Ameesha Patel is all set to give a political speech and honour author, humanitarian, peacekeeper, columnist, former UN Under-Secretary General, and now Minister of State for External Affairs (Government of India) Shashi Tharoor in a special ceremony today at a hotel in Delhi.

Ameesha will be part of a political discussion. "Tufts University (Patel, an active alumnus, is an economics graduate from the varsity) is organising the event and they will be honouring Shashi. Apart from giving a political speech, I will also give a speech congratulating Shashi on his achievements. A couple of years ago, the university had awarded both of us for our outstanding achievements in our respective fields. Shashi is years senior to me and I have the highest regard for him."

In defense

Recently, Tharoor was in the midst of a huge controversy when he had coined the word 'cattle class' for air travellers on Twitter but Ameesha is all praise for him. "Shashi is intelligent, articulate and possesses a great sense of humour which many don't have. I am looking forward to meeting him. I know Shashi for some time and his remarks should have been received in the right spirit. I am sure he didn't mean any harm to anyone. He has been educated abroad and his tone of language reflects the western way of talking, that's all."

Dressed to impress

Naturally, Ameesha will be togged in her best attire a black and white Chanel with a bag (same brand) and pearls as jewellery. Talking about her attire, Ameesha says, "It's an event for the select few so my dress will be classic, chic and feminine a formal Western short skirt dress."

Ameesha says she's not nervous about giving a political lecture. "In fact, I am not preparing any speeches. It will all be impromptu as I will go with the flow of the moment. I believe in being honest and my opinions have to come from the heart."

Recovering

Ameesha is recovering from a severe bronchial attack. "Though I'm still very weak, nothing can keep me away from today's event," she says and adds, "I developed an infection because of some ultra-strong medication I had taken for my knees. They were painkillers but I had a bad stomach and got breathless. I was supposed to travel yesterday but I could only leave today because of it."

- Mid Day