Kerala stars put on grand show to raise relief funds in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Most performances throughout the night stressed on the importance of preserving the environment.

The who's who of the Malayalam film industry presented six hours of non-stop entertainment in Abu Dhabi to raise funds for rebuilding the flood-ravaged Indian state of Kerala.
Some 65 members of Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma) on Friday performed in front of a big crowd at Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel.
The show, Onnannu Nammal (We are together), was kicked off by actors Mohanlal and Mammootty, who described how the tiny state stood united during the aftermath of the calamity.
"In the aftermath of the devastating floods, Keralites turned each stumbling block into a stepping stone," Amma president Mohanlal said. "We should all stay united and continue this level of support."
Mammootty said: "The flood had seen many of our young actors step up to offer help to the needy." The Onnannu Nammal show brought together lot of youngsters, too, like Mia George, Anu Sithara, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Asif Ali, Dulquer Salmaan and Nivin Pauly.
Satires and comedy
Most performances throughout the night stressed on the importance of preserving the environment. The acts highlighted elements of Earth, water, fire, air and sky, sending out a clear message  - save nature and save the future.
Skits were also filled with satires, quirky comedy and tongue-in-cheek messages. Of all the performances, it was the one that featured both Mohanlal and Mammootty that stole the show. Actress Manju Warrier and Mohanlal also sang Kondoram from the highly anticipated movie Odiyan.
The six-hour spectacle ensured that people got their money's worth. Amma and Star India Private Limited will donate all proceeds to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The organisers said they hoped to raise Rs50 million through the show.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi