In a commendable act of philanthropy, renowned actor Akshay Kumar has made a significant donation of Rs 1.21 crore towards the renovation of Mumbai’s iconic Haji Ali Dargah. The benevolent gesture aligns with his consistent record of contributing to various societal causes. Kumar’s recent donation comes on the heels of his substantial Rs 3 crore contribution to the Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya.
Kumar, currently immersed in the promotional activities for his upcoming film ‘Khel Khel Mein,’ took a brief hiatus from his hectic schedule to visit the revered Haji Ali Dargah. The actor’s visit to the sacred site has been a focal point on social media, with numerous photos capturing the moments of his reverence and piety making rounds online. The Haji Ali Dargah Trust, through their official Instagram handle, shared a video of the actor’s visit and expressed deep gratitude for Kumar’s immense contribution. The Managing Trustee of the dargah also offered prayers for the souls of Kumar’s late parents, Aruna Bhatia and Hari Om Bhatia, marking a heartfelt acknowledgment of his gesture.
Kumar’s philanthropic activities are not new to the public eye, given his illustrious history of altruistic endeavors. Often lauded for his generosity, Kumar has consistently stood as one of the highest tax-paying individuals in the country. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, he clearly demonstrated his compassionate nature by donating Rs 1 crore to cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir’s foundation while also contributing an immense Rs 25 crore to the PM Cares Fund. These acts of giving have cemented his reputation as a benefactor committed to aiding those in need.
On a professional front, Akshay Kumar is eagerly anticipating the release of ‘Khel Khel Mein,’ slated to hit theaters on August 15. The actor’s recent cinematic ventures have not been met with the expected success at the box office. Reflecting on this phase at the trailer launch event of ‘Khel Khel Mein,’ Kumar candidly discussed the series of setbacks his recent films faced. “Four to five films did not work. I get messages like ‘Sorry yaar, don’t worry’. I have not died.
. I receive messages that feel like obituaries,” Kumar recounted, underscoring the abrupt shift in attitudes within the industry and among critics.
Despite the tough phase, Akshay Kumar remains undeterred in his professional journey. Emphasizing his resolve, Kumar stated, “I am here, and I will always work, no matter what anyone says. You have to wake up, go exercise, and then go to work. Whatever I earn, I earn on my own… I will keep working until they have to shoot me down.” His words reflect a resilient spirit and a commitment to persist, no matter the setbacks he faces.
The actor, celebrated for his action-packed roles and strong screen presence, continues to navigate the ebbs and flows of his cinematic career with undiminished vigor. His ability to blend a busy professional life with acts of charity adds a unique dimension to his public persona, creating a legacy defined not only by his roles on screen but also by his impactful contributions off it.
The Haji Ali Dargah, an epitome of Indo-Islamic architecture and a symbol of spiritual commingling, stands to benefit greatly from Kumar’s donation. The funds earmarked for its renovation speak to the actor’s reverence for diverse cultural and spiritual landmarks. Given his balanced approach to contributing to causes of various religious significances — as evident from his donations to both the Ram Mandir and Haji Ali Dargah — Kumar emerges as a figure of secular philanthropy.
As ‘Khel Khel Mein’ approaches its release, Akshay Kumar’s fans and detractors alike will be watching to see how the film performs amidst his current professional trials. Nonetheless, with a career marked by persistence and a spirit of giving, Kumar continues to carve out his unique path in the Bollywood landscape.
A post shared by Dargah Hazrat Makhdumali Mahimi (@makhdumali_mahimi) demonstrates the deep appreciation and prayers offered by the Haji Ali Dargah Trust in response to Akshay Kumar’s earnest contribution. In times when acts of generosity significantly uplift spirits and provide much-needed aid, Kumar’s donation to the dargah underscores the impactful role of public figures in driving positive change within the community.
