~*Sushant's Bollywood Journey *~#17 - Page 88

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From Aamir Khan and Anupam Kher to Shaan, several film and music personalities joined hands for a special concert to raise awareness and funds for the flood victims of Kashmir and Assam.

Titled 'Hum Hain.. Umeed-e-Kashmir', the event, held last evening, was an initiative of the entertainmentindustry led by the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), the Film and Television Producers Guild and Zee. Voicing concern over lack of a proper disaster management system in India, Bollywood star Aamir Khan said it is time that the government takes steps to prepare itself to deal with such situations.

"I don't have any complaints with our government. I think they are doing their best in terms of relief effort. But we are very ill-equipped with disaster management. We need to be prepared and for that the Center and state has to work hand-in-hand," said Aamir.

The 49-year-old actor, who made a donation of Rs 25 lakhs, said, "I feel that we should all do our bit to help the victims. Tourism has been gravely affected by the floods. So, besides making monetary contributions, we can also help the economy by visiting the two states as both are famous tourist destinations."

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is a Kashmiri, made an emotional appeal to people gathered for the concert at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, to make generous contributions so that normalcy in the Valley is restored as soon as possible. "I am shattered seeing the situation in Kashmir. So many lives were lost, so many properties destroyed. So, as a citizen of this country it is my duty to appeal to people to help the victims," said the 59-year-old actor, before giving a message in Kashmiri.

Donning a traditional Kashmiri phiran, Kher said the dress was a symbol of the Hindus and Muslims of the state as they both wear the same clothing.

Director-singer-actor Farhan Akhtar took to the stage for a special performance with a band. The 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' star opened his act by reciting a poem- 'Jab jab dard ka baadal chaya'- penned by his father lyricist Javed Akhtar, followed by singing unplugged version of 'Dil Chahta Hain' and 'Rock On'.

"I have decided that rather than blaming the system or the government, I will come here and do my bit for flood victims in Kashmir, and that's what you should do too," Farhan said.

Actor Vivek Oberoi, who has previously helped re-build a village in South India which was hit severely by the Tsunami, was also part of the event. The 'Saathiya' actor pledged to rebuild a school for special children in Kashmir, which was completely destroyed by the floods. "My team is already there assessing the situation. We need as much help as possible because as winter sets in relief work becomes difficult. I hope that this concert brings awareness and adequate funds," Vivek said.

Singer Daler Mehendi enthralled the audience with his power-packed performance on hit tracks 'Tunak Tunak' and 'Namo Nama'. Happy to be attached to the fundraiser, the singer said, "I am very saddened by the situation of two very beautiful states of our country -Kashmir and Assam. I am very fortunate to be a part of this cause."

The benefit concert also saw performances by singer Shaan, who entertained the audience with songs like 'Behti Hawa Sa That Wo', 'Give Me Some Sunshine' and 'Kitni Khoobsurat Ye Kashmir Hain' along with composer Shantanu Moitra. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari brought the essence of Kashmir on stage as she performed on a Kashmiri folk song and popular number 'Bhumbro Bhumbro'. Parineeti Chopra, Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishan, singer Javed Ali, also put up performances, besides urging people to donate to key NGOs and specified Disaster Relief Funds in support of the flood relief projects.

The event was also attended by Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's sister Sara Pilot, actress Neha Dhupia, among others. Similar concerts took place simultaneously in other cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur and Kolkata, featuring their respective film and entertainment industries.

The money generated through sale of tickets, donations and sponsorships, will fund relief work spearheaded by United Way India, said Jayanti Shukla, Executive Director of the social organisation.

A total of 35 Zee channels will simultaneously cast this initiative on October 26.