‘You can have a normal life with HIV as there is no stigma attached to it,’ says Farhan

We live in a country where even expressing an opinion can get you misunderstood and criticised to no limits. Similarly, a disease like HIV AIDS has a stigma attached to it and people are not very comfortable discussing these issues in open. However, many of our celebs are trying their level best to change this perception and one among them is Farhan Akhtar.

Recently, at a launch event of Vespa RED that is doing its bit for the cause of HIV, Farhan said, “The fact is that you can continue to live and have a normal life as long as there is no stigma attached to it. It is one of the biggest battles actually which we as people have to deal with; coming to terms with the fact that it is just another disease. It does require another kind of treatment and cure, but the stigma is very huge that has been attached to it and we need to get rid of it.” (Also Read: Here’s what Farhan has to say about employing a former prisoner)

“Fifty dollars of each sale will go towards dealing with the HIV virus cause. And that to me, is probably a bigger USP than anything else, as far as the purchase of the scooter is concerned,” said the actor, who believes in regular health check ups. “I do an overall health check-up as advised by my doctors, which also includes HIV test, as the blood is checked for everything. But that apart, I do know people who are living with the HIV virus. There are a couple of people also employed by me, who have the HIV virus.”

For the uninitiated, he has earlier helmed a short film called ‘Positive’ (2007) to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Inputs from IANS

Prajakta Ajgaonkar

Passionate about writing, and a Bollywood lover, she is all that is sweet and endearing! She desires to put her best foot forward in everything that she does and loves to help anyone who’s in need.