While Chennai-based actor Siddharth and Telugu star Rana Daggubati have been busy with rehabilitation work in the flood-hit Tamil Nadu capital, other stars have come forward with financial aid. After Tamil veteran Rajinikanth, who donated Rs 10 crore towards the state Chief Ministers Relief Fund (Mirror, December 9), Akshay Kumar has joined the list of Chennai's celebrity benefactors.

Akki reportedly asked director Priyadarshan to guide him on how to make the donation. “He contacted me a few days ago and I told him that I'm supplying water to the flood affected. He offered Rs 1 crore towards the relief work. Since it was a large sum, I advised him to donate it to the Bhoomika Trust, a charity run by Mani Ratnam's wife Suhasini who has been actively involved in the relief work. Akshay categorically stated that he didn't want any publicity but we wanted people to be inspired by him and so made this news public,“ said the Hera Pheri director. The cheque was accepted by filmmaker Jayendra, the managing trustee of the NGO.

The actor had expressed his concern a few days ago, tweeted, “Heartbreaking to hear about the Chennai floods wreaking havoc...hoping tomorrow is a bright and sunny day. Prayers with all those affected.“