The donations from film industry to the Chief Minsiter’s Relief Fund crossed over Rs. 1.5 crore on Wednesday. The film fraternity had begin contributing to the CMRY to help in relief and restoration works in Hudhud-affected Visakhapatnam and other districts of North Coastal Andhra.
Topping the list on Wednesday was the Daggubati family, including D. Rama Naidu his sons Suresh Babu and Venkatesh, apart from grandson Rana, announcing Rs.50 lakh.
Nandamuri Balakrishna followed up with Rs. 30 lakh donation apart from Rs. 15 lakh more to provide for rice and other essential commodities to the people. Actor Ravi Teja, and director Trivikram announced Rs. 10 lakh each and pop singer Smita chipped in with Rs. 5 lakh.
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Popular character actor Prakash Raj sent Rs. 5 lakh to the CMRY. “It’s time to share the pain. It is not just the government’s responsibility. It’s ours too. I am sending Rs. 5 lakh. Please do what you can,” he said in a message accompanying his donation.
Rajya Sabha Member K. Chiranjeevi said in a statement that he was releasing Rs. 50 lakh from the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme funds like other MPs.
What was interesting was that everyone from the film industry who contributed their might in the form of money, also made fervent appeals to their fans to go out to the cyclone-affected districts and physically help in relief and restoration works in whatever manner they could.
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The Telugu Association of North America (TANA) has announced an initial contribution of $1,00,000 towards relief efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Hudhud.
TANA president Mohan Nannapaneni said more funds would be raised to help people affected by the devastating cyclone. Mr. Nannapaneni said he and TANA secretary Satish Vemana would meet AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu soon to hand over the cheque. He appealed to all NRIs, particularly Telugu-speakers in North America, to contribute generously for the cause.