How did you get to be so actively involved with the Blue Cross?

Animals have always been an important part of my environment. I won't even ignore a lizard. Every step of life has been an inspiration. I myself didn't have an easy childhood, but all the same, my mother would never say `no' when I brought strays into the home. I remember her stopping overloaded bullock carts and remonstrating with the drivers... Even now, I request the Municipality to catch thestray dogs and hand them over to us. We will be responsible for the anti-rabies and sterilisation.

Once that is done, why do you want to needlessly kill them?

I guess it's the fear...

Fear comes through ignorance. What can happen? Dogs can only give rabies. Most pharmaceutical companies want you to think there's no cure. Yes, to an extent that's true. But to prey on that fear is exploitation. Just wash your wound with ordinary soap and water and go to a doctor. I myself have been bitten so many times.

How far do you agree with Maneka Gandhi's modus operandi?

She is very effective. She's the only one who has done anything. Nobody who has interacted with her will say she's doing it purely for attention. But no matter how much you do it at the grassroots level, you must have support from the system.

How much support are you receiving from Hyderabad?

We need to do a lot more regarding awareness. In fact, in 1999, our main focus will be on this. Of course, in the beginning andsometimes now, too, we are looked upon with scepticism. However, the response thus far has been tremendous. We have spent two days with the traffic police on an awareness programme, showing slides on cruelty, and so on.

Are we talking financial support here?

That, too. Blue Cross is on a shoestring budget. There have been months with a zero bank account, and then I sign for the cheques from my own funds. But we have now built a full-fledged animal welfare centre, with attending vets, and two ambulances. The entire project has cost Rs 18 lakh, including building even the road, a surgery, etc. All of it has come from donations. The government has leased us the land, and we hope to shift by January-end. We are nowhere near completion, but the end is in sight. And of course, my biggest strength, my husband, is always there. He is very supportive--morally and financially.

Are you aware that most people give you the time of day purely because you are a celebrity?

Yes, I am aware of it. Thecelebrity status works. And I don't hesitate to use it.

How do you deal with the oft repeated accusation that, with so much human suffering around, you are trying to garner support for animals?

There is a saying of Gandhiji's: `Human suffering is directly proportionate to animal suffering.' This is not about forgetting human beings and helping animals. That's ignorance. The simplest rule is to prevent cruelty, ensure that they don't suffer cruelty at our hands. You can't care for society when there's no compassion. Whenever this argument comes up, I'm aware that it's coming from an ignorant source. You have to have a lot of time and patience (with this).