DNA (August 29, 2018)

The Indian cinema icon is in a benevolent mood. Last week, we had read reports of Amitabh Bachchan donating Rs 51 lakh and his personal belongings to those affected by the devastating floods in Kerala. Now, he is supporting several farmers of Maharashtra and also families of martyred soldiers. He has paid off the outstanding dues of 200 farmers, totalling to Rs 1.25 cr and also donated Rs 1 cr to the families of 44 martyred soldiers.

Says a source, “The news of farmers committing suicide due to their inability to repay loans had distressed Mr Bachchan. At the same time, he was also disturbed to read about families breaking down after their dear ones in the armed forces had lost their lives fighting for the nation. To do his bit for them, he had sought a list of peasants, who still had outstanding dues towards their loans from a nationalised bank. The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s office shared the list of 44 families of the jawans who sacrificed their lives for the country.”

When asked about it at the press conference of his upcoming quiz show, Bachchan said, “It was depressing to hear that farmers who owe Rs 15,000 or Rs 20,000 to the bank are committing suicide as they are unable to pay that amount. I have paid such loans earlier and recently, I have identified 200 such farmers whose loans have to be paid off and the amount is to the tune of Rs 1.25 crore.” As for helping the kin of soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for the country, the legend, who is donating Rs 1 crore for them, said, “I feel strongly for the soldiers at the frontiers. Two days ago, I got a list of such bravehearts from the Government. I have identified 44 families and will start the process soon.”