IANS (BOMBAY TIMES; August 20, 2018)

Celebrities from the Hindi film industry, which includes Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sonam K Ahuja and Jacqueline Fernandez have contributed towards relief work in flood-ravaged Kerala. They have also urged others to donate.

“The devastation caused by incessant rain in Kerala is frightening. Hundreds and thousands of our sisters and brothers are in deep anguish! We must do all we can to contribute as much as we can towards the needs of the people of Kerala. I have. You must too,” tweeted Bachchan.

The death toll due to rains and floods in Kerala increased to 370. Shah Rukh’s welfare organisation has donated Rs 21 lakhs to a relief group working amongst flood victims.

Jacqueline has committed to donate Rs 5 lakhs to Kerala flood relief programme of an NGO. She said in a statement, “I am deeply pained to see the devastation caused by the floods in Kerala. My heart goes out to the people in need and in order to help them, I have decided to donate. I appeal to all my friends, fans and peers from the film industry to come and support our flood relief work for the people of Kerala.” Filmmaker Priyadarshan has already handed over his and actor Akshay Kumar’s cheque to Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. “Let’s together build back Kerala back to its glory again. No politics, no religion only humanity. Let’s stand together to save Kerala,” he tweeted.

Actress Chitrangda Singh has also urged people to “join hands and hearts” and “help our countrymen. Stand for Kerala”.

Oscar-winning sound designer, Resul Pookutty has thanked Bollywood celebrities, including Sonam, Vidya Balan and Alia Bhatt who have contributed to the cause.