TV, Theatre, Films join hands

ONE, a celebrity endorsed non profit organization, initiated last year by the Percept Holdings Group, will host an evening of entertainment, titled 'Masti Express', for underprivileged children in Mumbai on World Aids Day, December 1st 2005 as part of it's Aids awareness programme. The audience will comprise of 500 children from various charity projects of the Committed Communities Development Trust (CCDT). These children are at risk to or affected by HIV. (It is important that we say 'at risk' or 'affected' and not 'infected' as we don't wish to label these children and make them vulnerable to further social stigmas), who will be entertained by the Film, Television, Theatre and Music fraternity of Mumbai, whose endeavor will be to make them smile, laugh and feel like kids. Ashok Pandit is the creative Director for the show and has played an integral part in helping PDM put the show together.

Mr. Shailendra Singh says, 'The power of celebrities is the power of ONE. Through their endearing images, celebrities can make a tremendous difference in the lives, attitudes and behaviour of the underprivileged. They can bring a smile and wipe away tears, ease hardships and relieve pain, merely by lending their support to causes such as Aids. This forthcoming event on December 1st would be yet another step in helping to control this dreaded disease and would contribute largely to increasing awareness amongst the masses.'

The evening shall witness great performances by stars who are coming together to pledge their support to spread the message of AIDS Awareness Some of the performers for the evening are Salman Khan, Govinda, Satish Kaushik, Anupam Kher, Sohail Khan, Rajpal Yadhav, Cyrus Broacha, Delnaz & Rajiv Paul, Rakhee Tandon, Gauhar Khan, Mona Vasu, Raju Shrivastav, Rakesh Bedi, Shakti Kapoor, Shama Sikander, Tanaaz Currim, Ronit Roy and a host of others. An especially composed anthem by Roop Kumar Rathod sung by Raj Pandit (10), Sushree Rathod (13), Neerja Pandit, Sonali Rathod & Roop Kumar Rathod will be performed live.

The proceeds from the show will be utilized towards educational scholarships, vocational training programmes and even residential hostels for children and young people infected/affected by HIV/AIDS.

Referred to as the 3rd World War, AIDS continues to be mankind's most dreaded virus with more than 42 million infected worldwide. In India, 1 out of 20 citizens are infected with this deadly disease.

Over the years Percept Holdings has initiated a number of charitable events.

A year ago the charity organization – ONE was created. The mission of ONE is to unite the world of celebrities and utilize their power to make a social difference in lives of under-privileged children in India and globally. PDM India has created, conceptualized and organized the show.