Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has reportedly stepped in to support families affected by the recent flash floods in Uttarakhand. The actor has donated 50 phones to help residents of Uttarakhand’s Harsil and Dharali districts. Many families lost their belongings in the flood and the devices would help re-establish communication in the affected area.

The initiative was co-ordinated by the Gurugram-based non-profit organisation Bharat Disaster Relief Foundation (BDRF). Each phone, valued at approximately Rs 7,000, was dispatched following a request from BDRF’s Divyanshu Upadhyay to Akhtar for assistance.

A source familiar with the initiative told News 18, “Divyanshu messaged Farhan on August 10. Soon, the actor sent 50 phones, each worth Rs 7,000. The phones came in handy as people had lost touch with their families as well as relatives. It helped them re-establish connections and let each other know of their condition. BDRF had earlier distributed food, blankets, and mattresses.”

The absence of mobile connectivity emerged as a significant issue among survivors. Due to the bad weather, many relocated to temporary shelters. The lack of communication channels made it difficult for families to reassure one another about their safety or request additional help. In response, BDRF teams focused on alleviating these concerns through Akhtar’s donation.

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

On the professional front, Akhtar is gearing up to direct the much-anticipated film ‘Don 3.’ The film will be headlined by actor Ranveer Singh. It would reportedly feature Kriti Sanon opposite Singh.

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