Salman extends helping hand to kid with leukaemia

Mumbai, March 6 (IANS) Though many see him as rude and rambunctious, Bollywood star Salman Khan has once again revealed the compassionate side of his personality without making a song and dance about it.

On the sets of a music reality show, 'Chhote Ustad' last week, the star donated Rs.500,000 to a little girl after he learnt that she was a cancer patient.

Four-year-old Sahara Shaha was among the four children the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, had sent to the sets to be a part of the show's audience.

'He is my favourite actor. Meeting him is like a dream come true. I love you, Salman uncle,' said little Sahara as the actor picked her up in his hands for a few minutes.

Salman also danced with the other cancer-afflicted kids, the contestants, the audience and the crew driving the gathering hysterical.

Salman, who was the celebrity guest for the episode being shot, also regaled the participants and the audience when he danced with them, removing his shirt and baring his muscled body - his trademark act.

Sahara's mother later said her husband abandoned her four years ago after the child was diagnosed with leukaemia. The family lives in a slum colony in Kanjurmarg in northeast Mumbai, barely making ends meet.

Now, with Salman's help Sahara can get proper treatment, said the mother with tears in her eyes.

This episode of the show will be telecast on StarPlus Saturday at 10 p.m., a spokesperson for the channel said Thursday.