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World Animal Day: Bollywood’s love for voiceless creatures
Actors Sonakshi Sinha, Jacqueline Fernandez, John Abraham, Dia Mirza and Arjun Rampal are just a few names from Bollywood who stand up for the cause of animal welfare, every now and then. From saving stray cats and dogs to voicing their opinion on cruelties that elephants are meted with, they have done it all. On World Animal Day, today, animal rights activists share how celeb support has been incredible for the cause. Sachin Bangera, associate director of celebrity and public relations, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, says, “When celebrities speak, people listen. When people see our ads in which celebrities are wearing veggies to encourage people to turn vegetarian or getting into a cage to ask for freedom for animals in zoos and circuses, people love it and write to us enquiring how they can help.”
Other than such campaigns, celebs try to do their bit even while working on their regular projects. Salman Aga Syed, communications and PR head for NGO People for Animals, says, “From Imran Khan and Amy Jackson to Sonam Kapoor, several actors support animal rights. John Abraham and Shahid Kapoor have been iconic in promoting vegan and vegeterian diets. Recently in a quiz show, Anushka Sharma spoke about the need for animal welfare. [Comedian] Kapil Sharma routed many of his fans to [NGO, Animals Matters to Me] AMTM by bringing to fore the cruelty that animals are subjected to. [In an ongoing reality show], Salman Khan was seen promoting adoption, and [showing] his love for four-legged munchkins.”
And, it’s vital that celebs continue their support. Varda Mehrotra, executive director, Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations, says, “Mallika Sherawat’s support to #21DayCompassionChallenge has got many signing up to go vegan. Raveena Tandon and Dia Mirza have joined the campaign to ask the Government to ban the cruel practice of using animVaals in circuses. More celebs are using their influence for good; this is a much needed shift for the billions of lives that are otherwise, sadly, ignored.”
BOLLYWOOD CELEBS HAVE BEEN USING THEIR INFLUENCE FOR GOOD. THEIR SUPPORT HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE FOR THE CAUSE OF ANIMAL WELFARE.