http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21566465-2,00.html
Gere, Shetty stage meeting angers Indian audienceFrom correspondents in New Delhi
SHE won hearts for her classy weathering of the racism storm that marred her stint on UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother.
But Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty yesterday faced a much greater challenge - a marauding Richard Gere.
At a New Delhi function to promote an ongoing campaign to reduce unsafe sexual practices among India's truck drivers, Gere gave her a huge on-stage hug and a kiss.
The display of affection did not go down well in India, with both stars now facing calls to apologise.
"Since truck drivers stay out of home for nearly 25 days a month, they succumb to their desires, which finally ends up in spreading HIV," said the Hollywood actor, who has been working with the campaign for the last nine years.
"This event aims at fostering partnership among diverse groups, and strengthening the commitment in the fight against AIDS."
As a result of the truck drivers' behaviour, UN agencies warn that Inida will become the centre of an AIDS pandemic within the next decade, with more than 10 million people infected.
"Write about this in papers that are read by people on the highways," said Shetty.
Some Indian officials branded the display of affection between Shetty and Gere as "obscene", which probably missed the point of the AIDS function.
Gere, Shetty stage meeting angers Indian audienceFrom correspondents in New Delhi
SHE won hearts for her classy weathering of the racism storm that marred her stint on UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother.
But Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty yesterday faced a much greater challenge - a marauding Richard Gere.
At a New Delhi function to promote an ongoing campaign to reduce unsafe sexual practices among India's truck drivers, Gere gave her a huge on-stage hug and a kiss.
The display of affection did not go down well in India, with both stars now facing calls to apologise.
"Since truck drivers stay out of home for nearly 25 days a month, they succumb to their desires, which finally ends up in spreading HIV," said the Hollywood actor, who has been working with the campaign for the last nine years.
"This event aims at fostering partnership among diverse groups, and strengthening the commitment in the fight against AIDS."
As a result of the truck drivers' behaviour, UN agencies warn that Inida will become the centre of an AIDS pandemic within the next decade, with more than 10 million people infected.
"Write about this in papers that are read by people on the highways," said Shetty.
Some Indian officials branded the display of affection between Shetty and Gere as "obscene", which probably missed the point of the AIDS function.
