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BJP leader Naqvi gives Rs one lakh for ailing actor Hangal
PTI
Last Updated IST

He also sent a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requesting him to set up a central fund to assist such former artistes who face problems even in meeting their medical expenses.

Naqvi, BJP Vice President, said he had sent the cheque of Rs one lakh to Hangal after he came to know that he was facing a lot of problems in getting medical treatment.

95-year-old Hangal, a veteran actor who carved a niche for himself with memorable character roles in over 125 films, is battling a financial crunch and is unable to foot his medical bills.

"I paid two months of my salary to Hangal," the BJP leader said.
"It is sad and unfortunate that such artistes, who have ruled the hearts of people for years, are left to such a fate," Naqvi said.

Hangal, who lives with his photographer son Vijay (74) in suburban Mumbai, requires at least Rs 15,000 per month for treatment of his age-related ailments.

"My father is bed-ridden but he walks with the help of a walker to the bath room. There is an attendant to take care of him 24 hours," Vijay had said.

"Medicines are very expensive. And this is a recurring expense. In 2009, my father was hospitalised for a month, but after that, he is being treated at home," Vijay has said.
Naqvi said he had written to the Prime Minister requesting him to set up a central assistance fund for such actors.

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(Published 21 January 2011, 16:31 IST)