MUMBAI: Legendary music director and Padma Bhushan Award winner Khayyam Sahab recently graced the grand press-meet of FWICE aka Federation of Western India Cine Employees, which is known as the film industry’s renowned association. The event was hosted by the President and the General Secretary of the association, B.N. Tiwari and Ashok Dubey.

The 92-year-old Khayyam Sahab, donated a cheque of Rs.1.5 lakh to FWICE for the welfare of cine workers expressed, “Film Industry has given me so much in wealth and fame. So, in turn we thought of giving it back and that is why we have started donating Rs. 1.5 lakh every year to FWICE to take care of the needy workers. I appeal that more people from our industry come forward and generously support our workers and technicians. Even in our absence, the trust will donate this amount annually.”

It is for the third time in a row that the legend has contributed to the association through his KPJ Charitable Trust.

Further sharing about how his property would be utilized for the donations, the legendary music director added, “Our property and jewellery will be liquefied and put into our fixed deposit accounts. The interest incurred on them will be used for various donations. Every year, Rs. 5 lakh will be donated to Prime Ministers’ fund besides donating some amount to Maharashtra Chief Ministers’ welfare fund. The trust will also help individual cine workers by offering an amount of Rs. 10,000 to 20,000.”

FWICE President B.N. Tiwari also spoke on the occasion. He said, “We are thankful to Khayyam Sahab who is thinking about the workers’ welfare associated with our film industry. Many more should come forward and donate for such issues. I am overwhelmed and pray to Almighty God that let us avail his blessings all the time. Even though he does not donate, his presence will encourage us in our initiatives.”

FSSAMU General Secretary Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav a.k.a Sanju and FWICE General Secretary Ashok Dubey also jointly said, “Film and television producers that the workers and technicians are team members who cannot do without each other. We have to walk together and think from both the ends too. We thus want to make our organization more committed.”

The event that was a grand affair was attended by other dignitaries like Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota, Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) General Secretary Sushant Singh and other important office bearers of the 22-allied unions.

Khayyam Sahab has given music to iconic songs Tere Chehre Se Nazar Nahi Hatati from Kabhi Kabhi, Mohabbat Bade Kaam Ki Cheez Hai and Janeman Tum Kamal Karti Ho etc. and others. He visited the venue with his wife Jagjeet Kaur for making the donation.