American President John F Kennedy once said, "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country". This quote is extremely popular in India. However, it is disheartening that we passionately share this quote and conveniently forget to implement its spirit and essence in real life.
I am an advocate of individual and corporate social responsibility. Even among the individuals, I am particularly a strong proponent of celebrity responsibilty towards the society. This is not to say that non-celebrities are exempt from their duty towards the society. But my argument is that if a film star does something good, it has quadrupled impact on the society than when a non-celebrity does it. Celebs have the charishma and fan following to inspire and influence the masses and motivate thousands of people to follow their path in doing constructive work for the social good.
This week, I witnessed a generous act by two film personalities whose altruistic and charitable act moved me. It is important for all right thinking people to appreciate, admire and celebrate such acts of goodness more so because we live in an age that is increasingly marred with corruption, selfishness and diminishing moral values.
The first is the contribution of Rs 24 lakh by Pawan Kalyan to the flood victims of Uttarakhand. One might argue, 'don't celebs contribute to victims of natural calamities quite often? What is so special about this one?'. It is indeed rare. Let me tell you why. Firstly, neither is Uttarakhand a primary movie market for Pawan nor is it a state with the largest fan base for him. He is in no way connected to that state except for the common thread we all share with Uttarakhand as fellow Indians. Hence it is amply evident that he cared genuinely for the victims and earnestly gave whatever he could with the only hope that atleast some part of his money will save a few lives or feed a few hungry people devasted by the havoc created by the deluge. Secondly, I have learnt from my friends in Filmnagar that he had directed his staff not to disclose the information of his contribution to the media. Overawed by the large heartedness of their boss, the staff spilled the beans to the media. In anycase, from what I gather, Pawan Kalyan is a man of compassion. He is humane and large hearted. Testimonials of his generosity are found in nook and corner of Filmnagar. His annual philanthropic bill runs into lakhs of rupees. I've even heard from friends in Tollywood that to help his friend, he acted in a movie without even taking remuneration. In view of these anecdotal facts, his donation is a truly commendable act.
Other actors might have their reasons for not giving to Uttarakhand victims. To me, such selflessness makes Pawan Kalyan more heroic and inspirational than the roles he plays on screen.
Second act of kindness was by actress, producer and Television personality Lakshmi Manchu. Recently, a friend of mine who runs a home for the needy children contacted me. The home he runs, shelters kids who lost both their parents, kids affected by HIV and the ones whose parents are mentally ill and are undergoing treatment. He wanted to celebrate the second anniversary of this orphanage. He had approached a few celebrities to see if they'd be willing to attend the anniversary as the Chief Guest. A well known actor's wife who herself was an actress demanded lakhs of rupees to attend the event. There were others who threw tantrums. Though my friend is financially well-off and can pay for their presence, he found the idea of having to 'hire' someone to attend an event organized for orphans extremely depressing and repulsive. Now some of you might ask, " why does he need a celeb?". The presence of a public personality gives immense confidence and joy to the desolate and deprived kids. Not to mention, the media coverage that will come with a celebrity's presence will only inspire more people to tread the path of social service.
He asked me if I could request Lakshmi Manchu to be the Chief Guest for their event. I am someone who doesn't seek favours particularly from my celebrity friends because it is a breach of trust and mutual respect. Since this was for a good cause, I minced no words and asked her. She readily agreed to be a part of the event and graced the occassion last week. She didn't have to say yes just because I asked her to. I am no more a journalist covering cinema industry nor do I review films. I hold no position to positively influence the fortunes of her movies and shows. Yet, she did it only because she honestly believed in doing whatever she could for the society she lives in. The kids were overjoyed to see her and delighted for having gotten a chance to spend time with someone as popular as her. Here is a picture from the event she attended last week.
Both these film personalities are different in many ways. One is a mass hero with arguably the largest number of fans in Telugu cinema and the other is a film maker and actress with multitudinous talents and is now a household name in AP. One gave his money and the other gave her time--both equally valuable and precious, more importantly spontaneous acts of care, concern and kindness. Both of them have in their own ways left an indelible impression on my mind.Celebrities come and go. Some remain in our memories not because of how much they earned but because of what they gave back. More power to both these noble souls!
