After transferring funds into the accounts of 16,000 workers of the film industry affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, Salman has now extended financial support to 45 vertically challenged artistes of Bollywood, all members of the All India Special Artistes Association (AISAA), a wing of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
Pravin Rana, a vertically-challenged artiste, confirmed the same to a leading daily, "Nobody cares much for us, but Salman bhai stood by us during these trying times. We were surprised when we learnt that Rs 3,000 had been deposited into our accounts on Tuesday. No other actor has come forward to help us," says Rana, who worked alongside the superstar in Bharat (2019). "During the shoot too, he asked us to reach out to him when in need."
Shameem Ahmed, who had worked as one of the circus artistes in Bharat, added that Salman has offered to help them in the coming months as well. "We don't get work on a daily basis. We are grateful to FWICE and Salman Khan for helping us with ration and financial help amid the lockdown. We have been told he will make a deposit next month, too," he said.
Furthermore, BN Tiwari, president, FWICE, informed that about 90 vertically challenged actors come under the purview of the association. "Almost 45 of them have received Salman's donation, the rest will get it in a few days," he signed off by saying.
(Source: Mid-Day)
