When a disaster strikes and tragedy befalls on us, the only silver lining is it also gives the opportunity for humanity to rise above all adversities. The recent floods that have nearly ruined the state of Kerala is one of the worst nature-related tragedies that has struck our country. More than 300 people have died in the state and many are being rehabilitated to safer lands from their submerged homes. The rescue operations are ongoing,. What Kerala needs now is finances to tide things over, and thankfully help is coming through from all quarters.

We had reported about how Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty had given a call out to his Bollywood colleagues for aid and he got that from various quarters. First it was Shah Rukh Khan who had quietly contributed an undisclosed amount to the relief fund. Now, Resul has also thanked Sonam Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vidya Balan, Sidharth Roy Kapur for their contributions. Check out his tweets below -

Later, when BollywoodHungama contacted Malayalam director Priyadarshan, he confirmed that Akshay Kumar is donating Rs 25 lacs to the CM's relief fund. Speaking to the portal, he said, "I am personally handing over the money collected from everybody. I was quite surprised when Akshay called himself and said he’s contributing too. I was surprised because he has nothing to do with Kerala and it’s a wonderful gesture. The best part is that Akshay reached out on his own and said he wants to do this – I didn’t have to ask him. He sent me Rs. 25 lakh and said that this was the first instalment. Akshay added that he would send me one more instalment when they decide to rebuild the state. I informed the Chief Minister also that I am coming with Akshay’s money. During the Chennai floods too Akshay had given one crore for its relief and rehabilitation.” Priyadarshan is quite close to Akshay Kumar, having worked with him in movies like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Khatta Meetha and De Dhana Dhan. Akshay Kumar also got his first National award for his performance in Rustom through the jury headed by Priyadarshan.

We do hope that many others in Bollywood follow these actors' suit and open their purses for the aid of their countrymen. Thank you all!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2018 04:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).