It has been four years since Lauren Gottlieb settled in India, and the dancer-actress says she always wanted to give back to the country that helped her carve an identity of her own. This year on her birthday, she took the first step towards it by launching Leap for Hunger - an initiative that helps to pursue her passion for dancing and do her bit for the underprivileged. “I've got a lot from India - friends, fame and a good living. And it has always been on my mind to do something in return. Food is the most basic need of humans, and by feeding them a meal, we are not only satiating their hunger, but also sharing our love and spreading joy,“ she begins.

So, how did the idea originate? Lauren says, “A month ago, when I was thinking what I should do for my birthday, I realised I didn't want to host a bash or celebrate it by cutting a cake. I wanted to contribute to the society and that's when the name, concept and execution plan fell in place. I'm passionate about teaching dance, but I've never done it in India. So, I decided to conduct a free dance class for those who are equally passionate about it.“ “And while nurturing their creativity, I thought it would be a nice gesture to treat the underprivileged kids to some good food too,“ she adds.

The artiste admits that get ting volunteers was like a social experiment for her. She explains, “I spread the word on social media by posting a video, inviting people to learn dance, and at the same time, volunteer for the cause. I didn't know if people would sign up, but 1,500 people registered with us and the first 400 got a chance to participate. We held the first event on June 8. While I taught the participants some interesting steps, my team of people put together boxes comprising food items like water, juice, burger, fruits, crackers, cookies and chocolates. At the end of the event, we had about 1,000 boxes, which we distributed at NGOs, orphanages and the church. As part of this initiative, I also went to the slums off the Sea Link, where I had spent three months of my life shooting for ABCD: Any Body Can Dance. It was one of the happiest moments of my life that I will cherish forever.“

Lauren's friends from the industry also lent their support to her endeavour. “Ileana D'Cruz is a dear friend; she came early and was involved in the whole event. She even bought cookies and helped us in putting everything together. Vishal Dadlani, Shalmali Kholgade and Ankit Tiwari joined us and even performed impromptu. Mouni Roy and Sooraj Pancholi also lent their support,“ she smiles. One of the biggest compliments came from her mother, who burst into tears after she heard about the initiative. The performer recalls, “I've supported many causes back home, but have never started one. So, my mum was very moved and happy for me. The smile on people's faces after we distributed the food boxes was the best birthday gift I could ever receive.“

She is now working towards taking this scheme across the globe. “We've got invitations from people from Chennai, Delhi and even Dubai to host a Leap for Hunger session there. I know we will not be able to solve the hunger problem in the world with this, but by doing our bit, I hope we can bring about a change,“ she signs off.