A month after Kashmir was hit by the worst flood of the last century; the film industry is joining hands to extend support to the victims of the calamity. ‘Hum Hain… Ummeed-E-Kashmir’ a concert that will be held simultaneously across seven cities will see artistes from the film and television industries come together to raise funds for the flood victims. Scheduled to be held on Saturday evening, the Hyderabad chapter of the event will have performances by Sonakshi Sinha, Shriya Saran, Sivamani, Leslie Lewis, Madhushalini, Deeksha Seth and Anuj Gurwara among others.

Touted to be the biggest ever charity show the concert will be held simultaneously across Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Jaipur. With the participating artistes waiving off their fees, all the proceeds from the shows will go towards helping the victims of the devastating floods. “That’s the way it should be,” says percussionist Sivamani, who will perform with his band at the concert in the city. Incidentally, the artiste plans to launch his new band at the event and promises an act full of entertainment and rock for the audience. “I feel strongly about extending help to those who need it. In fact, I usually spend most special occasions like Birthdays and festivals with these children at an orphanage in Bandra. We spend the day having fun and I play for them. So when I got a call about performing to raise funds for the flood victims I thought why not. What could be better than us being able to make a difference? I’m hoping to see good participation from the audience too towards the cause,” he says.
Music composer and singer Leslie Lewis too is eager to lend his support. Incidentally, he cancelled a prior commitment to be able to do his bit for the flood victims. “All of us feel bad when such things happen, but how many of us actually get out of our comfort zones and actually do something about the situation? When I was approached for the concert it was a matter of what was more important to me and if I could really set aside something for a good cause. It’s about going beyond the borders we set for ourselves,” he says, adding that he plans to perform his rock version of the National Anthem at the concert. “I last played it at the F1 in Delhi and it received a great response. I know people might be sceptical about having a rock version of the National Anthem, but rock is really an expression of emotion and not noise. I also plan to play my version of Naam Gum Jayega. It will be my tribute to Kashmir and R.D. Burman with elements of Hip Hop and Rap without straying from the original number.”

The film fraternity strongly feels that they can use their profession to convince people to generously donate towards the cause and Hum Hain is an attempt to do just that. “ We as a nation have always stood united when it comes to helping others in times of need. I strongly feel that it is my duty as a responsible citizen to help the flood victims in whatever way I can. Fortunately, I am in a profession where I can urge people to donate money or do whatever they can to raise funds for the cause,” says actor Sonakshi Sinha, who will dance to some popular numbers including her hit songs like Saree Ke fall Sa and Gandi Baat.

Shriya Saran on the other hand plans to do a classical number along with her college friend and danseuse Yamini Reddy. “It’s a worthy cause and I want to do whatever I possibly can to help those affected by the floods. I’ve trained in Kathak and we plan to put up a fusion act for Hum Hain… There will be elements of Kathak and Kuchipudi as well,” she says.