| Lucknow, January 9: IT is not difficult to come across beauty queens sashaying down ramps mouthing platitudes and espousing the cause of the underprivileged and the downtrodden. But to follow your own advice after the arclights have faded is another thing. Today, Newsline came across one lissome lass who is not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve and makes it a point to keep in touch with some special people in the city of Nawabs, never mind her busy itinerary. We're talking about MTV-veejay-turned-actress Sofiya, who brightened up the day for some very special street children from city NGO Ehsaas, using her short halt in the city to catch up with her little fans. It was in May last year that Sofiya was introduced to the children from Ehsaas during a fundraiser, for which she was playing host. The brief interaction was enough to earn them a special place in her heart. ''I was in the city for a corporate function and while the organisers had booked me by the morning flight, I decided to take half a day off and spend some time with these children to thank them for the lovely cards, diyas, candles and kurtas they sent for me on Diwali and wish them a Happy New Year,'' said Sofiya. Arriving not unlike a belated Santa Claus, Sophiya walked into the Ehsaas centre armed with a bag-full of goodies, not unlike a belated Santa Claus. She had brought an electronic keyboard set, two footballs, a Meccano set, board games, colouring books and building blocks for the children. They, on their part, welcomed Sofiya with cards, bouquets and a medley of songs. As one of the children, Suraj, sang Tum dil ki dhadkan mein, Sofiya herself joined in with a cheerful rendering of the latest hits like Kajra Re, Dus Bahane and Just Chill, much to the children's delight. ''I love interacting with these children. It gives me so much joy. I am willing to go all out to support them in every manner possible,'' she said, lauding the positive efforts of the NGO in rehabilitating the street children. ''There are similar charities in Mumbai but after doing their show I have really developed a bond with these kids,'' she confessed. ''Now that you have become a film star I want your autograph,'' requested one child. His name delighted the lady. ''This is the first time I am giving an autograph to Shahrukh,'' she exclaimed gleefully. While her debut flick, Shaadi No ! has bombed at the Box Office, Sofiya said she was looking forward to her forthcoming ventures - Vikram Bhatt's next with Urmila Matondkar, Zayed, Aftab and herself and a romantic comedy with Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat. Her work with the MTV keeps her hands full. ''In the last week I have been in London, Pakistan, Dubai, South africa and now Lucknow. My mind is still whirring,'' she exclaimed. The Economics graduate from London School of Economics has abandoned a meritorious academic career to carve a place for herself on the small and big screen. A product of an MTV veejay hunt, the lady is extremely supportive of the current talent hunts like Fame Gurukul and Indian Idol. ''Its a most positive way to encourage new talent. I always knew that Rex, Qazi ad Rooprekha would win Fame Gurukul. Qazi was always my favourite. He was a complete package as a performer and he has improved as a singer,'' she said. |
