Actors should use celeb status to help society: Richa Chadha

Richa Chadha has launched a new campaign to raise money to provide shelter for women who have been victims of human trafficking and the actress says though it is not compulsory, film stars should support social issues.

For the latest venture called A Bungalow on The Hill, Richa has joined hands with KETTO, which is a crowd funding digital platforms owned by actor Kunal Kapoor.

The "Gangs of Wasseypur" actress will help raise funds for NGO Purnata which provides shelter home in suburban Mumbai where upto 15 such girls are given various forms of training including dance, vocational training and other activities.

When asked if it is important for Bollywood stars to get involved with philanthropy, Richa said, "It is not compulsory but I think what happens is when you start doing it you feel so good. It is always a great feeling to contribute to the society.

"When you start a normal campaign, you might not get as much attention as you would get if a celebrity is attached to it. It is because a celebrity is always in the news and limelight. We as actors can make good use of that. It has always been my intention," the actress told PTI.

Richa says she is glad to be a part of such an initiative as it is a cause she firmly believes in.

"I always wanted to be part of something I believe in. I did some research about what I can do and who I can help. Then I came across this and I realised it needs urgent attention."

The actress says there is a long way to go with the project and she is currently focused on getting people to know about this initiative and help raise as much donation as possible.

"Right now we are working on making people aware about it. The thing is once we have achieved this target, I will look at next step of donations."

Richa says it is a very transparent way of making a contribution as one can track the status of his/her donation and also check how it is being utilised.

"It is more like a global project. People from any part of the world can contribute.

You can track your contribution and see who has paid how much and what happens with the money."

The actress has also made a three-and-half minute promotional documentary and is taking aid of her friends from Bollywood to carry the message of the campaign far and wide.

"The objective of the documentary was to make the contributors meet the real victims. I have some influential friends in the film industry, who I have got to tweet about it."