In February 2006 Shetty lent support to a BBC World Service Trust television show designed to tackle the problem of HIV-AIDS in India. The project, which also involved other celebrities Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, and Raveena Tandon in separate episodes, featured Shetty as she shadowed a young achiever whose work involved raising awareness about the condition. According to reports, she participated in order to show solidarity with HIV-AIDS sufferers.

The issue is particularly close to Shetty's heart as she had portrayed an HIV-positive sufferer in her 2004 movie Phir Milenge. Speaking about the movie and HIV in general, Shetty said:

“     Why not a film on HIV positive patients? It is a social stigma in our society. We made this film to highlight this problem ... This film will bring about a social awareness about AIDS in our country. It is high time we talked about this in our society.

Shilpa Shetty supports HIV and AIDS initiative in India:

Shilpa Shetty has lent her support to 'Haath Se Haath Milaa', a BBC World Service Trust's programme designed to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS in India.

First broadcast in India in February 2006, 'Haath Se Haath Milaa' (HSHM) has gained wide popularity among its young target audiences and is watched by millions of viewers.

   
 I have participated to show my solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS. I will do anything for them to feel wanted and special.

'The whole idea about 'Haath Se Haath Milaa' is to touch people's lives. This inspiring programme will help younger men and women become more aware of HIV and AIDS and will tackle the tremendous issues of stigma and discrimination', says Anu Malhotra, creative head of the series.

The format of the program 'Haath Se Haath Milaa':

In each story, 'Haath Se Haath Milaa' brings together a top film star and a 'Yuva Star' (a young achiever), whose work revolves around raising HIV and Aids awareness.

HIV messaging in the show relates to the story of the Yuva Star. This increases its impact and makes it more effective.

Malhotra adds: 'We want to create inspirational role models for the youth of this country by applauding the Yuva Star's commitment towards this social cause.'

In every episode, the two 'Haath Se Haath Milaa' anchors present a 'face-off' between the 'Yuva Star' and the film star – and they get to meet, share stories and experiences and set each other challenges.

The viewer is informed, entertained and inspired by this interaction, which includes interviews, challenges, HIV and AIDS related activities, film clips and songs, all of which are woven into a strong story-telling narrative.

'Haath Se Haath Milaa' is produced by the BBC World Service Trust in partnership with the National AIDS Control Organisation and Doordarshan.

Its award-winning music video features over 50 Indian film and TV stars and was sung by two of the Indian industry’s finest singers: Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal.

The lyrics for the track were written by multiple award-winning lyricist Javed Akhtar, while the music was composed by leading music directors Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

The project has also involved celebrities such as Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza and Raveena Tandon in separate episodes.