Actors should use celeb status to help society: Richa

Richa Chadha has launched a new campaign to raise money to provide shelter for women who have been victims of human trafficking and the actor says though it is not compulsory, film stars should support social issues.

For the latest venture called ‘A Bungalow on The Hill’, Richa has joined hands with ‘KETTO’, which is a crowd funding digital platform owned by actor Kunal Kapoor.

The Gangs of Wasseypur actor will help raise funds for NGO ‘Purnata’ which provides shelter home in suburban Mumbai where upto 15 such girls are given various forms of training including dance, vocational training and other activities.

When asked if it is important for Bollywood stars to get involved with philanthropy, Richa said, “It is not compulsory but I think what happens is when you start doing it you feel so good. It is always a great feeling to contribute to the society.

 “When you start a normal campaign, you might not get as much attention as you would get if a celebrity is attached to it. It is because a celebrity is always in the news and limelight. We as actors can make good use of that,” said the actor.

“I always wanted to be part of something I believe in. I did some research about what I can do and who I can help. Then I came across this and I realised it needs urgent attention.” 

The actor says there is a long way to go with the project and she is currently focused on getting people to know about this initiative .”Right now we are working on making people aware about it. Once we have achieved this target, I will look at next step of donations.” 

The actor has also made a three-and-half minute promotional documentary and is taking aid of her friends from Bollywood to carry the message of the campaign far and wide.

“The objective of the documentary was to make the contributors meet the real victims. I have some influential friends in the film industry, who I have got to tweet about it.”