Jamal Hirani, 42, founder of fast-food chain 'Tiffinbites' is claiming that he was forced out to make way for the star and had earlier filed a lawsuit in an industrial tribunal claiming more than £ 1.5 million, reported London Evening Standard online.

He has now filed a £ 6 million lawsuit in High Court, based on the 30 per cent of the firm he previously owned.

Hirani alleges that he was forced out by colleagues in a process that led to the firm closing and opening under a new name, the V8 Gourmet Group.

"They manufactured false accusations against me. This ultimately was my company and I have been removed. I understand that since I have left Shilpa Shetty has invested in the business," said Hirani.

Shetty, 34 who became a household name in Britain after winning the reality show Celebrity Big Brother, recently became the company's co-chairwoman after she and fiance Raj Kundra paid £ 6 million to buy a 33 per cent stake in it.

A spokesman for the actress reacted to the controversy by saying, "The case refers to events that happened before Shilpa and Raj joined. She was always aware this tribunal was coming up and hopes for a fair outcome."