Aishwarya Rai to visit Pakistan

The dazzling ex-Miss World and the beauty-Queen of Bollywood, Aishwarya Rai will visit Pakistan by the end of this month [November] as a goodwill ambassador to raise funds for the recently launched campaign against breast cancer.

Ms Rai has postponed her visit to Pakistan until the end of this year. She likely to pay a visit to Pakistan in the third half of the month which concludes the current calendar year.

The campaign known as 'Pink Ribbon' (to create awareness about breast cancer) has been launched by an NGO, the women empowerment group, last month.

Rai shall be visiting at the invitation of the group, Omar Aftab, a representative of the 'Pink Ribbon' says.

Aish's Concern

He said; Aishwarya Rai had shown deep concern over the increasing number of breast cancer patients in Pakistan and lack of awareness about the disease.

With this view, she has agreed to do 'whatever she can to help supplement the efforts, being enunciated by the non-governmental body'.

While in Pakistan, the lovely Aish is likely to a meeting with her fellows at Lollywood, who are planning a grand reception for her in the historic city of Lahore. A complete schedule for her visit is being worked out by 'Pink Ribbon', the hosts.

'Pakistan Times' understands that the former Miss World would stay in Pakistan for two days. During her visit, she would attend a dinner in Islamabad for fund raising.

Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, is also expected to visit Pakistan in March for the awareness campaign.

The Pink Ribbon

Pink Ribbon is an international symbol for support for breast cancer awareness for more than 10 years. Every year in October, citizens are urged to wear pink ribbons in honour of the women fighting against breast cancer.

As a study of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2003 indicates Pakistan has large number of breast cancer patients among Asian population.

More than 35,000 women with breast cancer reportedly approached the Imran Khan's Shaukat Khanam Cancer Hospital in 2004.

Aishwarya turns 31 (Nov. 2)

Cine actress and beauty queen Aishwarya Rai turned 31 on Monday. Rai, who began her career as a model, sashaying down the ramp in designer outfits, hit headlines when she bagged the Miss World title in 1994. After her stint in the world of beauty, Rai made a foray into the world of films.

Her repertoire of films include, `Aa Ab Laut Chale'', `Jeans'', `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' and the musical film, `Taal''. It was her role in the Sanjay-Leela-Bhansali film, `Devdaas'', that won Rai plenty of accolades. The film also went on to be selected as India's entry to the Oscars. Recently, the actress caught global attention when she starred in the international production `Bride and Prejudice'' based on a famous Jane Austen novel.

Rai also has the rare distinction of having her wax model featured in the famous Madam Tussaud's museum. The actress has also participated in several campaigns promoting a social cause. The doe-eyed actress urged people to donate their eyes after death, and evoked a positive response. She also has contributed her mite to campaigns relating to polio and breast cancer.●