Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 23, 2016)

Hollywood star Daniel Craig might just be in India next month. Best known for his iconic portrayal of James Bond, the 48-year-old British actor will be the star attraction at a charity football match between Bollywood celebrities and politicians in New Delhi on June 11.

Sources attribute the Craig connection to Italian activist-diplomat Angelo Antonio Toriello, whose organisation, Humanicy, is spearheading the big ticket event along with its office-bearers in India. The programme aims to highlight the role of culture and humanities in shaping diplomacy. Humanicy is a term coined by Toriello to ensure happiness to everyone besides creating AIDS awareness and providing medical facilities and treatment free of cost. Toriello, the ambassador at large for São Tomé and Príncipe, is also Special Envoy to the Permanent Mission of São Tomé and Príncipe to the United Nations.

Craig recently joined hands with Toriello to recognise the importance of humanitarian causes. The star was named by the UN as global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards during the International Happiness Day celebrations at the UN in March this year. Toriello was in Mumbai recently to oversee the arrangements with his Indian team for the fundraiser. He says, “Considering Daniel Craig’s contribution to the social cause, he is keem to lend support to our initiatives. We have already approached him and sounded him about the gala. He has evinced a desire to visit India. We are giving him an occasion to lend support to our causes. We are hopeful that he will be able to be there for the gala.”

Bollywood celebs who are slated to be part of the event include Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Dino Morea, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kartik Aaryan and Bunty Walia. The politicos’ team is led by Babul Supriyo and Manoj Tiwari besides MPs from different parts of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon will be the chief guests at the football match which will also be attended by political bigwigs of the country.