7 January - Some of Bollywood's biggest stars have joined UNODC's efforts to curb human trafficking in India. Millions of moviegoers in India and world-wide have seen a two-minute video called
One Life, No Price - aiming to sensitize viewers to this crime - which preceded the premiere of the new film,
Welcome.
The UNODC Regional Office for South Asia produced the video spot to galvanize civil society and law enforcement partners to combat human trafficking.
The movie "Welcome" features major Indian movie stars Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal and Mallika Sherawat. The producer was Firoz A. Nadiadwala of Base Industries Group, Mumbai.
Mr. Khan, Mr. Kapoor, Mr. Patekar, Mr. Kumar and Ms. Kaif have also recorded messages separately in support of the cause.
Base Industries Group, producers of smash hits such as "Hera Pheri", is one of the oldest commercial film corporations in Asia. "Welcome", their latest production, is a comedy of errors that appeals to family audiences. The release took place simultaneously all over India and in 1,100 film theatres worldwide.
UNODC's partnership with the Indian film industry is part of UN.GIFT, an initiative launched in March 2007 to bring governments, business, academia, civil society and the media together in the fight against human trafficking. UNODC has also enlisted the support of Bollywood greats Amitabh Bachhan, Preity Zinta and John Abraham to make public service announcements for UN.GIFT.
Visit http://www.ungift.org for further information about UN.GIFT - the Global Initiative to fight human trafficking.
