Many celebrities have made donations towards coronavirus relief efforts. (Photo: Bhumi Pednekar/Instagram, Shilpa Shetty/Instagram)
As the country is witnessing a 21-day lockdown, celebrities are making sure to motivate fans to stay inside their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
Many celebrities have also made donations towards coronavirus relief efforts. Akshay Kumar on Saturday donated Rs 25 crore towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s PM-CARES fund.
Also Read | Coronavirus: Akshay Kumar donates Rs 25 crore to PM-CARES Fund
Akshay tweeted, “This is that time when all that matters is the lives of our people. And we need to do anything and everything it takes. I pledge to contribute Rs 25 crores from my savings to @narendramodi ji’s PM-CARES Fund. Let’s save lives, Jaan hai toh jahaan hai.”
Hrithik Roshan, meanwhile, has bought N95 and FFP3 masks for BMC workers and other caretakers.
Celebrities like Richa Chadha, Pooja Bhatt, Vidya Balan, Riteish Deshmukh, Shruti Haasan and others are encouraging fans to support daily wage workers.
Across many film industries around the world, shoots have been cancelled and film releases have been postponed due to coronavirus. In India too, all film and television shoots have been halted.
Actor-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin has donated Rs 10 lakh to The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), which is an organisation consisting of technicians from the Tamil film industry. Earlier superstar Rajinikanth also donated Rs 50 lakh to them. Other actors who extended a helping hand to FEFSI workers include actor Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan who donated Rs. 10 lakh each. Actor Suriya, Karthi and Sivakumar have also donated Rs. 10 lakh.
Actor Vedhika took Safe Hands challenge. The actor wrote, "We will survive."
Divya Khosla Kumar criticised people who go on evening walk despite the guidelines given by the government to stay safe from COVID-19.
Kartik Aaryan spent perfect Sunday with family. The actor watched his film Pati Patni Aur Woh on television.
"#CoronaCrisisCharity is one of the most needed and noble initiative in this hour of strife. Film industry is our family and we should come forward to take care of daily wage workers. I would like to pledge an amount of Rs. 10 lakhs to this initiative. Stay home. Stay safe," Sai Dharam Tej tweeted.
Kabir Singh producer Murad Khetani contributes towards the fight against COVID-19. The producer has pledged a sum of 25 lakh towards Maharashtra Relief Fund and 25 lakh to PM Care fund for the fight against COVID-19.
YouTuber Prajakta Koli, who is famous as Mostly Sane, shared her self-quarantine experience on Facebook page of The Indian Express.
Randeep Hooda and Jay Patel contributed Rs 1 crore to PM-CARES fund. “ We salute the heroes who are serving against the life-threatening Coronavirus Disease without fear round the clock – doctors, nurses, police and daily needs suppliers. The world is going through pandemic with extreme effects of a virus that has not been experienced by any of us living today," Hooda said in a statement.
"So i have been baking bread n breadrolls after taking class with #maheksatelier . With lockdown i am making bread everyday ! These bread rolls did turn out yummy ? #lockdown#coronavirus #stayhome #stayhealthy" singer Rekha Bhardwaj shared on Instagram.
In a video posted by Karan Johar, the director asked his son Yash who he thinks can take away coronavirus, to which Yash answered, 'Amitabh Bachchan.'
Renuka Shahane went live on The Indian Express' Facebook page to talk about how she is spending time during self-isolation.
"I take a pledge to donate 20lakhs from my savings to the PM-CARES fund...its time to be there for everyone... @narendramodi ji.. JAI HIND" Maniesh Paul tweeted.
"In this hour of need, I pledge to donate Rs. 1 crore to the CM’s relief fund along with my family at @Tseries. Hope we all get through this difficult time soon. Stay home, stay safe," Bhushan Kumar tweeted.
"Small or big ! Each contribution matters .. let’s all do our bit together as a society it’s time to stand with each other .." Rakul Preet Singh tweeted.
Sunil Grover tweeted this photo with a caption, "Times have changed."
"Irrespective of what the govt will, can, is about to, needs to...do....it's time for you and me to come through for migrant workers and daily wagers. Start raising money. That's it. Let's not wait....we ALL have something to spare," Vir Das tweeted.
Varun Tej made Rs 20 lakhs donation to help film industry's workers. He tweeted, "Doing my bit at this time of crisis! Please do your part to help the people in need around you!"
In a video, Fukrey actor Varun Sharma called people who are staying home a superhero as they are saving the world. However, he also critised people who are not participating in the initiative against COVID-19.
"Every country has its small share of negative people. Who thrive on making the country feel small. Who spread fear. Let's defeat their purpose by posting pics of successful lockdown. Be positive. We are a great country," Anupam Kher wrote on Instagram.
"Never before has the world spoken, written , discussed, ruminated , debated one topic .. one issue, in such earnest will .. caste creed colour religion have been relegated as persona non grata .. and the will is, may it remain so ..." Amitabh Bachchan wrote on his blog, asking his fans to stay home.
Sharing a video, Prakash Raj wrote, "#COVID2019india #kuchkarona The VIRUS doesn’t move .. WE the PEOPLE move it .. STAY HOME.. HELP those around you .. BE RESPONSIBLE..HELP THE AUTHORITIES..a moment with my son... THINK OF THEIR FUTURE #JustAsking"
Prince Narula posted a video on Instagragm with a caption that read, "Reach out to those who are in need ...Income has fallen or been cut off completely for some people. If you guys can help please help but take all the precautions while doing it. These are dark times but we need to support our country and the people who need us."
