Bollywood: Out to help Tsunami victims

Bollywood idols, celebrities and showman’s are getting ready to help people hit by Tsunami waves.

According to a report, director Subhash Ghai plans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to discuss the ways in which the Hindi film industry can do its bit to help the victims of the tidal tragedy.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, moved immensely by the human tragedy unfolding in the aftermath of Sunday’s tsunami, says he would love to do whatever he can to help.

“Whatever is expected from me, whatever the government wants me to do, I’m ready to do, no question about that,” says Amitabh.

Expressing grief and concern over the destruction and death, Amitabh, says, “It’s so painful and such a tragedy…. To see the visuals of loss and grief every day on television is extremely painful.”

“The only foolproof way is to personally go to the affected areas and start distributing food and clothes. That isn’t possible.

“So, yes, we can put in money. But I repeat we need a monitoring agency. One solution is to have a corporate head designated to monitor movement of all relief. Thereafter the industry would feel more secure about where our efforts are going.”

Sanjay Dutt is initiating the biggest ever concert by the Indian film Industry in Mumbai to raise funds for the Tsunami victims of India. The entire film fraternity will be supporting this cause. The event managed by GS Entertainment Pvt. Ltd will be held in the month of January 2005 in Mumbai city.

Actor Vivek Oberoi will visit Tamil Nadu and participate in relief work. Director Subhash Ghai will meet Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh to discuss the ways in which the film industry can offer help. He also plans to raise money through charity shows of his film Kisna. Actress Poonam Dhillon is collecting basic necessities and funds from Mumbai people at her Bandra shop and is sending the consignments to Sri Lanka.

Others who have shown interest in contributing to Dhillon’s campaign include Jaya Bachchan, Suniel Shetty and Salman Khan.