FROM INDIA'S THE HINDU NEWSPAPER

This is an interview that appears in The Hindu, a very popular Indian newspaper.

"Celebrities can make a difference"

Revathi and Viswanathan Anand chat about AIDS, a subject close to their hearts

PHOTO: R. RAGU SOCIAL CAUSE Viswanathan Anand and Revathi share their views on AIDS
and spreading awareness regarding the issue


He is the grandmaster of thoughtful moves. She is an actor-director with a ticking mind. For him life isn't just about black and white squares. She too sees life beyond 70mm colour.
Viswanathan Anand is the HIV-AIDS ambassador for Avahan, the Indian chapter of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, while Revathi's critically-acclaimed "Phir Milenge" was to a large extent the Indian film industry's answer to the poignant Hollywood movie "Philadelphia".
At the Take Two, they talked about their efforts to spread AIDS awareness, interactions with the HIV-infected and a lot more. Chitra Swaminathan listened in.

Revathi: Of late, I have been trying to understand more about the kings, the queens and the horses of the chess world. I've been watching the game closely and reading up a lot on it. I am working on a script for a film that revolves around chess. It's actually Simi's idea (Simi Garewal), and she wants me to direct the film.
Anand: A film with chess as its theme? Interesting. Surely then the game is growing in popularity.
Revathi: Wait there's more. We are planning to rope you in for a guest appearance. How can the film be complete without you?
Anand: I wonder if that's a right move (a childlike smile lights up his face).
Revathi: Okay, tell me how do you plan to go about your new responsibility as Avahan's ambassador?
Anand: I realise our support could make it easier for those who work tirelessly for such causes.
Revathi: So true. It's fine to have a crowd milling around you wherever you go, but celebrities should realise they can make a great difference by lending their name and voice to causes, as many out there love to hear them.
Anand: I have already begun gearing up for this new role. I am getting to know every little detail, not just the statistics but also the sensibilities involved.
Revathi: What made you take up the cause of the HIV-infected?
Anand: No specific reason. But if I have to single out one, then it has to be the sad plight of a couple who came to know they had AIDS after their child tested positive.
They lived in a joint family, which immediately disowned them. It set me thinking about people's prejudices, their fears and their hesitation in accepting reality. The film "Philadelphia" also inspired me to a great extent. Tell me, how did "Phir Milenge" happen?
Revathi: The film was not my first encounter with AIDS victims. More than 10 years ago, I was asked by an organisation called Desh if I could lend my voice to a telephone service that provided answers to queries on HIV. Let me tell you, it was an eye-opener.
But I did not stop with that. Along with the members of the organisation, I visited the slums in the city to talk about AIDS, its prevention and the use of condoms. Initially, I was quite embarrassed to explain it so openly.
Anand: I know it's not easy. But when you think about the tragic outcome of ignorance, you forget your inhibitions.
Revathi: That is why I had Abhishek Bachchan mouthing this dialogue towards the end in my film: `The cause for the spread of AIDS is not ignorance but our hesitation to talk about it'.
Anand: Not just those who are infected, we need to talk to everyone, kids, adults... everyone. You can put it across in a fun way, explain it medically or through touching stories. Just do it.
Revathi: Before getting down to making the film, I did research on which aspect I should focus. It was then that I read about this man who lost his job because he tested positive. And I had my story.
I got in touch with the lawyer who fought and won the case for him, using labour law. But putting together the cast took me almost a year. I was keen on casting big names to get across the message powerfully. The wait was worth it as I found Abhishek, Shilpa Shetty and Salman Khan. More than box-office success, they shared my concern for the issue.
Anand: I think your positive approach to the story would have helped many.
Revathi: To show Shilpa emerge victorious was intentional to drive home the point that there is life after HIV. I am looking forward to working with you in my next film. In fact, Simi keeps talking about the great time she had while recording the rendezvous with you and Aruna (his wife).
Anand: Don't know about myself. Aruna sure was the livewire of the show. As usual she did most of the talking (smiling mischievously at her). She has this amazing ability to strike up a conversation on anything and everything. Jokes apart, it does work as a stress-buster for me. Sadly, chess players are hardly known for their sense of humour. But don't get carried away by that. You can still think of casting a glamorous girl opposite me in your film. (Revathi cannot stop laughing).