Mukesh launches foundation to help the poor

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KOCHI: Malayalam film actor Mukesh Monday launched a foundation to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy for their education, medical requirements and employment. Mukesh said he was inspired to start such a foundation from the reactions of the participants of the television show ''Deal or No Deal'' which is being anchored by him.

"This is an attempt to help those in need and to make their dreams come true," the actor told reporters here. The Mukesh Foundation is an association of prominent people from different walks of life who wish to lend a helping hand to the under privileged, he said.

Captain Krishnan Nair of the Leela Group, leading entrepreneur in the Gulf Mohamamad Ali and promoter of Gulfar group, Dr Philip Augustine, Managing Director of Lakeshore hospital, Bollywood director Priyadarshan are among the patrons. The foundation will be associated with the Heart Foundation of the Sunrise hospital here.

It will extend medical support to the needy and poor, Mukesh said. A panel of doctors from the hospital would select those needing the help.

The actor said he also has plans to open a hospital at Kollam within five years in memory of his father O Madhavan, a veteran theatre actor. The unveiling of the logo of the foundation was done by actor director Sreenivasan.