MUMBAI: Will highlight issue of open defecation centric on women, joins Amitabh Bachchan in PM Modi’s initiative. It takes a star with maximum reach and impact across India to be chosen as the face of a nationwide health and sanitation campaign
Anushka Sharma has been chosen to be the face of PM Modi’s initiative, the Swach Bharat Abhiyaan along with Bachchan for the same. She is the female ambassador of this massive country wide campaign, and has been picked for her popularity with youth across rural and urban India, particularly women.
The ministry has handpicked Anushka to sharpen and centre their communications towards Indian women, especially those who live in rural and semi rural India. A source adds, “ As per research done extensively by the government, men resist using and building toilets in rural and remote areas but women really want to use these. They are often unable to do so as the men don’t feel the need for it. Consequently, they end up defecating in open spaces like fields and farms which has many risks and dangers for women. Adverse effects of open defecation include spread of disease and safety of women and children. The safety of women is threaten because of going alone to the fields and other places solely because they are unable to use the toilets . Given that Anushka has wide appeal with young audiences and has played inspiring female characters onscreen, the government felt she would resonate with women, and was therefore chosen for the campaign.”
When Anushka heard about this aspect of open defecation, which goes beyond hygiene and health alone, she was appalled. The source explains, “When Anushka found out these details, she was shocked and decided right there and then that she must do this campaign. Centric towards achieving behavorial change in people, especially in motivating women who can take a step and drive men to use toilets, Anushka as a strong opinion influencer is the perfect fit to widen the message. The ministry felt that her influence will help with their outreach greatly and therefore, has chosen her as the face of this campaign. She has shot for two TVCs themed around an anthem like song for the campaign encouraging women to step up against open defecation and for construction of toilets with government initiative.. “
Having ruled the box office the previous year, and with a promising line up of quality films coming up in 2017, Anushka’s consistent performance and commitment to good cinema has made her a household favourite. That she will be endorsing Swachh Bharat campaign validates her huge popularity and she will focus on this campaign with gusto and absolute commitment. The two new TVCs will be worth watching out for.
