Shilpa's learning Chinese on the sets

Shilpa Shetty is currently working on her first international film, titled The Desire, with Chinese superstar Xia Yu. The actress has even learned the basics of the Chinese language from Xia Yu during the first schedule of the movie that wrapped up in Kerala.

A source close to Shilpa says, "She has learnt so much Chinese. She can now use words and phrases such as S(h)iya Yeoh (summer rain), Sha Wu (afternoon), Sha Yu (Oil) and Zai Jian (goodbye). She thoroughly working with Xia Yu. At first, no one was able to pronounce his name. Even Shilpa was restricted to calling him 'sir'."

Talking about Shilpa's shooting schedule, the source adds, "After the shoot in Kerala, the crew headed for a shoot at Nasik. But presently, Shilpa is in Goa for the IPL season 2 selection of players for the Rajasthan Royals. Later, she and the whole crew of The Desire will go to Kuala Lumpur. She is working very hard for this film and is very happy as it will showcase India's culture on an international level."

The story of The Desire revolves around Goutami, an accomplished Odissi dancer, and Jai Leang, a talented artist. It is set in present day but rises from the small cities of India. The film deals with dance, music, art, culture and emotions. Shilpa is taking Odissi dancing classes from Ratikant Mohapatra (son of the iconic Odissi dancer Kelucharan Mohapatra) and his wife, Rajshree. The film will be showcased at the Cannes film Festival and is expected to release by end of 2009.