Aamir Khan begs Bollywood support for community radio

What is actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan now hectic with? He is urging the people and Bollywood celebrities to support community radio Jago Mumbai 90.8 in Bandra and tells he is happy to back the endeavor because it will help the residents in knowing each other and in getting closer.

"When they were starting the radio channel, I helped them with funds. I would like to give my time to the radio channel as well. There are other celebrities who also helped in getting the funds. And whenever they would require funds, we would love to contribute," Aamir, 46, said reporters Sunday.

He was celebrating the first anniversary of the only community radio station run by the residents of Sea Hill Building in Bandra, where he also lives.

Aamir thinks there won't be a lack of celebrity support as many known names from Bollywood like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, belong to the area.

"Bandra is such a place where the concentration of celebrity is the most. Me and Salman were born in Bandra and now Shah Rukh also stays here. Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir were also born here and so is Kareena.

"So the radio station shouldn't fall short of neither funds nor celebrities. I would say all of them should come and be part of the radio station. This is our radio station. We shouldn't come as celebrities, we should come as a Bandraites," included the actor who is known for his performances in movies like "Sarfarosh", "Rang De Basanti" and "3 Idiots".

The radio station's first anniversary came with Maharashtra Day.

"Happy Maharashtra Day to all Maharashtrians. I think the community radio like Jago Mumbai is something we should have more and more of. When I was approached with the idea of community radio, I was happy that someone is thinking of it and I was happy to support it," told Aamir, who recently produced small budgets hits like "Peepli Live" and "Dhobi Ghat".

He is sure that such endeavor can be a great platform for budding talent and can help grow a more close-knit society.

"Each area should have a community radio. India being such a big country, you will find talent in every corner of the country. But everyone can't make it to the national level. So such community radio can be a huge platform to start with.  It also helps in knowing people of the community. I don't know everyone in this community, but can get to know through the radio station. Housewives would teach us new recipes, or seniors would tell us how Bandra was 50 years ago. When we listen to the radio or when people take initiative to contribute to the radio channel, the community becomes more close-knit. And that's how a healthy community is formed," added Aamir.

Jago Mumbai 90.8 radio station also has a presence in other areas of the city like Santacruz, Vile Parle, Lokhandwala, Irla, Khar and Juhu.