Farhan Akhtar Aids Flood-Hit Uttarakhand Families By Donating Phones | Bollywood News

Last Updated:August 25, 2025, 08:46 IST

Farhan Akhtar donated 50 multimedia phones via Bharat Disaster Relief Foundation to flood-hit families in Harsil and Dharali.

Farhan Akhtar distributed around 50 multimedia phones to the people who were displaced in Uttarakhand’s floods.

When flash floods struck Uttarakhand earlier this month, they left many families without homes, belongings, or a way to contact their loved ones. Amid the chaos and uncertainty, people struggled not just with basic necessities but also with the fear and isolation of being cut off from family and friends. In response, actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar stepped in to help, providing a small yet meaningful lifeline to those affected. Akhtar donated 50 multimedia phones to residents of Harsil and Dharali, enabling families to reach out to one another and reassure each other of their safety.

According to the Gurugram-based non-profit Bharat Disaster Relief Foundation (BDRF), which has been coordinating support in the affected areas, Farhan Akhtar donated 50 multimedia phones to residents of Harsil and Dharali who had lost their belongings in the disaster. Each phone, valued at around Rs 7,000, was sent after BDRF’s Divyanshu Upadhyay reached out to the actor for assistance.

A source familiar with the initiative revealed, “Divyanshu messaged Farhan on August 10, and soon, the actor sent 50 multimedia phones, each worth Rs 7000. The phones came in handy as people had lost touch with their families as well as relatives. It helped them re-establish connection and let each other know of their condition. The BDRF had earlier distributed food, blankets, and mattresses.”

Since the floods, BDRF teams have been stationed on the ground, delivering essential supplies such as food rations, blankets, and mattresses to displaced families. However, the absence of mobile connectivity had emerged as one of the most pressing concerns among survivors. Many families, relocated to temporary shelters such as dharamshalas, were unable to reassure relatives about their safety or reach out for help.

A volunteer who participated in the distribution of the phones highlighted the impact of the gesture. “As they reconnected with their loved ones after being cut off for days, people felt not only a sense of relief but also less isolated. One could see the comfort it brought them as they reassured their families and extended families that they were okay. With several properties completely destroyed, many have been living in dharamshalas over the past few weeks and were struggling to touch base with families or relatives.”