Air kisses and plenty of flirtation: Arjun Rampal Mesmerizes Houstonians With His Generosity At CRY Foundation Gala Dinner

I am not sure it was the wonderful cause or the irresistible charm of Indian actor and model Arjun Rampal that guests fervently raised their hands to donate at the CRY America Houston gala dinner on Sunday night. Well like they say – whatever it takes for a good cause. On June 11, 2017 over a hundred Indian Americans gathered at the Sweetwater Country Club for the annual CRY Charity gala event to raise awareness and funds. It began with the makings of a typical Indian gala scene with ladies in Bollywood style saris and men in suits until the very handsome Arjun Rampal walked into the club in a slim black tie suit, coffee in one hand and a wave to the enthusiastic crowd with the most mesmerizing smile.

Houston was Arjun Rampal’s last stop for the charity dinner after successful appearances in the Bay Area, Orange County and New York. CRY America is a non-profit organization that is driven by its vision that believes in equal opportunities for all children to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams. The organization ensures that basic rights of education, healthcare and protection from exploitation and abuse are restored to underprivileged children. Last year actress and model Pooja Batra was the celebrity attraction for the gala dinner for CRY and she continues to serve them. CRY America’s development work is sustained by the partnerships built at the grassroots level in India and the USA.

Emcees for the evening FOX 26 Reporter Rashi Vats and ABC 13 Reporter Pooja Lodhia did an outstanding job with a successful live auction and their tête-à-tête with the audience. The gorgeous desi reporter duo dressed in fusion ethnic wear from Poshak Houston. In my career as a journalist I have had the honor to meet a lot of actors and dignitaries and it was heartwarming to see the celebrity guest’s warm modest attitude with a sincere passion for the cause. He happily photographed with the guests and was hands on in raising money during the live pledge drive. His jovial flirtations was certainly a big draw for guests to open up their hearts and wallets. He walked around the tables to take pictures with the generous donors and ladies snagged a kiss on the cheek. “It feels wonderful to be here so many miles away and meet people from your own country who are still connected, who still want to give back and be responsible for their country,” explains Rampal. Bay Area based dentist, Nisha flew all the way to just be seated next to the actor and support a good cause. “People like Nisha who just flew down to visit me because she missed the Bay Area event makes me feel so special,” he added.

The event had a bit of everything, bollywood dance, great auction items, Skype conversation with CRY India and an exclusive showcase of Arjun Rampal’s upcoming movie “Daddy” which is scheduled to release on July 21, 2017. The film is produced and cast by Arjun Rampal and is based on a true story on Mumbai’s underworld of crime and corruption. Hailing from an army family, Arjun is very passionate about making a change, whether environmental or in the governmental system. He hopes for peace, equality and a corruption free India. “I am honored to be involved with CRY, as a father of two daughters I cannot imagine if my children were out there helpless,” says Arjun.

With the tireless efforts of volunteers, donors and board members, Child Rights and You (CRY) America had a successful event with Dharam Bali, Ruchika Singh Das, Minakshi Bali, Hema Prasad, Tyna Pariani, Abby Olivia, Ashima Chauhan, Manish Jain, Ash Shah, Malika Chei and many others. For donations and more information please visit america.cry.org.

Photo Credit: Murali Santhana