Celebs contribute towards Kerala relief fund

Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Jacqueline Fernandez have contributed towards relief work in flood-ravaged Kerala. They have also urged others to donate. “The devastation caused by incessant rain in Kerala is frightening. Hundreds and thousands of our sisters and brothers are in deep anguish! We must do all we can to contribute as much as we can towards the needs of the people of Kerala. I have. You must too,” Amitabh tweeted.

The death toll due to rains and floods in Kerala increased to 370. Shah Rukh’s Meer Foundation has donated Rs 21 lakh to a relief group working amongst flood victims. Jacqueline committed to donate Rs 5 lakh to NGO Habitat for Humanity India’s Kerala Flood Relief Programme.

She said in a statement: “I am deeply pained to see the devastation caused by the floods in Kerala. My heart goes out to the people in need and in order to help them, I have decided to donate. I appeal to all my friends, fans and peers from the film industry to come and support flood relief work for the people of Kerala.” 

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has already handed over his and actor Akshay Kumar’s cheque to Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. “Let’s together restore Kerala back to its glory again. No politics, no religion; only humanity. Let’s stand together to save Kerala,” he tweeted.

Actress Chitrangda Singh has also urged people to “join hands and hearts” and “help our countrymen. Stand for Kerala”.

Oscar winner Resul Pookutty has thanked all the celebrities, including Vidya Balan, Sonam Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who have contributed to the cause. — IANS