A.K. Hangal becomes showstopper for designer Riyaz Ganji

MUMBAI - It was a sight never seen before as ailing veteran actor A.K. Hangal ‘walked’ the ramp in a wheelchair for fashion designer Riyaz Ganji for his summer line here Monday evening.

The 94-year-old actor, famously known as Rahim chacha of Sholay, came on the stage mounted on a wheelchair wearing a cream coloured dhoti and black coat, to bring the fashion designer’s summer collection to a graceful end.

The actor is struggling to be alive as his source of income has dried up and has very little money left for food or medicine.

To help Hangal recover from his illness and improve his financial status, Riyaz donated Rs.50,000 from his side. And that’s not all!

The designer told IANS, All the 18 models who walked the ramp donning my collection have also donated 50 percent of their remuneration, amounting to Rs.25,000, for the well being of the veteran actor.

Riyaz will also be auctioning off all his six collections that he displayed on ramp and give all the money to Hangal and his family.

It was a fantastic show. I have never seen so many photographers and press in my life before, I am feeling great, Hangal told reporters after the show at BKC Trident.

Hangal, a professional tailor-turned-actor, lives a life of penury in his modest groundfloor flat in Saraswati Apartments, Santacruz East. He is unable to afford his mounting medical bills while suffering from old age related problems. Tending to him is his son, Vijay, 75, a former Bollywood still photographer, who had to give up his work due to a severe back ailment.

After hearing the plight of Hangal, many Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan came forward to offer their support.