Supporting a cause isn’t a fad: Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor, who has joined hands with a host of his industry colleagues for a fundraiser campaign to help the victims of flood-hit Kashmir, rubbishes the ­theory that celebrities support issues only for publicity.

Ranbir Kapoor, who has joined hands with a host of his industry colleagues for a fundraiser campaign to help the victims of flood-hit Kashmir, rubbishes the ­theory that celebrities support issues only for publicity.

Ranbir-Kapoor

“As citizens of this country, it’s our birthright to give back to the society. It’s a myth that we do philanthrophy as a fad. We raise big funds, and that’s ­important. The wrong reasons get glorified,” says Kapoor, who’ll perform for the Hum Hain… Umeed-e-Kashmir concert in association with Hindustan Times, on Saturday, October 18. While Delhi will witness the main event at the Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium, six other cities ­including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, and Kolkata will also host the fundraiser the same day with a bunch of Bollywood biggies.



“Kashmir has been an intrinsic part of our film industry for decades, and it’s only natural that at such a time of crisis, we (Bollywood) show some solidarity and do something for the ­people there. I’ve also shot two films (Rockstar, 2011, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, 2013) in Kashmir — across Srinagar, Gulmarg and other places. It’s such a ­beautiful place and it really bothers me to think about the plight now, the ­casualties and sufferings that struck the region after the recent floods. I have such lovely memories of the place ... those wonderful ­shikara rides, the wazwaan, the fun houseboat stays ... I was touched by the love and warmth of the people there. I really want to give back to the place that has given me so much happiness,” says the 31-year-old actor, who’s ­currently recovering after a recent surgery for tonsilitis. “I’m better now and will perform at the Mumbai concert,” says Kapoor. The tickets for the event will be available on bookmyshow.com.