Mumbai, Feb 15: Veteran actor A K Hangal's health has not improved, but monetary support continue to pour in from people ranging from the President and Prime Minister to Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Karan Johar.
Mumbai Mirror, India TV and several other media groups highlighted the plight Hangal was in, and since then, offers continue to pour in for Sholay's Rahim Chacha.
The legendary actor is overwhelmed with love and support. He has so far received a total of Rs 7 lakh with Big B taking up reponsibility for his entire medical expenses .
A source close to Hangal told Mumbai Mirror, “Hangal has realised that all that was needed was a reminder to the industry people to come forward and offer their support.”Recently, Karan Johar and Priyanka Chopra gave the actor Rs 1 lakh each.
Dinesh Chaturvedi, General Secretary of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) said, “Our hearts bleeds for Hangal saab. What a fine actor he was. We gave him Rs 1 lakh.”
Help arrived even from the fashion world too. AK Hangal recently “walked” the ramp in a wheelchair for fashion designer Riyaz Ganji and his summer line.
The 94-year-old actor, remembered fondly as Rahim chacha of Sholay, was brought on stage in a wheelchair, wearing a creamcoloured dhoti and a black coat. Riyaz donated Rs. 50,000 to Hangal at the end of the show.
Hangal's 74-year old son Vijay said, “A lot of people have come forward to help us. We also received Rs 2 lakh from the PM's office and Rs 1 lakh from the President's office. We did not expect to get so much help.”Vijay, who himself is past his prime, has spent many years as a Bollywood photographer.
Though still worried about his father's dwindling health, Vijay says, “Nowadays Baba gets a sinking feeling towards the evening. His health is not really good. But we are definitely breathing free now.”
