Hrithik Roshan joins Hollywood stars in raising USD 3.68 million for India's COVID-19 relief efforts

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has pledged $15,000 (Dh55,000) as part of author and podcaster Jay Shetty’s fund-raiser to help those struggling with COVID-19 in India.

According to reports, Hrithik has joined hands with Hollywood stars including Will Smith, singers Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello and TV show host Ellen DeGeneres who coughed up generous amounts to help India, which is being crippled by a savage second wave of COVID-19.

Jay has started the fundraiser, Help India Breathe, with the intention of raising $1 million to help India procure resources to fight against the coronavirus. Taking to Instagram, Jay revealed that Hrithik joined international stars Ellen DeGeneres and Brendon Burchard, among others, to contribute towards the fund.

Amidst India's coronavirus crisis, celebrities from across the globe have been raising awareness and encouraging fans to help out in various relief efforts. Social media is playing a significant role in connecting donors and helpers to families in need. While some stars have been donating to various causes, others have been using their platforms to amplify the needs of COVID patients including demands for hospital beds, oxygen, medicines and other facilities.

Several Bollywood celebs like Taapsee Pannu, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan, Bhumi Pednekar, Katrina Kaif, Sidharth Malhotra, among others have come forward to engage with their followers to amplify distress calls, share helpline numbers and support relief efforts.

India has been grappling with a shortage of medical supplies. India on Monday reported 3,68,147 new cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the preceding 24 hours, pushing the country's total infection tally close to 20 million cases. The country's cumulative case count has now reached 19,925,604, according to the Union health ministry's dashboard at 9:15 am.