Shilpa's running for a just cause

Silent Worker

Not many know that the actress has been closely associated with the institute for almost six years. Apart from appearing on annual charitable events — like the walkathon and the upcoming marathon, Shilpa has also nominated the Society as the recipient of her voluntary donation from the Nach Baliye prize money.

"I lost my dad five years back to this disease. Since then I have been actively participating in every event organised by MSSI. It started with a simple limp in his leg, but in a few years time he disintegrated totally and became bed-ridden. Those were some of the most testing times for me. I made sure that I was there for him whenever he needed me, and helped my mom in tending him," says Shilpa.

She adds that diseases like cancer get enough media attention, but something like MS never gets the much-deserved limelight.

"There are millions of people around the world, and in our country who are affected by the disease. It is a life threatening disease, but unfortunately the awareness for it in the country is zero."

Appu's support

In spite of suffering from a chronic backache, Shilpa tries to cover the complete seven-kilometer distance. "I think the dream run too is a good enough distance for me to run. Appu (Apoorva Agnihotri) may also be there with me on Sunday."

Interestingly, when Kyunki touched the 1000 episode mark, Shilpa had invited a 13-year-old girl suffering from MS on the sets.

"There are so many young boys and girls in the country suffering from the illness. Not much is done to make their lives better. Whenever I get a platform, I try and talk to people about the disease and how to deal with patients afflicted by it."

Milind Soman is another celebrity with whom Shilpa has closely worked with. "Both of us are committed for the cause. He too knows about the seriousness of the disease, and will be running the marathon on Sunday."

On the work front Shilpa is tied down with Kyunki and Shanno Ki Shaadi. "I have no time for anything new. Let's see how things shape up this year."