I admire Aamir Khan's work for society: Tom Hanks

Hollywood star Tom Hanks read about Bollywood actor Aamir Khan's work for the Indian society, and is mightily impressed. He says "giving back" (to the society) is tough.

Hanks, whose new film "Cloud Atlas" is releasing in Indian theatres Oct 26, read about Aamir in the Sep 10 issue of the prestigious Time magazine, in which he was positioned as India's "first superstar-activist".

"I really admire the work that Aamir Khan is doing (in India). Very few celebrities take the initiative of coming forward to change the society and he has done a remarkable job," Hanks said in a statement.

Aamir awakened several television viewers with his small screen debut, "Satyamev Jayate", a show through which he brought several social issues like female foeticide and dowry to the fore, backed by statistics. Hanks feels it is all a part of giving back to the people, who give artists so much love.

"It's the 'giving-back' that's tough. Aamir seems to understand the influencing power of being a celebrity and is using it to act as a catalyst for change in society, something that definitely deserves both appreciation and support from all quarters," said Hanks.

The "Forrest Gump" actor will feature with Halle Berry and Hugh Grant in "Cloud Atlas", co-directed by Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski and Tom Tykwer.