Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 12, 2020)

“Neki kar dariya mein daal,” reminds actor Richa Chadha when you ask her about celebs who do good and move on or those who talk about the good they do via social media, thereby inspiring others to aid the needy. Just last month, in an Instagram post motivating people to help at least one person during the Coronavirus crisis, Chadha, 33, had reached out to her followers, asking if anyone could suggest a wholesale ration dealer. This led her to a person who helped her secure 600 kg of rations — including wheat flour, pulses and rice — which she recently donated to a local gurdwara where 250 kg of each of these items are being used daily.

She says, “You will never see me publicize the amount I donate. But, in this case, since the donation was in kind and because I had put up the first picture of the donation and asked for help, I though it was fair for me to talk about how Instagram helped me.” She adds, “If it (my post) inspires somebody else to do something kind, then why not? [But] Discussing how much people have donated, and how they ought to donate in crores or lakhs... I find that kind of talk a little obnoxious, and I think it puts people off.” Chadha also shares that she wants to contribute at least this quantity of rations once a week.

It’s worth noting that while celebs are often accused of armchair activism via social media, Chadha’s post set an example of how, if used well, social media presence can do good for others. She says in her no-holds-barred style, “There are a lot of armchair critics in this country. From those watching cricket matches at home and saying ‘Arre usko do run aur bhaagne chahiye thhe’ to people giving political gyaan... I don’t let negative energy into my life. If anyone is like that, they’re either blocked or they’re very dispensable in my life.”