'Rang Rasiya' screened for a cause

Ketan Mehta's much-awaited movie "Rang Rasiya" was screened here ahead of a musical concert in aid of an initiative dedicated to eradication of curable blindness.

The cast members of "Rang Rasiya" -- Randeep Hooda and Nandana Sen -- were present at the event, organised by Mahindru Foundation, and they did their bit to raise awareness and funds for eye donations.

"Mahindru Foundation has plans of opening 100 eye banks all over India and I lend them full support for this noble initiative and appeal to all to pledge their eyes to support their endeavour in making India blind-free," Randeep said.

His co-star Nandana said: "We are proud to pitch in for the cause of eye donations. The movie 'Rang Rasiya' is all about a painter (Raja Ravi Verma) and the vibrant colours of life. So it is only natural for us to help someone experience the colours of life."

The film's screening was followed by a live musical concert, featuring Sunidhi Chauhan and Kailash Kher, in association with Gurgaon Police, seeking to raise awareness and funds for eye donations.

Ashok Mahindru, managing trustee, Mahindru Foundation, said: "The cause of the blind is a very moving one. Imagine not experiencing life for a single day...The tragedy is that 80 percent of the blind population can be cured. But because of lack of awareness and poor donation rate, they live in darkness and are deprived of the joys of life."

It is for this cause that the "Rang Rasiya" has intended to raise funds for two upcoming eye-banks - one in association with Lotus Eye Hospital, Mumbai and other in association with Bhuvneshwari Madharai's Ashram, Rishikesh.