No, not healthwise. But the legendary actor is overwhelmed with love and support- mostly monetary. The actor has received a total of Rs 7 lakh approximately.
A source close to Hangal said, "Hangal has realised that all that was needed was a reminder to the industry people to come forward and offer their support."
Sure enough, recently, Karan Johar and Priyanka Chopra gave the actor Rs 1 lakh each. Farah Khan was also making discreet enquiries about Hangal's address. "I want to send him some help. I loved him as an actor," she was heard telling a friend.
Dinesh Chaturvedi, General Secretary of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) said, "Our hearts bleeds for Hangal saab. What a fine actor he was. We gave him Rs 1 lakh."
It wasn't only Bollywood that was affected. Help arrived even from the fashion world too. AK Hangal recently "walked" the ramp in a wheelchair for fashion designer Riyaz Ganji and his summer line.
The 94-year-old actor, remembered fondly as Rahim chacha of Sholay, was brought on stage in a wheelchair, wearing a cream-coloured dhoti and a black coat. Riyaz donated Rs. 50,000 to Hangal at the end of the show.
While some chose immediate help, others offered long-term aid. The Bachchans decided to take over Hangal's medical expenses entirely. Confirming this, Hangal's 74-year old son Vijay said, "A lot of people have come forward to help us.
We also received Rs 2 lakh from the PM's office and Rs 1 lakh from the President's office. We did not expect to get so much help."
Vijay, who himself is past his prime, has spent many years as a Bollywood photographer. Though still worried about his father's dwindling health, Vijay says, "Nowadays Baba gets a sinking feeling towards the evening. His health is not really good. But we are definitely breathing free now."
