In a heartwarming gesture that resonates deeply with the message of compassion and humanity, Bollywood actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh have announced their decision to donate their organs. This commendable pledge has garnered widespread appreciation, including a heartfelt acknowledgment from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).
The news first surfaced when Riteish Deshmukh took to his Instagram handle to share a poignant video. In the clip, the couple discussed their long-held deliberations on the subject of organ donation, ultimately concluding that there exists no greater gift than “The Gift Of Life.” Riteish emphasized this by captioning the video with profound words: “There is no greater gift to someone than ‘The Gift Of Life.’ @geneliad & me have pledged to donate our organs. We urge you all to join this great cause and be part of ‘The Life AfterLife’.”
The video captures a defining moment for the couple, with Riteish stating, “Aaj 1st July ko hum ye kehna chahte hain aur aapko ye batana chaahte hain ki hum dono ne ek pledge liya hai.. (Today, on July 1 we want to tell you about something that we have pledged), we have decided to donate our organs.” Genelia echoes his sentiment, adding, “Yes, we pledge have pledged to donate our organs and for us there’s no better gift than the gift of life.”
The impact of their decision reverberated throughout social media and beyond. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) took to their official handle on X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their gratitude and recognize the couple’s significant contribution. The accompanying caption read, “Thanks to Riteish Deshmukh & Genelia, the Bollywood star couple for pledging to donate their organs during the ongoing organ donation month of July. Their gesture will motivate others also to connect with the noble cause.#organdonation #Bollywood #savelives.”
The social media post, along with a video message, succinctly encapsulated the importance of organ donation and how influential figures like Riteish and Genelia can inspire masses to contribute to this life-saving cause. The post gained considerable traction, with fans and followers praising their altruistic decision.
Meanwhile, amidst this noble gesture, Riteish Deshmukh is also making waves in his professional career. He is set to feature alongside Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem in the much-anticipated film ‘Kakuda.’ The film’s trailer, which was recently unveiled, has generated considerable buzz and excitement among movie enthusiasts.
.
‘Kakuda’ narrates the story of Sunny, portrayed by Saqib Saleem, an undereducated man deeply in love with Indira, played by Sonakshi Sinha. The couple marries and moves to the village of Ratodi, only to fall victim to a bewared curse. On their wedding night, Sunny’s failure to open a designated door for the malicious spirit ‘Kakuda’ at 7:15 pm sharp invites a series of eerie events. Plagued by this omission, he is cursed with a growing hump on his back, which heralds a grim fate—demise on the thirteenth day. Desperate to save Sunny, Indira seeks the assistance of Victor, an eccentric ghost hunter played by Riteish Deshmukh. Together, the trio embarks on a peculiar yet chilling journey to unveil the mystery of Kakuda, exposing the chilling truth behind the ghost’s identity and the village’s enduring curse.
Riteish Deshmukh revealed his enthusiasm for the film, stating, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the quirky and eccentric world of ‘Kakuda’. Playing the role of Victor, an unconventional ghost hunter, allowed me to tap into a side of my acting abilities that I hadn’t fully explored before. This character is unlike any other I’ve portrayed, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Blending horror and comedy is a delicate balance, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside such talented co-stars like Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem. ‘Kakuda’ takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving you both laughing and scared.”
The film’s curious and spellbinding premise also resonates with Saqib Saleem, who shared his thoughts on the uniqueness of the project. “While theatrical releases have their charm, OTT platforms offer an incredible opportunity to connect with more masses. The film’s quirky and intriguing storyline about solving the mystery of a ferocious ghost and a cursed village’s haunting ritual is what initially drew me in. Of course, the chance to work with talented actors like Sonakshi Sinha & Riteish Deshmukh was another major reason I said yes. We had an absolute blast on set, and I’m confident our comedic chemistry will leave viewers in stitches. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the spine-chilling laughter that ‘Kakuda’ promises to deliver.”
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, ‘Kakuda’ is slated for release on ZEE5 on July 12.
As Riteish and Genelia’s professional and personal lives intertwine, their pledge to donate their organs stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their selfless act during the organ donation month of July is a potent reminder of the impact that public figures can have in championing social causes and fostering a culture of giving. The Deshmukhs’ commitment to “The Gift Of Life” is indeed a story of grace, kindness, and enduring humanity.
