"All is not well", says Khan; promises to organise donations; and urges people to visit Leh to boost local economy
This was how a concerned Aamir Khan reacted today on seeing the condition of The Druk White Lotus School where the Bollywood star shot for his super hit '3 Idiots', tweaking the film's popular punch dialogue "All is well" to reflect the ground situation.
The school which was damaged in the devastating cloudburst nearly two weeks back shot into limelight after it was featured as Aamir aka Rancho's school in the film.
45-year-old Aamir has a very special attachment with the school, about 15 km from Leh on the Leh-Manali highway.
Responding to the query if he would still say the famous dialogue from '3 Idiots' ? All is well ? Aamir said, "All is not well. But for the sake of humanity one should help others.One should raise the morale of others."
The actor said he will also donate a specific sum "well within my means" to the PM Relief Fund but however did not disclose the exact sum.
He said he will also ask his Bollywood colleagues, once he goes back, to donate to the relief fund. "The film industry never shies away from helping out in national disasters."
"He also appealed to people across the country to come and visit Leh which he said was like?paradise?."
"What has happened has happened. But things are being brought back to normal. Leh is mainly run by tourism and I would ask you not to drop plans of visiting this place because of cloudburst. Even if you are planning to make a trip later, please come to Leh," Aamir said.
"I am very sad that about 200 lives have been lost and over 10,000 houses have been damaged. My sincere condolences to all those who lost their lives,? he said.
Asked why no other unit members of the movie had come along with him, he said, "I spoke to Raju Hirani (Director).He could not come but has promised all help. Actually, I am the only one who is not shooting and hence am here."
Asked if he wanted to grow up and become an actor like Aamir, he said "No. I want to be a scientist."