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Mark Ruffalo to Chris Martin: Hollywood roots for charities in India
Avengers star Mark Ruffalo tweeted in support of a cause closer to home. A trend has started with several Hollywood celebrities like Chris Martin and Mandy Moore followed suit.
Of late, Hollywood actors seem to have India on their radar when it comes to supporting social causes. Earlier this week, Mark Ruffalo, popular for potraying Hulk in the film The Avengers, tweeted in support of the #SolarBihar project, aimed at urging the people of the election-bound state to adopt sustainable and renewable energy. “I’m 100% NY, but I’m also 100% Bihar. #SolarBihar @100isNow,” he posted, leaving Indian fans pleasantly surprised.
Actor-singer Mandy Moore will be coming to India to talk about gender-based violence and will support the NGO PSI India’s programme against gender based violence — Wajood.
In July, British rockband Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin visited India along with actor Freida Pinto for The Global Poverty Project. Martin visited slums in Delhi, met politicians including PM Narendra Modi and Delhi’s CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Social activists say that international celebs help raise both money and awareness about issues that need attention. “The fact that they are global role models helps. Fans read about their purpose of visiting India and end up supporting the cause,” says Soha Moitra of CRY.
Some attribute the trend to an ever-increasing popularity of Hollywood stars in India. “India is big on the minds of Hollywood stars now. They have a huge fanbase in this part of the world and it helps their image to be concerned about social here,” says trade analyst Atul Mohan.
