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For a cause

Sonu Nigam

This is a world might be married to utilitarian philosophy but among thousands of corrupt and inhuman persons; there surely exist a few because of whose goodness the whole world survives. Anu Malhotra's endeavour to work for the HIV-affected is one such example of goodness. The lady has conceived and directed a music video and a television series; both titled `Haath Se Haath Milaa' to create HIV/AIDS awareness among the youth.

Young achievers

The song is written by Javed Akhtar, composed by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, and sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. Its video includes over 40 film stars and 10 top television stars. The television series features a `Young Achiever' in each story and encompasses his or her work, struggles and a little dream to shake hands with their favourite Bollywood star. The BBC World Service Trust screened the album and music video at The Grand in New Delhi the other day. Present on the occasion were Anu Malhotra and Sonu Nigam.

Speaking about the difficulties she had to face in shooting so many stars together, Malhotra said, "Managing such a huge star cast was difficult but it was tougher was to get dates from their busy schedules. However, if you are sincere things come your way." Talking about her choice of film stars as the ambassadors, she said, "For eyeballs, viewers normally switch on when there is a star; then the message or the theme carries on". She reiterated the importance of bridging the communication gap and urging the masses to get the HIV affected ones treated without a stigma attached to the disease.

Sonu Nigam, who also shared his experience with the Young Achievers and the importance of such an endeavour, said, "Every human being needs appreciation, we went there to appreciate them for whatever they are doing for the society." Sharing his feeling about Sariska Katoch, one of the Young Achievers, Sonu said, "She doesn't have her father. She comes from a very orthodox family background; and in spite of all this, her work for the uplift of the downtrodden and the cursed ones is beyond any appreciation".

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