In a new initiative drawing attention to the critical issue of nature conservation, a group of Bollywood heavyweights has come together to mark World Environment Day. This year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Bhamla Foundation are leading a campaign fronted by Abhishek Bachchan, who will headline the project titled “Bhumi Namaskar.” The project also stars Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroff, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Malaika Arora, with acclaimed director R. Balki at the helm.
Nature conservation has always been a cause close to the hearts of many Bollywood stars, and the significance of this year’s World Environment Day has prompted an inspiring collaboration. Asif Bhamla, the brainchild behind the initiative, expressed that literary luminaries like Gulzar and Javed Akhtar were among the first to hear and laud the campaign’s signature song. “Bhumi Namaskar is about expressing gratitude to Mother Earth, which continually provides us with so many resources, despite our relentless exploitation,” Bhamla said passionately.
The touch of poetic brilliance in the initiative is provided by Prasoon Joshi, who penned the song. Composer Aman Pant worked on the music, while Shreya Ghoshal and Sheykhar Ravjiani lent their melodious voices, making the song a truly star-studded production. The song aims to evoke deep awareness and respect for the planet among its listeners.
To commemorate the occasion, two major events have been planned. On June 5th, a cyclathon at Carter Road in Bandra will take place, symbolizing the campaign’s active commitment to promoting sustainable practices. Furthermore, an event is lined up on June 8th at the Carter Road amphitheatre, expected to draw a large, enthusiastic crowd.
Getting Abhishek Bachchan on board was no small feat. Bhamla recounted, “Mr. Balki told me that bringing Abhishek on board wouldn’t be easy as he is known to be quite reserved and has turned down advertisements worth crores. But when we explained the project’s purpose—to give back to Mother Earth—Abhishek agreed to join.
.” This further underscores the sincerity and dedication of the actors involved, setting an example of selflessness and environmental concern.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Bachchan said, “I’m happy to be part of this global campaign. Plus, having Balki curate this project, who I have immense respect for, adds more value to it.” Abhishek’s participation is indeed a testament to his commitment to making a meaningful impact on the environment.
Nature conservation is also a cause close to the hearts of actors like Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroff, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Malaika Arora. Each of them brings their own unique experiences and perspectives to the project. Shroff, a longtime environmental advocate, voiced his pride in seeing the next generation becoming environmentally conscious. “It’s heartening to know that our younger actors, like Varun and Sobhita, are so committed to the cause,” he said.
Malaika Arora emphasized the critical role of healthy soil for sustaining life on Earth, stating, “Healthy soil is essential for life on earth. Plants can survive without humans, but humans cannot survive without plants. This initiative is a poignant reminder of how intertwined our existence is with Mother Nature and the impact we collectively have.”
This concerted effort from Bollywood can serve as a powerful reminder to the public that environmental issues need urgent attention and action. The medium of music, combined with the star power of Bollywood, has the potential to reach a wide audience, raising awareness and inspiring action towards a more sustainable and respectful relationship with our planet.
As World Environment Day approaches, the message from these Bollywood stars is loud and clear: it’s time to recognize the critical role that our environment plays in our lives and to take active steps towards preserving it. Through initiatives like “Bhumi Namaskar,” they hope to inspire millions to join the cause, fostering a spirit of gratitude and conservation that will benefit future generations.
This initiative is more than just a campaign; it is a movement aimed at sparking a transformation in how people perceive and interact with the Earth. The celebrities hope that their involvement will galvanize others to reflect on their environmental impact and make sustainable choices, thereby contributing to a greener, healthier planet.
