Bollywood, CM offer to help ailing actor A K Hangal

Mumbai, Jan 21 (PTI) The State Government and theBollywood have now stepped in to help actor A K Hangal, who isailing and is unable to pay his medical bills.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan last night decided togive the veteran actor Rs 51,000 from the Chief Minister''sRelief Fund.

Also, prominent film personalities such as Jaya Bachchanand Salman Khan have come forward to help Hangal, filmindustry sources said.

Amitabh Bachchan, who is currently in London, wrote onhis blog that it was sad and unnerving to learn of Hangal''scondition. "I have initiated my office to render immediatesupport and help," Bachchan wrote.

"My prayers and wishes for Hangal Saheb. May he recoversoon and without worry and concern of where the nextmedication is going to come from," wrote Bachchan, who hasworked with Hangal in films such as Sholay, Guddi andAbhimaan.

Media reports a couple of days ago said that Hangal, 95,was bedridden due to illness, and financially badly off.

Dharmesh Tiwari, General secretary of Cine and TVArtistes Association (CINTAA) told PTI that the organisationhas provided assistance of Rs one lakh to Hangal inthe last three years.

"The help is given as per the request. When Hangalsaabasked for help, we gave it. CINTAA takes care of the needs ofseveral retired artistes," Tiwari said.

He said Hangal''s latest letter seeking financial aidwas received today and CINTAA will take a decision on it in aday or two.