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Online group launched to collect funds for AK Hangal

Set up by a band of Bollywood insiders who were 'outraged and ashamed at the same time' at the plight of the ailing actor, the group has roped in fans, industry biggies and even radio stations to support the cause.

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Itna sannata kyun hai bhai?” Veteran actor AK Hangal’s memorable line from Sholay is now the name of an online group that is collecting, channelising and investing funds for the ailing actor.

Set up by a band of Bollywood insiders who were “outraged and ashamed at the same time” at the plight of the ailing actor, the group has roped in fans, industry biggies and even radio stations to support the cause.

“I was shocked that we have forgotten an actor of Hangal saab’s stature who was also a freedom fighter,” says scriptwriter Rekha Nigam, the brain behind the initiative.

Nigam’s initial outrage at the actor’s neglected state evaporated after the page was put up on the social networking site Facebook.

The group wants to ensure that the funds are collected and invested in such a way that there is a steady source of income generated for the actor. Nigam has plans to rope in investment companies and insurance agencies too.

“People in this city have the means and the inclination to make a difference. What most of us don’t have is the time or the mind space to take up causes. So we are trying to bring the right people together who can make a difference collectively,” she says.

Volunteers from the group will also visit Hangal every week “to cheer him up”. A radio station will soon start a dial-in programme where fans will be able to speak with the actor.

“The media interest and monetary help may die down eventually. What he would really like is for people to go say hello and spend some time with him,” says scriptwriter Aditya Kripalani, who has helped Nigam start the group.

The group is also hoping to take the initiative further by setting up a corpus fund for the welfare of senior artistes. Discussions will be had with insurance companies for mediclaim benefits and policies.

The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) will be requested to share its data base with the group for the identification and tracking of senior artistes.

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