Just when the plight of veterans in Bollywood was getting occupied at discussion tables in Bollywood, B-town big wigs came in to the rescue of the ailing A.K. Hangal better known as Rahim chacha from ‘Sholay’ making the veteran breathe easy.

Big B, Priyanka Chopra, Karan Johar has extended support worth Rs. 7 lakh and the veteran is overwhelmed.

Recently, Johar and Chopra gave the actor Rs 1 lakh each.

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 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.”

Hangal’s son Vijay who has worked as photographer in Bollywood is still concerned about his fathers deteriorating health says, “Nowadays Baba gets a sinking feeling towards the evening. His health is not really good. But we are definitely breathing free now.”