More than 300 staff would stop working for four days at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5
world2 hours ago
In a touching tribute to the UAE’s frontline warriors, Indian superstar Mohanlal visited Burjeel Medical City on Monday and conveyed his gratitude to the nurses for their relentless service in the fight against the coronavirus.
Last year, on International Nurses Day, he had called several nurses working in different emirates to commend them for their role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. During the telephonic conversation with the actor, nurse Sonia Chacko had a special request.
“When are you coming to meet us in the UAE, Laletta?” she asked the star. The actor replied: “I will visit the frontliners, including you, once the pandemic is under control and the travel restrictions are eased.” A year later, the actor has made good on his promise by visiting the nurses who have been bravely battling the pandemic from the frontlines. The 15 nurses that he spoke with last year are thrilled that he kept his word. While some of them travelled from Sharjah, Dubai and Al Ain to meet him, the others interacted with him on the big screen.
Chacko can barely contain her excitement. “When he called last year to wish me on International Nurses Day, I had requested him to meet us the next time he comes to the UAE. I can’t believe my wish has come true. This is indeed a memorable occasion for all of us nurses. Such gestures inspire us and fill us with positivity,” she said.
The actor interacted with the medical staff in an event organised by VPS Healthcare, which owns Burjeel Medical City. John Sunil, regional chief executive officer, Burjeel Hospitals, welcomed the actor to the event.
The actor, among the select few Indians who have been granted the UAE’s Golden Visa, spent some time interacting with the nurses and thanked them for their service. “Nurses and doctors are the real heroes in these challenging times. I am happy that I could come here and greet you all. You have been dispensing an invaluable service to the community at a difficult time like this. I appreciate your courage and sacrifices and thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Mohanlal, who also thanked Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman and managing director of VPS Healthcare, for inviting him to the event.
One of the nurses asked him if he would consider staying in the UAE for a longer duration now that he has received the golden visa. “I first visited the UAE 40 years ago and it is like my second home. If you insist, I will come and stay here,” he said on a lighter note.
When registered nurse Sinu from Burjeel Royal Hospital, Al Ain, asked him how he handles work stress, he said: “This is my 44th year in movies. If you have commitment, gratitude, the fire to succeed and most importantly, the grace of God, you can overcome such pressures. I wish that all of you are abundantly blessed with these qualities.”
For Maria Du Plooy, registered nurse at Burjeel Medical City, who had only heard of Mohanlal from her colleagues, meeting the actor was a special moment. She said: “I am happy that I got a chance to meet a beloved movie star from India. My staff became quite starry-eyed when they knew you were in the building and wanted me to ask you if you would make a movie with a hospital theme while you are here in Abu Dhabi.” To this, the actor replied: “I will definitely take it as a challenge and do it.”
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
More than 300 staff would stop working for four days at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5
world2 hours ago
Begging is a crime in the UAE punishable by a Dh5,000 fine and three-months imprisonment
uae3 hours ago
Set to be five times the size of DXB, Al Maktoum International will span 70 square-km
aviation3 hours ago
Officers found hidden compartments in her luggage, prompting a thorough examination that revealed the illicit substance
crime3 hours ago
In recognition of his honesty and integrity, Dubai police awarded Ali Jamal Al Balushi with a certificate of appreciation
uae4 hours ago
Strong demand is outpacing supply at a faster rate this year than estimated, especially after the UAE’s removal from FATF Grey List
uae5 hours ago
The initiative is expected to boost public transport usage
uae5 hours ago