MUMBAI: Shri Kapil Sibal launched song campaign Betiyaan- Save The Girl Child on 5 June at Hotel Novotel, Juhu.

At the launch were Mrs Kapil Sibal, singers Bandana Sharma & Sunidhi Chauhan, Ratnakar Kumar-Worldwide Records, director Raajeev Walia, producer Suraj Kumar, music director Nikhil Kamath, Yogesh Lakhani – Bright Outdoor Media Pvt Ltd, Rajesh Lakhani, chairman Exotic Group of Companies. A plan for an extension campaign was announced at the launch for which Kapil Sibal will pen the lyrics and Raajeev Walia will direct the video again with support of Sunanda Shetty.

Presented by Ratnakar Kumar, MD - Worldwide Records & produced by Suraj Kumar of Johnsons - Suraj Films International, the Betiyaan video sees a galaxy of stars descend… The video features Ajay Devgan, John Abraham, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Hema Malini, Shilpa Shetty, Sonakshi Sinha, Raveena Tandon, Sushmita Sen, Shamita Shetty, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Sonu Nigam, Shankar Ehshaan Loy, Bandana Sharma , Sunidhi Chauhan, & Alisha Budhrani among others, and is supported by Zee TV, Sunanda Shetty and the National Rural Health Mission.

“If we save the girl child, we save our tomorrow. Hence, the concept of Betiyaan,” elaborate producer Suraj Kumar and director Raajeev Walia. “On just the thought, I was charged. We all need to take a step forward in this direction,” says composer Nikhil Kamath. “When I heard the song, at that instant, I wanted to be a part of this movement,” says Shri Kapil Sibal. “Music transcends barriers and borders. If a song can make the difference, we wanted to be part of it and take it forward. I want to leave no stone unturned to give this campaign the reach it deserves,” says Ratnakar Kumar. “The spark was ignited by Suraj Kumar. I am grateful that Sunanda Shetty ji brought us all together in this noble cause. And Bandana Sharma did not just lend her voice; she also contributed royalty of all her past films to make this movement a success. I am also grateful for the support and association of Big FM, Yogesh Lakhani – Bright Outdoor Media Pvt Ltd & Box Office India. I can cite many such examples.  I am touched.” 

Betiyaan is also supported by Zee TV.  ZEE has been the pioneer of the broadcasting business in India with a lineage of 20 years. The channel has always been aware of its role as a medium of influencing public perception and driving social change. ZEE has made it a point to address relevant social issues through their programming content from time to time. Be it raising a voice against domestic violence through Ghar Ki Lakshmi-Betiyaan, presenting the harsh reality of girl child-trafficking through Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo or challenging the gender bias around the issue of remarriage in Punarvivaah, Zee TV has been a front-runner when it comes to socially relevant programming. Also on International Women’s Day, Zee TV announced the launch of 'Project Protsahan', a drive towards empowerment of women and felicitated four extraordinary women who have made a significant contribution across different walks of life.

“I wish the event all the very best and hope this noble initiative will change the society's perception towards the girl child for better” says Rajesh Lakhani, chairman Exotic Group of Companies.

Yours to listen to the sound of Betiyaan and lend it your hand. For it is in such gestures that we take large steps towards a better tomorrow.