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A star-studded Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve in the Capital this year is going to be different with King Khan himself all set to come and perform in his own city along with Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Zayed Khan and Isha Deol.

Coming to the aid of the differently-abled to raise public awareness and funds for the National Access Campaign launched by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), fans can watch their stars perform at Indira Gandhi Stadium this coming Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Announcing the show in the Capital on Tuesday, NCPEDP executive director Javed Abidi said: ``The Temptations Concert is aimed at helping create a barrier-free India that respects the diversity of people with disabilities and ensures their full and equal participation in the task of nation-building. We want to include disability in all building by-laws of all States and Union Territories, make housing facilities barrier-free and make quality assistance devices available and affordable in the country through subsidies, incentives and insurance.''

Talking about his interaction with Shah Rukh Khan for the show, Mr. Abidi said: ``The Badshah of Bollywood displayed a deep appreciation for the rights of disabled people and the need for a barrier-free environment to make them equal participants in society.''

He added that Shah Rukh while speaking at a press conference in Mumbai noted that it was a privilege for actors from Bollywood to be part of the selfless work being done by NCPEDP for disabled people. ``Disabled people do not need sympathy as they are mostly very strong individuals; they are no different from non-disabled and should be treated with respect and dignity," said Shah Rukh. "I want disabled people to get ramps in buildings and on footpaths.''

Added Mr. Abidi: ``The actor also recognised the work we are doing in the area. We take so many things for granted and very small but important steps have to be taken to make the movement for disabled people easy by adding features like ramps on footpaths, in cinema halls, business houses and lifts.'' — Bindu Shajan Perappadan

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

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