Actor Akshay Kumar has made a substantial donation of Rs 1.21 crore to support the renovation project of the Haji Ali Dargah, according to a statement from an official of the shrine’s trust on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
The news of Kumar’s generous contribution was shared by Suhail Khandwani, the managing trustee of Haji Ali Dargah, via social media platform X. Khandwani expressed his gratitude towards the Bollywood superstar, acknowledging Kumar’s pivotal role in aiding the renovation efforts for the dargah, which stands as one of Mumbai’s most iconic Indo-Islamic architectural landmarks.
In his social media post, Khandwani officially announced, “Bollywood Super Star Padmashri @akshaykumar generously took the responsibility for a section of the renovation expenses, amounting to ₹1,21,00,000/- for the renovation work underway of Haji Ali Dargah. It was my honor as Managing Trustee with my entire team to welcome the philanthropist. Duaa for his late parents and the entire nation were made.”
To further commemorate this significant gesture, Khandwani also posted a video capturing Kumar’s visit to the historic shrine. During his visit, Kumar was seen engaging in prayers and offering a chaddar, a traditional cloth presented at Sufi shrines.
The official handle of the Haji Ali Dargah Trust also took to social media to amplify Khandwani’s announcement, signifying the collective appreciation from the trust for Kumar’s substantial contribution. The trust has been tirelessly working towards the restoration of this sacred site, which houses the tomb of the revered Sufi saint Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.
Akshay Kumar’s donation comes at a time when the actor is navigating a challenging phase in his career. Despite his immense popularity and a consistent record of delivering blockbuster hits, Kumar’s recent films, including Sarfira, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Mission Raniganj, Selfiee, Raksha Bandhan, Samrat Prithviraj, and Bachchhan Pandey, have failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Nevertheless, Kumar remains optimistic and is eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming film, Khel Khel Mein.
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Khel Khel Mein, directed by Mudassar Aziz, features a star-studded cast including Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal, and Fardeen Khan. The film is slated for a theatrical release on August 15, which has fans and industry watchers hopeful for a turnaround in Kumar’s cinematic fortunes.
Kumar, who is often hailed for his philanthropic spirit, has consistently been involved in various charitable activities and social causes. His donation to the Haji Ali Dargah renovation project reinforces his commitment to cultural and heritage preservation, reflecting his belief in giving back to society and uplifting significant historical landmarks.
The Haji Ali Dargah, which draws countless devotees and tourists from across the globe, is not just a religious monument but a beacon of Mumbai’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The ongoing renovation work aims to restore the dargah’s original grandeur while ensuring it stands resilient for future generations.
Khandwani, in his social media post, also emphasized the importance of conservation efforts for such historic sites. “Historic landmarks like the Haji Ali Dargah are not only places of worship but are also integral to our cultural identity. Contributions like those from Akshay Kumar help us in preserving our heritage and ensuring these sites continue to inspire and bless people.”
Kumar’s contribution underscores the critical role that public figures can play in fostering positive social impacts and addressing community needs. His action has not only provided much-needed financial support for the dargah’s renovation but has also drawn broader attention to the importance of maintaining and respecting cultural heritage sites.
As the restoration work progresses at Haji Ali Dargah, the trust and community members are hopeful that more individuals and organizations will follow in Kumar’s footsteps, contributing to the preservation of this iconic structure and ensuring its legacy endures for many more years to come.
The Haji Ali Dargah Trust continues to welcome donations and support from all quarters, aiming to complete the renovation with the highest standards of craftsmanship and care, reflecting the dargah’s historical and spiritual significance.