'Alvida' Farewell to AIDS through music of Salman Ahmed

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) UNAIDS global goodwill ambassador and renowned rock star Salman Ahmed's music video 'Alvida' which vows to wipe out AIDS from the sub-continent will be launched in Mumbai tomorrow.

The founding member of South Asia's leading rock band Junoon, Salman Ahmad is assisting UNAIDS in its efforts to halt and reverse the spread of HIV epidemic by mobilising opinion of youth through his music, a UNAIDS release said here today.

''The prestige, talent and presence that Salman Ahmad brings to the AIDS response will help the United Nations send a powerful message that will reach the hearts and minds of the people - particularly young people - throughout the world," said UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot from Geneva.

Dr. Denis Broun, UNAIDS Country Coordinator in India says "Indian music is about emotions. Salman Ahmad's music video Al-vida touches that emotional chord in conveying this important message about stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV." Salman Ahmad's special music video "Al-Vida" is being launched in Mumbai in the backdrop of the Asian Conference "Building a Social Agenda for HIV and AIDS" organised by Asia Society, Confederation of Indian Industries and Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Directed by Ms. Ruhi Hamid, an activist championing social and Human Rights issues, Al-vida depicts the struggle of a woman living with HIV, in the backdrop of challenges compounded by stigma and discrimination.

The lead singer of Pakistan based rock band 'Junoon' is supporting UNAIDS in its efforts to reverse the spread of HIV by raising awareness on key AIDS issues. As UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador he is dedicated to raising awareness on HIV and AIDS prevention and care with particular emphasis on women and girls' issues.

The song Al -Vida is a special offering from Salman Ahmad's brand new album "Infiniti". "Infiniti" has 13 splendid songs.

In the first single Ghoom Tana from this album, Salman shares the mike with the legendary classical singer Shubha Mudgal, with narration by Naseerudin Shah. The video also features actress Nandita Das. Infiniti is launched in India by Universal Music India, headed by Mr Rajat Kakar of Universal Music India and Al-vida is now being showcased on major TV networks and radio channels on the occasion.

One of Salman Ahmad's efforts to raise awareness about HIV takes him to the global music event 'LIVE 8' in July. His band Junoon performs alongside the world's top artists including U2, Sir Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Sting, Madonna and Coldplay in the 'LIVE 8 call for justice for Africa and the world's poor' ahead of the G8 summit.

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