Arrest warrants against Hollywood star Richard Gere and Shilpa Shetty have been issued by a Jaipur court for kissing in a public function. Many Indians filed PIL or a Public Interest Litigation (in Indian law, means lawsuit for the protection of public interest) against these famous stars claiming that their behaviour is unacceptable and inappropriate. The nation has seen strong protests in several cities after the scene of Gere hugging and kissing Shetty's cheek was broadcasted through various television channels, leading newspapers and other mass media.

Many activist groups—mostly Hindu outfits—burnt portraits of the kissing couples, demanded that Gere leave the country and that both actors apologize for their indecent behavior in public. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was on the podium with Hollywood Actor Richard Gere promoting safe sex to avoid AIDS.  However, the campaign seemed to have received very negative feedback as people are claiming that the Anti-AIDS programme was rather promoting sex liberalization among youth.

The Anti-AIDs programme called ‘Seena Taan Ke’ was organized in Delhi on Sunday to encourage safe sex among truck drivers, who have higher risks of contracting HIV.  Richard Gere shouted “No Condom, No Sex” to the hundreds of gathered truckers who repeated Gere’s words excitedly.  Shilpa Shetty, was also present and urged the truckers to have safe sex.

One of the misconceptions is that AIDS can be spread by kissing.  To clear this, Richard Gere took the initiative and kissed Shilpa’s hand but did not stop at that. He then gave a peck on Shilpa’s cheek.  And after that, he took the actress in his arms, bent over her and gave her a proper Hollywood-style kiss.

Shilpa did not protest but simply she said: 'yeh thoda zyada ho gaya'.
 
At the end of the day, some of the truckers cheered the two actors, others appeared offended by the ‘indecent behaviour’  and a few filed lawsuits against the philanthropic stars.

Richard Gere is internationally known both as a leading film actor and an involved, dedicated social activist and philanthropist. For more than 25 years, he has used his success and resources to bring attention to a number of important global issues.

Since 1975, Mr. Gere has starred in over 40 movies. His best known films include An Officer and a Gentleman, Days of Heaven, American Gigolo, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Pretty Woman, Primal Fear and Unfaithful.

As a social activist, he established the Delhi-based Gere Foundation India Trust in 1999 to support various humanitarian programs in India. The Trust recently collaborated with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to increase the AIDS awareness among masses.

Content navigation