I am an advocate of individual and corporate social responsibility. Even among the individuals, I am particularly a strong proponent of celebrity responsibilty towards the society. This is not to say that non-celebrities are exempt from their duty towards the society. But my argument is that if a film star does something good, it has quadrupled impact on the society than when a non-celebrity does it. Celebs have the charishma and fan following to inspire and influence the masses and motivate thousands of people to follow their path in doing constructive work for the social good.
This week, I witnessed a generous act by two film personalities whose altruistic and charitable act moved me. It is important for all right thinking people to appreciate, admire and celebrate such acts of goodness more so because we live in an age that is increasingly marred with corruption, selfishness and diminishing moral values.
The first is the contribution of Rs 24 lakh by Pawan Kalyan to the flood victims of Uttarakhand. One might argue, 'don't celebs contribute to victims of natural calamities quite often? What is so special about this one?'. It is indeed rare. Let me tell you why. Firstly, neither is Uttarakhand a primary movie market for Pawan nor is it a state with the largest fan base for him. He is in no way connected to that state except for the common thread we all share with Uttarakhand as fellow Indians. Hence it is amply evident that he cared genuinely for the victims and earnestly gave whatever he could with the only hope that atleast some part of his money will save a few lives or feed a few hungry people devasted by the havoc created by the deluge. Secondly, I have learnt from my friends in Filmnagar that he had directed his staff not to disclose the information of his contribution to the media. Overawed by the large heartedness of their boss, the staff spilled the beans to the media. In anycase, from what I gather, Pawan Kalyan is a man of compassion. He is humane and large hearted. Testimonials of his generosity are found in nook and corner of Filmnagar. His annual philanthropic bill runs into lakhs of rupees. I've even heard from friends in Tollywood that to help his friend, he acted in a movie without even taking remuneration. In view of these anecdotal facts, his donation is a truly commendable act.
Other actors might have their reasons for not giving to Uttarakhand victims. To me, such selflessness makes Pawan Kalyan more heroic and inspirational than the roles he plays on screen.
Second act of kindness was by actress, producer and Television personality Lakshmi Manchu. Recently, a friend of mine who runs a home for the needy children contacted me. The home he runs, shelters kids who lost both their parents, kids affected by HIV and the ones whose parents are mentally ill and are undergoing treatment. He wanted to celebrate the second anniversary of this orphanage. He had approached a few celebrities to see if they'd be willing to attend the anniversary as the Chief Guest. A well known actor's wife who herself was an actress demanded lakhs of rupees to attend the event. There were others who threw tantrums. Though my friend is financially well-off and can pay for their presence, he found the idea of having to 'hire' someone to attend an event organized for orphans extremely depressing and repulsive. Now some of you might ask, " why does he need a celeb?". The presence of a public personality gives immense confidence and joy to the desolate and deprived kids. Not to mention, the media coverage that will come with a celebrity's presence will only inspire more people to tread the path of social service.
He asked me if I could request Lakshmi Manchu to be the Chief Guest for their event. I am someone who doesn't seek favours particularly from my celebrity friends because it is a breach of trust and mutual respect. Since this was for a good cause, I minced no words and asked her. She readily agreed to be a part of the event and graced the occassion last week. She didn't have to say yes just because I asked her to. I am no more a journalist covering cinema industry nor do I review films. I hold no position to positively influence the fortunes of her movies and shows. Yet, she did it only because she honestly believed in doing whatever she could for the society she lives in. The kids were overjoyed to see her and delighted for having gotten a chance to spend time with someone as popular as her. Here is a picture from the event she attended last week.
Both these film personalities are different in many ways. One is a mass hero with arguably the largest number of fans in Telugu cinema and the other is a film maker and actress with multitudinous talents and is now a household name in AP. One gave his money and the other gave her time--both equally valuable and precious, more importantly spontaneous acts of care, concern and kindness. Both of them have in their own ways left an indelible impression on my mind.Celebrities come and go. Some remain in our memories not because of how much they earned but because of what they gave back. More power to both these noble souls!
