Kamal Haasan has always maintained that Kerala and Malayalam cinema are close to his heart.
The other day, the Tamil actor matched his deeds with his words, becoming one of the first to contribute to the Kerala government’s efforts to deal with the devastating flood that resulted in dozens of deaths and rendered thousands homeless. He donated ₹25 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
He wasn’t the only Tamil actor to help out, though. Brothers Suriya and Karthi also donated ₹25 lakh each. As did Vijay Television, a leading Tamil television channel.
On Sunday, Nadigar Sangam, the association for actors in Tamil Nadu, decided to donate ₹5 lakh towards the CM’s fund.
“It is heartening to see our Tamil brethren responding so generously and so fast to this tragedy in Kerala,” actor Jayaram told The Hindu over phone from Chennai. “The Malayalam actors, and AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists), too will do whatever we can do to help the victims.” He recalled that Kerala too had reacted similarly when Chennai was flooded in 2015.
Several actors, through their Facebook pages, have appealed to the public to donate to the fund. Mohanlal, Prithviraj, Nivin Pauly, Manju Warrier, Rima Kallingal, Amala Paul, Shobana and director Ashiq Abu are among those who have sought help.
Actor Mammootty visited a relief camp at Puthenvelikkara, near Ernakulam, on Saturday, and promised help.
DMK donates ₹1crore
DMK working president M.K. Stalin on Sunday announced ₹1 crore flood relief to the Kerala government on behalf of his party.