‘2 States’ Star Alia Bhatt Is An ‘Angel’ For Homeless Cats, Dogs In New PETA India Ad

For Immediate Release:

30 April 2014

Contact:

Ben Williamson +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 229; [email protected]

 Youth Icon Asks Her Legions of Fans to Adopt, Not Buy

London – In her latest release, 2 States, Alia Bhatt talked a lot about love, and now the young actor is continuing to express her feelings by starring in the role of an angel in her brand-new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India in order to promote the adoption of homeless dogs and cats. In the ad, which is available here, she wears a tiara and angel wings and holds a lovable cat named Tyson, who was rescued by Mumbai-based Welfare of Stray Dogs. The caption reads, “Be an Angel for Animals: Always Adopt, Never Buy” – a reference to breeders and pet shops, both of which add to the homeless-animal crisis. The stunning ad was shot by ace photographer Pavitr Saith. Susan Emmanuel was in charge of hair, and Raju Jadhav did Bhatt’s make-up. The beautiful wings were made by Mallika Chauhan, and Bhatt’s outfit was styled by Chandni Bahri.

In an exclusive PETA India interview, Bhatt talks about the need to help the many homeless cats and dogs who languish on the streets. “Whenever we see a cat who needs help”, she says about her and her sister, “we would always pick them up and give them a home.” She continues, “Even if you can’t take them home, at least let somebody know, because the fewer animals on the streets, the better it is .… Instead of going to a pet shop, adopt and go to animal shelters”.

The broadcast-quality version of the video can be downloaded here, and the video can be previewed here.

Across India, stray dogs and cats struggle to survive on the streets. Many of them starve to death or are injured, hit by vehicles or abused. Countless others are left to languish in animal shelters because there aren’t enough good homes for them. PETA India and Bhatt want people to know that they can bring joy into the life of a homeless dog or cat – and into their own lives – by adopting a lovable and loving homeless animal if they have the time, space and resources to provide a lifetime of affection and care. And in order to take a bite out of the homeless-animal crisis, PETA India and PETA UK encourage people to have their animal companions sterilised.

Bhatt, who rose to fame with the hit film Student of the Year, recently won more hearts with her roles in Highway and 2 States. She will soon be seen in Dharma Productions’ film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.

For more information about the homeless-animal crisis, please visit PETA.org.uk.

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