Ghaywan to donate National Award cash prize to farmers

For a cause

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan has announced he and lyricist Varun Grover will donate their National Award prize money for the relief work for distressed farmers in Maharashtra.

While Ghaywan received the best debut directing honour at the 63rd National Awards for Masaan, Grover picked the best lyricist award for Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha). Ghaywan got Rs 1.25 lakh as the cash prize and Grover was rewarded with Rs 50,000.

“Me and @varungrover have decided to donate our National Award prize money towards relief work for distressed farmers in Maharashtra,” the director said.

“Out of the 1.25 lakh prize money, I will donate 50,000. Together, me and @varungrover will donate 1 lakh rupees. Of course, it’s a small amount, but my intent to make it public is to draw attention to agrarian crisis and encourage possible contributions,” he added.

Varun, who is donating all the wining money, said they will make sure the money is sent through a reliable channel. “Am donating all of it (INR 50k) and combined with @ghaywan’s it’ll be INR 1L. We'll find a credible channel so that it reaches the most needy. I know it’s just a drop in the ocean and the situation needs much more involvement (and not just cash), but at the moment this HAD to be done.

“Also chose to make it public mainly to inspire others. If nothing else, just read about the string of crises our farmers face every year...”