Chennai Rains: When Siddharth showed us the real spirit of 'Rang De Basanti'

For most people who don’t follow Southern cinema, actor Siddharth ’s most prominent Bollywood film was Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s cult classic Rang De Basanti. In that cult classic, Siddharth played Karan Singhania, a man without a conscience who develops one as he finds out his friend (Flight Lt Ajay Rathore played by Madhavan) had died due to a corrupt system.

Siddharth and his gang including Aamir Khan retaliate by killing a corrupt minister, and while we might not agree with the method chosen, there’s a very important message that plays at the end of the movie, which Siddharth’s character says: “Koi bhi desh perfect nahin hota, use perfect banana padta hai.” (No country is perfect; one has to work towards making it better).

While many of us forget these lines or the message once we walk out of the theatre, Siddharth seems to live by that message in real-life. From Tuesday while the city of Chennai has been deluged by floods, the actor has taken the lead to reach out to the worst affected people. He has tweeted about the situation, urged the national media to pay attention and has been helping with rescue operations.  Just see his tweets: 

Just spoke on CNN-IBN ... If you are a concerned Indian please tell everybody you know about #TamilNadu. This is a disaster. We are sinking.

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

If you see anyone stuck in a broken down car waiting for the #rain to stop... Please evacuate them to higher ground. It is very unsafe.

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

Many people died in their cars in the Bombay floods because power windows and central locking jammed. Don't sit in broken down cars. #flood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

It's official. We're now a disaster zone!Army deployed. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME. it's going to get MUCH WORSE! God show mercy on us. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

Will talk to all national media channels tomorrow. This cannot go under the radar. The worst flood in a century in #TAMILNADU we need help.

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

Relief operations by army and navy in many areas. Thank you. In the meantime...look out your window. If you spot anyone reach out. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

Please send tweets to @rj_balaji & me. We are trying to contact groups to spread information for stranded people. Every message/call counts.

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

driving around doing pickups and drips tomorrow. Currently food and clothing are secondary. Transport is first priority. Please RT #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

If you see people in water, please drop them to dry land. If there's any way you can drive around please do. Help the relief work. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

We are getting reports that excess food packets are getting wasted. Till the rains stop transport is crucial. Shelter is available. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

We have a 5 car convoy patrolling affected areas in #Chennai . Please collect genuine transport issues and post to me & @rj_balaji #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

Need an extra mechanic for transport relief work. If anyone has a reliable contact please post to me or @rj_balaji

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

Ippo kutram kurailam solli projanam illai. Adhellam adutha vaaram pesuvom. Ippo seyyavendiyadhu mattum senja podhum. #Help #Please. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

Rain is down to drizzle in some parts. May the dawn bring hope and relief to our people. Be safe. Go out only in groups. Pray. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 1, 2015

If you are not part of relief work please stay indoors. People crowding bridges to see flood sights are a nuisance. Stay home. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

Adyar bridge is open. Slow because of sightseeing crowds. Police requesting us to tell people to stay home. #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

Please use hashtag #ChennaiMicro for food parcel pickup information. It will be easier for our team to respond. Thanks. @rj_balaji

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

More food packets needed for lunch. Will pick up. Rice items only. Urgent. #TNflood #chennaimicro

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

If anyone has innova or Scorpio cars to spare please contact us. We need more vehicles. #TNflood #chennaimicro

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

Urgent. Need 1000 water packets. Please contact us immediately. #ChennaiMicro #TNflood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

It would be very useful if the govt declared emergency today. The police on ground share this sentiment. chaos on the roads. #TNFlood

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

It's pouring again. We are losing connectivity. Evening meals are being arranged. We need water. Please contact with leads. #ChennaiMicro

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) December 2, 2015

Thank you brother, you have really taught us all a lesson.  If only other stars followed his lead. 

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