In trying times like these, with the Coronavirus pandemic, celebrities and influential personalities have come forward to contribute in any way they can- be it donations, or relief efforts. Now, Mammootty, megastar of South Indian film industry is doing his bit, by leading a massive relief effort. As chairman of popular Malayalam channel Kairali TV, Mammootty is sponsoring 1000 air tickets free of cost to expatriates in distress, who are waiting to be sent back by special flights by Air India.
John Brittas, Kairali TV’s managing director confirmed this. While speaking with Khaleej Times, Brittas said that in the first phase of the mission, 1,000 air tickets will be given free of cost to ‘the most deprived and stranded expatriates from Kerala’. He said that they are exploring the possibility of launching chartered flights from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries to Kerala, however, special permissions will be required for the same from government authorities. Further, in the second phase, hundreds more expats will be given flight tickets.
Brittas further stated that to ensure that only the ones in need be provided with the free one-way ticket that costs around Rs 15,000, Mammootty has appointed a screening panel.
In other news, Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express are scheduled to operate 64 flights between May 7 and May 14 as part of the first phase of India’s evacuation drive Vande Bharat Mission. It’s set to bring 14,800 Indians from 12 countries on a payment basis and this relief effort by Mammootty will be a huge help for those in need. ALSO READ: Prachi Tehlan On Shifting Gears From Sports To Acting, Her South Debut Opposite Mammootty, Social Media Trolling And Bollywood Aspirations - EXCLUSIVE
Image SOurce: Instagram/mammootty