Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has once again stepped forward in a time of crisis, donating ₹5 crore to support relief efforts for flood-affected areas in Punjab. The actor emphasized that he does not view it as a donation, but as his duty to serve.
Punjab is currently reeling under severe floods triggered by incessant rainfall. The disaster has claimed 43 lives so far, while thousands of villages across 23 districts remain submerged. With the state struggling to recover, members of the film industry have come forward to extend their support.
What Akshay Kumar Said
Speaking about his contribution, Akshay Kumar said:
“I stand by what I believe. Yes, I am giving ₹5 crore to buy relief material for the Punjab flood victims, but who am I to ‘donate’ something? Whenever I get an opportunity to extend a helping hand, I feel blessed. For me, this is my service, my small contribution. I sincerely pray that this natural calamity passes soon and my brothers and sisters in Punjab find relief. Rab Mehr Kare.”
Akshay Kumar is known for consistently stepping in during national crises. From aiding victims of the Chennai floods and supporting COVID-19 relief efforts, to contributing significantly to the Bharat Ke Veer initiative for soldiers’ families, the actor has built a reputation for his philanthropy.
Others Who Came Forward
Alongside Akshay Kumar, several other celebrities have extended help. Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, actor Sonu Sood, Randeep Hooda, and singer-lyricist Karan Aujla have also contributed to relief work. In addition, Shilpa Shetty’s husband, Raj Kundra, pledged to donate the opening day earnings of his film Mehr to the flood victims.
Current Situation in Punjab
According to Punjab’s Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, a total of 1,902 villages across 23 districts have been affected, impacting the lives of more than 3.84 lakh people. So far, 20,972 individuals have been evacuated from flood-hit areas. The official death toll has reached 43.