In June 2013, a multi-day cloudburst centered on the North Indian state of Uttarakhand caused devastating floods and landslides in the country's worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami.
As of 16 July 2013, according to figures provided by the Uttarakhand government, more than 5,700 people were "presumed dead." This total included 934 local residents.
Star TV network will run seven-hour fundraiser for these flood victims on August 15.
This will see Bollywood’s biggest celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan and AR Rahman to be part of this first-of-its kind live event. Across the world 7 channels under the Star Network will telecast this show.
Each hour will be hosted by celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Anil Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan.
TV stars like Mohit Raina from Life Ok’s 'Devon Ke Dev... Mahadev' fame, Deepika Singh and Anas Rashid lead pair from the popular Star Plus show ‘Diya Aur Baati’ will also perform.
Young turks of the silver screen including Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurana and Varun Dhawan will join -‘Saath Hain Hum Uttarakhand’— an initiative to mobilise funds for rehabilitation work in the flood-ravaged Uttarakhand.
“The event is evidence that there is a strong desire in the community to help," Uday Shankar, CEO Star India, said. "The unflinching support of the stars is humbling and in turn will help us extend a helping hand to those in need. The film world's support also reinforces our belief in the power and reach of television, and its ability to be a force for good."
Advertising revenue from this event will be channeled to relief work in the hill-state through two civil society organizations - Himmotthan Society and People's Science Institute.
Amitabh Bachchan, Prasoon Joshi and music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will perform a special event anthem – ‘Mera Desh’. Bachchan senior will also lend his mesmerizing voice to recite couplets from Prasoon’s magical poetry that'll be set to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music.
Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman will dedicate a special symphony to the nation and perform on some of his most inspirational songs like Vande Mataram.
Singer Ayushmann Khurana will perform a song composed exclusively for the event. The event will also see performance by Pritam and Mika Singh.