Farhan Akhtar Helps Flood-Affected Families in Uttarakhand by Donating Mobile Phones

When devastating flash floods struck Uttarakhand earlier this month, many families were left homeless, losing not just their belongings but also the ability to communicate with loved ones.

Amid this uncertainty and isolation, actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar stepped in to provide vital support by donating 50 multimedia phones to residents of Harsil and Dharali, helping families reconnect and check on each other’s safety. The initiative was coordinated with the Gurugram-based non-profit Bharat Disaster Relief Foundation (BDRF), which has been actively supporting affected communities. Each phone, valued at approximately ₹7,000, was sent after BDRF’s Divyanshu Upadhyay reached out to Akhtar for assistance.

A source familiar with the effort shared, “Divyanshu messaged Farhan on August 10, and soon, the actor sent 50 multimedia phones. These phones were crucial for families who had lost touch with their relatives, allowing them to re-establish contact and reassure one another of their well-being. Earlier, BDRF had distributed food, blankets, and mattresses to the flood-affected areas.”

Since the floods, BDRF teams have been on the ground delivering essential supplies such as food rations, blankets, and mattresses to displaced families. However, the lack of mobile connectivity had emerged as one of the most urgent needs, especially for those relocated to temporary shelters like dharamshalas, who struggled to inform relatives about their condition.

A BDRF volunteer involved in the phone distribution highlighted the impact: “As families reconnected with their loved ones after days of being cut off, there was an immediate sense of relief and reduced isolation. People were visibly comforted, able to reassure their families that they were safe. With many homes destroyed, families have been living in dharamshalas for weeks, and these phones became a crucial lifeline for them.”