The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : A memorable date with the stars

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Monday, Jan 05, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

A memorable date with the stars

Staff Reporter

‘Spreading smiles’ event organised for disadvantaged children by Marg Foundation

— PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

Young fans: Film actor Raja with children at an event organised by an NGO on Sunday.

HYDERABAD: Children will be children! Their naughtier instincts take over the minute they spot a play arena in their vicinity. Even before one realises it, they are scampering to try their hand at various fun games. Offer them free popcorn, sugar candy, juices and sweets and their joy knows no bounds.

The expansive Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy indoor stadium in Yousufguda came alive with this ‘kiddy’ fervour on Sunday.

Dressed in their colourful best, 1,000 orphans from places as far as Warangal thronged the stadium to participate in the ‘Spreading smiles’ event organised for disadvantaged children by Marg Foundation.

Annual affair

The celebrations are an annual affair to make orphans and underprivileged children feel special, said Nafeesa Ismail of Marg.

Children watched in amazement as a magician conjured up different tricks up his sleeve. The moment he caught them off guard, they let out gasps of delight acknowledging his artifice. Peals of laughter filled the indoor stadium as he teased two children from the crowd with his funny antics.

As film stars – Srihari, Raja, Tarun – trooped in, they were greeted with loud cheers. “They deserve better living and I congratulate Marg for coming up with this initiative,” said actor Raja while obliging some children with autographs.

Remarking how thrilled he was to see film stars in his real life, Mahesh, a 16-year-old from Assuntha Asha Nilayam in Hanmakonda said, “They are more handsome off screen”. For 12-year-old Sneha from Karunalayam, being ‘so close’ to film stars mattered a lot. The children walked away with goodies from Chandana Brothers after a sumptuous lunch.

The game arena was a big draw too. “I liked everything here but I really am enjoying these fun games,” said Ganesh of SR Model high school.

Most children were too busy to talk. With so many ‘things to be desired’ in front of their eyes, they wasted no time.

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