Mahesh Bhatt supports 'rice bucket challenge', challenges Karan Johar

Hyderabad: Veteran movie-maker Mahesh Bhatt on Friday lent support to the 'rice bucket challenge' by distributing 'biryani' packets among the needy at a programme organised here by Taj Falaknuma Palace, a hotel of the Taj Group.

Bhatt then challenged the young film-maker Karan Johar to participate in a similar charity programme.

"We challenge the film industry's young and talented filmmaker Karan Johar... We have lit a lamp here. You light a lamp there. That is the only way we can end the darkness from the country and the world", he said while talking to reporters.

Bhatt stressed the need to inculcate empathy towards the weak, saying the initiative has rekindled the great Indian tradition of sharing.

The "rice bucket challenge" is the Indian version of the famous 'ice bucket challenge' of the US. It involves donating a bucket of rice to the needy, and clicking a picture and posting it online to raise awareness.

Mahesh Bhatt Pictures