‘Sallu made HIV tests stylish’

Fashion designer Sanjana Jon who is in town for a show, is still full of her Id day bonding with rakhi brother actor Salman Khan. The designer who celebrated Id over dinner at the actor's Bandra residence, is in awe of him. She says, "Salman bhai is a gem. It's just that no one knows about his genuine side. He's the kind of guy who walks up to an old beggar on the road and gives him whatever money he has on him. In fact there's a little orphan kid who was teased by his friends in school because he has no one in this world. The kid retorted saying, 'mera ek bhai hain, Salman Khan.' That's the real Salman who is hidden from the prying eyes of the media."

While raving about Salman, Sanjana doesn't fail to add that he has been a great support for her AIDS awareness programme. In Hyderabad for the annual AIDS awareness tour with the reigning Miss Universe, Zulekya Rivera, Sanjana says, "Zulekya is very passionate about this cause and her presence adds a cool quotient to getting tested for HIV aids. And Salman bhai too did a great deal to help promote this programme. After he came forward and said 'Get tested, it's in fashion', scores of celebs followed suit."

Sanjana who believes in using fashion as a medium to spread the message of AIDS awareness is targeting the youth. "Our aim is to capture their attention first. These glamourous models and stunning clothes help us achieve that. Once that's achieved, we try to pass on the message. Honestly, nobody is going to listen to you if you are going to preach," she says. And Sanjana uses her access to celebrities across the world to do this.

"There is no doubt that having Anand jon, the 'crown prince of high fashion' as a brother works to my advantage. I bask in his glory. We work with celebs every day and some willingly come forward to support my cause." Though Paris Hilton is a good friend, Sanjana doesn't see herself working with her. "Paris is a great friend of Anand's. After all he introduced her to fashion. But I don't think people will relate to her, if she were to speak on AIDS."

Moving on from Hollywood's star-studded lifestyle, Sanjana reveals that Andhra Pradesh is close to her heart because of Tirupati. "I am a huge devotee of Lord Balaji. In fact he's my 'business partner', so that doubles my interest in doing something for this place. But we need government support, which we sadly don't always receive."

Though she considers Anand her mentor, Sanjana says that her sense of fashion is different from his. "He's all about sexy cuts and his fashion reflects risk. I am more girly, cute and feminine." Sanjana, who hopes to come back to the city again soon, says she is already in awe of it. "It's so clean and the weather is lovely. Most of all the people are warm and I love the spirit of Hyderabad."