Hollywood actor Richard Gere has dismissed his "obscene" kiss with Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty as "nothing", insisting the warrant for his arrest in India isn't a serious matter. Gere and Shetty were speaking at an HIV/AIDS awareness event in New Delhi earlier this month, when the Gere swept the beauty into his arms and kissed her several times.

Public displays of affection are taboo in India and Gere's actions resulted in crowds burning effigies of the 57-year-old actor in Mumbai, Varanasi and New Delhi.

Arrest warrants were issued for both Gere and Shetty early yesterday after a citizen filed a complaint, accusing the couple of committing an "obscene act".

Under Indian law, a conviction of public obscenity means a potential three months behind bars or a fine.

But Gere is confident that if the case goes to court, it will be thrown out.

Speaking on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart last night, he said: "Me kissing the girl on the cheek was nothing.

"There is a very small right-wing, very conservative political party in India and they are the moral police in India ... they do this kind of thing quite often.

"It goes to a reputable court and it gets thrown out."

- Richard Gere Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)