Bollywood Stars Are Turning Green

WE all love to read about what our favourite celebrities are up to, but it’s always nice to hear that they’re doing more than going to yet another party, shopping or travelling.

Stars supporting charitable causes isn’t a new concept, but once Angelina Jolie and George Clooney made it cool to support social activism, the trend has grown globally amongst the who’s who of the society pages.

Some raise awareness, others donate to a good cause and many get creative with their support.

We’re happy to report that the activism bug has bitten Bollywood, particularly with stars intent on raising the collective consciousness around environmental concerns.

In 2017 Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt launched the green initiative, Coexist, with the goal of speaking out on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. Her vision is for humankind to live in harmony with animals and nature.

Dia Mirza (pictured above, left, with Alia and Hans Dalal, co-founder of PROWL, an NGO dedicated to the preservation of wildlife landscapes) recently added a new title to her long list of accomplishments – UN Environment’s Goodwill Ambassador for India. In this role, she aims to work with UNEP on conservation efforts, including clean air, clean seas and wildlife protection, as well as climate change issues and sustainable living campaigns.

Some of her focuses will include #BreatheLife, a campaign on improving air quality; #WildforLife, an operation protecting Bengal tigers and other wildlife; and #CleanSeas, the ongoing crusade to reduce marine pollution.

Aamir Khan and wife, Kiran Rao, and others from their hit show, Satyamev Jayate, established Paani Foundation, an enterprise endeavouring to fight drought in rural Maharashtra through rainwater harvesting and watershed management campaigns and capacity building.

Abhishek Bachchan has been a persistent activist for the environment, shifting the conversation and raising awareness. From his attendance as a “special guest” at the US Consulate General’s Green Heroes Film Festival in 2017 to his Green Globe Foundation award for his efforts fighting climate change in 2012, Bachchan continues to advocate for a better future by caring for the environment.

In a more creative endeavour, Akshay Kumar introduced a graphic novel series for children, Tronomega to Earth Mission: Save the Planet, to educate and sensitise youth on environmental issues as part of The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) Soldiers of the Earth campaign.

Actor and producer, Gul Panag, is a passionate advocate on a number of issues, including the environment. She is a driving force behind The Col. Shamsher Singh Foundation which is named after her grandfather. Gul works to give back to the community, take care of the environment, and help the less fortunate.

While we don’t all have the star power behind us that these celebs do, we can each do our small part. If you want to support an environmental cause with your time, money or voice click here.

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Aadeep