The most natural thing to do when you’re riding a success wave, is to bask in the limelight and forget the rest of the world.
But some actors believe in giving back to the community.
For instance, Imran Khan is getting a special enclosure for stray dogs and cats, in his home. Sallu bhai has also been making headlines for Being Human Foundation — the NGO that he has founded.
Sandalwood too has its share of do-gooders. Ramesh Arvind is the brand ambassador for Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness, and Pooja Gandhi has helped alleviate the living conditions of commercial sex workers, to name a few.
“I have founded the Gandhi Charitable Trust that ties up with NGOs and companies that train women (who worked as commercial sex workers earlier) in various areas such as industrial tailoring, BPO and security. We provide them with employment so that they have other means of filling their stomach and can be independent. My project gives them a second lease of life,” says actress Pooja Gandhi who has also worked with HIV patients.
And how does she manage to devote time to this in the midst of film projects? “Where there is a will, there is a way,” she says.
“It’s wonderful that this trend exists in the film fraternity,” says actress Meghana who was actively involved in collecting funds for the floods in Karnataka.
“A few of us walked the streets of Bengaluru, urging shopkeepers to donate. People make an extra effort towards charity when a star requests them to do so. It is our responsibility, as actors, to use our success for a noble cause,” says Meghana who never hesitates to make a special appearance at charitable educational institutions or play a judge at their competitions.
Die-hard fans mimic each one of their favourite actors’ moves. Why not inspire them to make a difference to society? “A charitable action by an actor is glorified, which in turn motivates their fans to follow in their footsteps,” says actor Vijay Raghavendra, who on every birthday, makes it a point to visit a blind school in the city, and light up the lives of the students.
“I carry clothes for the kids and sponsor their meals. I feel like it’s my duty to bring a smile to the faces of the less fortunate, on my day of celebration,” he adds.
Munira Sen, director, Common Purpose Bangalore, who has been actively involved in social development, is all for this trend.
“It is surely a step in the right direction. The actors are leveraging their leadership and fame for a greater cause. It will be wonderful if they can deepen their commitment and sustain these activities on a long-term basis, like how Princess Di was associated with the issue of landmines, and walked the talk,” she says.
