Anil joins fight against slavery
Slavery still exists in many forms. And while some of us may be cursing our workplace out of an urge to nag, there are others around the country who are bonded labourers — forced to work in inhumane conditions for ungodly hours against their will.
After having earned money, fame and respect, a hollow feeling in his heart led celebrated actor-producer Anil Kapoor to become the goodwill ambassador of Plan India that reaches out to those suffering due to slavery and human trafficking.
He visited Bharatpur in Rajasthan where young women are sold into sex trade by members of the family. “Human slavery in today’s modern world is unacceptable and unpardonable. It was clear we must change the mindset of people in Bharatpur — they had to understand there are other options,” said Kapoor at the permier of a documentary, Trapped by Tradition that is a part of CNN’s Freedom Project that targets modern-day slavery and pushes for a change.
When asked if he would go on to make a film on human trafficking someday, he said, “Sure, why not. But provided it's a commercial film and the masses get to see it. Bacause it’s a serious story it shouldn’t be a social documentary. It should be a story with a strong message of human trafficking and we can get a big star and a big director to do it. If I can’t do it I certainly would love to produce it and hope it makes a difference.”
Having been involved with the NGO Plan India for six years, Anil says Bharatpur is just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to human trafficking and they will be taking the effort forward across the country. “We’ll now focus on coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa where bonded labour is widespread among women and kids,” he adds.
The acctor is well-connected and gets highly placed officials and influential people’s help when the NGO needs it. And about his contribution, he says, “These days I’ve been working lesser than before — I choose when I want to and who I want to work with. And as a result I’m available for them (Plan) all the while. I just ask them to tell me what to do.”
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