Bollywood stars join the fight against coronavirus

Bollywood stars have broken their silence at last and started coming forward one after another to join India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic. 

Led by Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, the film industry is finally waking up from its stupor and engaging in more charity work. 

Shahrukh Khan: 

Bollywood Superstar Shahrukh Khan has announced his donations to Central’s PM Cares Fund and State Government’s funds of Maharashtra and West Bengal.

He has also taken a series of initiatives through relief funds of his IPL Franchise-Kolkata Knight Riders, Red Chillies Entertainment, Meer Foundation and Red Chillies VFX. 

The actor tweeted: “Given the enormity of the task, my team and I discussed ways to contribute in our own modest way. We have come up with a series of initiatives, which we hope will make a small difference.”

Shahrukh Khan will also supply 50,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the healthcare professionals who have been placed at great risk.

Furthermore, a press release by the actor stated: “2500 daily wage workers would be provided with basic amenities through his Meer Foundation in association with Working People’s Charter. And Meer Foundation would also be providing a monthly stipend to 100 acid attack survivors recognised from different states likeUP, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal and Uttarakhand,” 

Khan and his wife Gauri have also offered their four storey building to the Maharashtra government in order to be used as a quarantine center.

Amitabh Bachchan: 

Bollywood veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, though previously  praised for his attempts to educate his fans and followers about the pandemic, has come under fire for not making any donations. 

In response, Big B tweeted: "One gave and announced that he did; another gave but did not say that he did. Let me be in the second category. Those who know me, know I have always been one to talk less."

However, it was announced on Sunday that Amitabh Bachchan would provide monthly ration to 1 lakh daily wage workers in an initiative, supported by Sony Pictures Networks India and Kalyan Jewellers.

Others:

Earlier, Salman Khan also announced to provide aid to the workers who are directly  associated with the film industry.

Akshay Kumar was the first Bollywood big name to donate Rs 25 crore to PM Cares funds.

Madhuri Dixit and her husband have also joined the list of actors who have contributed to the PM-Cares fund.

Later many followed suit including Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Karan Johar, Karthik Aryan, Prabhas, Kangana Ranaut, Shilpa Shetty, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal and Lata Mangeshkar.