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. Tough times never lasts but tough people do.Lets contribute to @narendramodi ji’s PM-CARE Fund and strengthen our country & come out as winners in these testing times.#IndiaFightsCorona @PMOIndia," Anand L Rai tweeted.
Tweeting a video from Delhi that shows thousands of migrants together, Mallika Sherawat wrote, "OMG! This is in Delhi yesterday."
Nusrat Jahaan was seen maintaining social-distancing while going for grocery shopping in Chetla Market.
"Our systems stand exposed. We didn’t reach here overnight. This pandemic has only put the spotlight on our grave mistakes & messed up priorities. If this really is an opportunity to RESET..one can only hope we learn and rebuild a better world. A world liveable for not just a few," Kritika Kamra tweeted.
“Our journey in this world started in quarantine in our mother’s womb for 9 months where it was pitch dark with nobody around and we easily managed that. This time it’s just 21 days of quarantine, it shouldn’t be a problem guys. #StayHomeStaySafeSaveLives,” he tweeted.
I’m pledging my support to this noble initiative by PM @narendramodi ji. As a nation, we should all look to contribute to the PM-CARES Fund in the best of our capacity. It will help our nation to support our fellow citizens in distress," Ayushmann Khurrana tweeted.
Ayushmann Khurrana says, “It is quite disturbing to see videos and reports about people still not fully complying with the all India lockdown! The cases of Coronavirus are on the rise in India and as conscious citizens of the nation we should be extremely responsible & should take care of each other to fight COVID-19.”
"This is not the time to be irresponsible because such actions will put the lives of many in danger. It is my earnest request to all my fellow Indians to please stay at home till the lockdown and take care of themselves and their loved ones. We shouldn’t be rash in our behaviour because it will put our lives and lives of countless many in peril. I urge us to stand united and ensure we protect India and Indians," Ayushmann added.
A publicist for Joe Diffie says the country singer has tested positive for COVID-19. Scott Adkins released a statement to The Associated Press from Diffie that said he is under the care of medical professionals and is receiving treatment.
Also Read | Country singer Joe Diffie tests positive for coronavirus
Oprah Winfrey says she’s playing it safe when it comes to the rapidly spreading coronavirus. The 66-year-old entertainment icon told The Associated Press on Friday that she has been quarantining and practicing social distancing at her home — even if that means longtime partner Stedman Graham has to stay in the guest house.
Also Read | Oprah Winfrey on coronavirus: Playing it as safe as I possibly can
This is that time when all that matters is the lives of our people. And we need to do anything and everything it takes. I pledge to contribute Rs 25 crores from my savings to @narendramodi ji’s PM-CARES Fund. Let’s save lives, Jaan hai toh jahaan hai. ud83dude4fud83cudffb https://t.co/dKbxiLXFLS— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 28, 2020
Also Read | Coronavirus: Akshay Kumar donates Rs 25 crore to PM-CARES Fund
Singer Armaan Malik tweeted, 'People are not taking this virus seriously. Please don’t step out and take this lightly. Also, I don’t know if you guys believe in these home remedies but please keep drinking warm water with lemon/honey, do steam inhalation with haldi (turmeric) and ajwain & eat only veg food ??.'
Telugu superstar Nagarjuna tweeted, "#lockdown is a harsh reality and a necessity!!! Appreciating the response from my colleagues?I am Donating an amount of Rs 1 Crore for now as my bit for the well being of daily wages Film workers during this
#Coronacrisis. May god bless us!! #StayHomeStaySafe."
Hollywood actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson returned to Los Angeles on Friday after spending more than two weeks in quarantine in Australia after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Also Read | Tom Hanks returns to LA after bout of coronavirus: Reports
"The lockdown situation adversely impacts the lives of daily wage cine workers. Will be contributing Rs. 25 lakhs towards Corona crisis charity for TFI workers. Requesting all fellow actors to come forward and make their contributions in these testing times," Mahesh Babu tweeted.
Ram Gopal Varma is not having a good time in self-isolation. "Always thought every month has some 30 days. First time realising that it has a thousand days. Time is just not moving," Ram Gopal Varma wrote.
Subhas Ghai has asked his fans to stay home and stay safe.
"You know what to do! You know how critical it is! You know about self isolating, washing hands, social distancing , you know it all! Then ....do yourself a favour and just don’t read any more corona updates for a few days! Just happy and elevating news! Do this for yourself!" wrote Karan Johar.
"I know everyone feels like stepping out for just that little bit maybe just cup of coffee just to feel normal just to feel alive.... lekin the fact is we can’t we shouldn’t & we won’t if we know what’s best for us & our near & dear ones... this photo of mine is barely a month old, it held zero value for me but today it feels like a priceless moment. Life is strange na ? The stuff that we took for granted like a quick beverage on the go now seems like the greatest joy in the world. Stay home guys & let’s hope we learn to value the simpler things in life once all this is over..." Arjun Kapoor wrote on Instagram along with a picture.
In a video, Hema Malini requested fans to maintain social distancing and thanked warriors who are working to stop the pandemic.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Saturday rubbished the rumours about being put under home-quarantine by the government officials.
Read more | Kamal Haasan: Not under quarantine for coronavirus, following social distancing
Karan Johar shared a clip showing how Roohi Johar and Yash Johar are spending time during social-distancing.