Shilpa Shetty plays 'bald, lesbian monk' in 'The Desire'

Shilpa Shetty plays a bald, lesbian monk in her new film The Desire: A Journey Of A Woman.

The actress's mother Sunanda Shetty has recently taken over as producer on the movie, according to Mumbai Mirror.

Sunada said: "When I decided to step in as the producer, the film was in serious trouble. It was stuck for over a year. But I immediately saw the potential in it.

"I was told there were just a few weeks of shooting left, when in fact we had to shoot for a good six months more."

Shilpa's bald look is said to have taken over three hours daily to achieve.

The Celebrity Big Brother star's mother has reportedly downplayed the film's lesbian storyline between her daughter and co-star Sheetal Menon.

The production has also been edited from 145 minutes to 95 minutes to compete on the international film festival circuit.

The Indo-Chinese movie is Shetty's first major film role since her Celebrity Big Brother victory in 2007.