In one episode of Haath se Haath Mila, actress Shilpa Shetty travelled to Padubelle village in South India to meet Yuva Star, Shanti Noronha.
A 31-year-old mother of 2 sons, Shanti discovered that she was HIV positive 5 years ago.
Her life changed dramatically when the village school principal found out she was HIV positive and asked to see her children's blood report.
Shanti chose not to submit the report, marking the beginning of a long struggle against discrimination and prejudice.
She formed a district level network of positive people, which she runs with personal funds, loans and donations from relatives and network members.
She works to create awareness of HIV and AIDS among school teachers, students and migrant workers in her community.
Shilpa Shetty joins hands with Shanti
Shilpa Shetty and Shanti joined hands on Haath se Haath Mila to bring a new level of HIV awareness to the people of Padubelle village.
Shanti accepted Shilpa's challenge to organise a screening of her HIV-related film, Phir Milenge, for the people of her district.
While the audience is engrossed watching the film, Shilpa arrives. She visits Shanti's home, shares a meal with her, and talks about the infinite courage it takes for Shanti to live her life the way she does.
Together, the two of them organise a large-scale inter-college dance competition for the district, in which the contestants must also correctly answer HIV related questions.
Cheered on by over 2000 students, the lucky winners of the contest were awarded their prizes by Shilpa.
