AR Rahman donates Rs1 crore to Kerala CM's Distress Relief Fund

Music director AR Rahman, who is at currently touring the US with his troupe, has donated a sum of Rs1 crore to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, even as veteran Malayalam actress Sheela has lashed out at top Malayalam actors for not contributing enough to the relief operations in Kerala.

Music director Rahman, in his inimitable style, posted on his Facebook wall, pictures of the cheque for Rs1 crore that he had made out in the name of the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. He wrote on his wall, "From my artistes and me touring the USA ..to our brothers and sisters of Kerala! May this small offering help in providing you some relief!"

Even as his contribution has come in for praise, many have been lashing out at the Malayalam actors for not contributing enough. The latest to join this list is actress Sheela, who has acted in a number of Malayalam and Tamil movies.

Sheela, who was among the top stars in the 1960s and 1970s, said, "The floods have caused great devastation in Kerala. People have lost their homes and their belongings. However, Malayalam actors have contributed only small amounts towards relief measures. The cost of the cars that top actors in the Malayalam industry use are in the range of Rs4 crore. But it pains to know that the amount that they have contributed towards relief is just a few lakhs. The state government's employees have pledged one month's salary for relief operations. In comparison, should actors not contribute their one film's pay towards distress relief? The name and fame that actors enjoy today have all been given by the fans out there. It is in the money that they gave you that you lead a comfortable life today. Now, when those people are out on the streets, it will be fair only if you help them by making generous contributions. The money can also be collected by conducting events that will be attended by stars."