian vision of a future totalitarian state under omnipresent surveillance and controlled by the party leader Big Brother.

Shetty, an Indian film actress, has now been mocked on Twitter for her remarks about the Orwell novel Animal Farm.

Speaking to the Mumbai Times, Shetty was probed about the decision to include the Harry Potter series in the Indian curriculum.

“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,” Shetty responded.

“I thinks books like Little Women would also encourage respect towards women at a young age.”

“Even Animal Farm should be included as it will teach the little ones to love and care for animals”.

But Shilpa has now admitted that she has never read Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Animal Farm on Twitter.

“Whilst I admire the writers of LOTR, Harry Potter & Animal Farm I've “NEVER” read these books(@ the cost of sounding even dumber!) Not my kind,” she wrote on Twitter.

“..So recommending them to kids is out of the question! Obviously some misunderstanding. Don't want to get into it. This too shall pass.”

Shilpa’s suggestion Orwell’s dystopian satirical novella is about animal welfare has been the subject of much ridicule on Twitter. People have relished in dishing out fake reviews of other classic novels alongside the hashtag #ShilpaShettyReviews.

“Reading The Kite Runner will make kids appreciate the health benefits of running with a kite in your hand #ShilpaShettyReviews,” said one.

“Children should read The Shining to learn how to shine shoes. Very informative”#ShilpaShettyReviews,” added another.

"To Kill A Mockingbird is a great guide on ethical hunting. #ShilpaShettyReviews".

A representative for Shetty did not immediately respond to request for comment.