To mark World AIDS Day on December 1, we spoke to few television celebs, who raised their voice for AIDS awareness campaign.
On the occasion, we asked them about their views on World Aids Day and whether they feel that as a celebrity their participation in awareness campaign makes a difference or not.
Vivian Dsena: I feel yes, it does make an impact on people when celebrities are involved in awareness campaigns because people listen to celebs as they are connected to them.
Vishal Singh: I definitely feel it will create great impact on people. People pay more attention when celebrities do such activities. When I was not in this field then it was important for me as well what celebrities did and I used to follow it too.
Divyanka Tripathi: Absolutely, participation of celebrities in such awareness campaigns is indeed needed because common people follow suit of artists and celebrities. I feel if the celebrities set good examples even common people would pay attention to such a cause and would come out to help AIDS patients and accept them freely which is much required by the society today.
Ravi Dubey: I think when celebrities are engaged in awareness campaigns it makes better impact on public. Yes, it is dreadful disease however things have changed dramatically for all the diseases and this being a part of it. I remember an article said a doctor quoted that he would rather have AIDS in these times than diabetes.
Shashank Vyas: If celebrities take interest in AIDS campaigns it will have wider impact and people will look up to them. Some find their role models in these celebrities too. The way celebs are called for brand endorsements, in a similar manner, if stars start talking about AIDS, people will pay more attention.
Tina Datta: Everyone, I feel can contribute in their own way. While biggies can create major impact, if the initiative needs to work on ground level then the actors, who have more visibility can create more impact. As for example, TV actors can attract the mass on small screen, especially if the campaign is aired around their own shows.
Shivin Narang: I believe celebrity participation makes a lot of difference. In general people are not much aware about AIDS, its causes or symptoms. If a celebrity participates, people make an effort to know what it is and they try to search more information around it, which creates awareness.
Gaurav S. Bajaj: It does make a difference. Celebrities are considered as ideals. If people are die hard fans of them then they will follow whatever their celebrity will say.
Adaa Khan: I guess celebrity involvement for these kinds of campaigns is a great idea. In India, people are crazy about actors and cricketers. They also fight for their favorite stars. And if celebrities can use their popularity for good cause, it would be wonderful.
Ssharad Malhotraa: Celebrity participation is very important in such awareness campaign as there are millions who look up to their favorites and get inspired, motivated, encouraged and even influenced by them. I feel that every celebrity should whole heartedly support this cause and this campaign and spread the word that play hard but play safe. Sex is good but not at the cost of your life.
We agree with you all and simply hope that others as well turn up like you and fight for the cause.