The Hindu : New Delhi News : Bollywood plans a better India for children

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 24, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Bollywood plans a better India for children

Madhur Tankha

Photo: Anu Pushkarna

Shining stars: Film stars Anil Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna with children in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: To bring a smile on the faces of children living in difficult circumstances, Bollywood stars Anil Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna on Monday visited a project of ‘Plan India’, non-government organisation working for the upliftment of underprivileged children, at Badarpur here. Relating his visit to his awaited film, Anil said: “My upcoming film ‘Gandhi My Father’ depicts relationships, and one such way to nurture a true relationship with children, especially those who need tremendous care and support, is to understand them and their needs. My association with Plan India has given me a platform to do something meaningful for the betterment of millions of children across the country.”

Art for society’s sake

While Anil and Akshaye, who played the rebellious sons of Bapu in ‘Gandhi My Father’, brought cheers to the lives of children by interacting with them, noted painter Satish Gujral has used his artistic skills to do his bit for the little ones. Giving his own interpretation of the film, Gujral has created a colourful painting. A labour of love, the painting depicts the conflict between the Father of the Nation and his son. Anil, Akshaye and Satish Gujral unveiled the painting at the press conference.

The proceeds from the sale of this work of art will be used to support a project that will build schools for earthquake affected children living in Jammu and Kashmir.

Anil said that after watching his movie a couple of days ago, Mr. Gujral was so moved by the theme and the treatment given to the subject that he created a wonderful piece of art. “We want to build so much hysteria around the painting that it fetches the maximum amount that can benefit the special children. We will also be generating funds for organisations in South Africa and Belgium during a special screening of my film there,” added Anil.

Moving experience

Stating that he was deeply touched to see the work being undertaken by the NGO, Akshaye said the visit was a very humbling experience for him. “The visit made me realise what all you can do to lend support to these children. I get only a few occasions to visit such places. Coming to Gujral Sahib, he has come out with this spectacular piece of art. The colours and texture of the painting are in sync with the theme of our film.”

Describing the painting as a rare honour for those associated with the historic film, Akshaye said: “We will always be grateful to Gujral Sahib for supporting the cause of children.”

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