Deepika Padukone donates INR1m to 'Chhapaak' co-star

Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone has reportedly donated a hefty amount for the kidney transplant of an acid-attack survivor and her Chhapaak co-star, Bala Prajapati. The 25-year-old is currently fighting for her life at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital.

Bala's kidney transplant will cost approximately INR1.6 million. She is currently in critical. What was initially an infection in her kidney, has now spread throughout her body, with fluid filling her lungs. Bala has undergone two dialysis cycles but her condition remains serious.

According to Filmfare, Chhanv Foundation – an Indian organisation which helps acid victims – started an online crowd funding drive. A video of Bala from the hospital has also been posted online. In the clip, she can be seen pleading for help for her treatment.

Ashish Kumar of Chhanv Foundation said that after learning about Bala's condition, Deepika has donated INR1 million for her treatment. However, the amount seems to be varying as Times of India reported that the Padmaavat star has given INR1.5 million for Bala's treatment. Apart from this, other people are also coming forward to help.

In 2012, Bala and her grandfather were attacked with acid by their landlord. There was mutual enmity in Bala's family and the miscreants who attacked Bala. Her grandfather was killed in the attack. Her hands, throat and face were burnt by the acid. Bala was admitted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, where she underwent 12 surgeries. Bala's father is a farmer and she has three younger siblings.

Deepika's 2019 social drama garnered a lot of praise. "It is not often when you come across a story where you have to sit through an entire narration. It is not usually in the first few minutes of meeting that you decide on committing to something, and Chhapaak was this for me. It has been an incredible journey,” the actor had previously shared, explaining her instant connection with the script and why she took upon such a challenging role.

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