Hyderabad, Sep 5 (IANS): Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt 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 challenged young filmmaker 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 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.

Taj Falaknuma in association with Sapna Iktara Foundation distributed 500 packets of 'biryani' among the underprivileged near the Cancer Hospital at KBR Park.

Girish Sehgal, general manager, Taj Falaknuma, said the rice bucket challenge is creating awareness about the need to help alleviate hunger by donating a bucket of rice.

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.

Manju Latha Kalanidhi, who came up with the idea of the rice bucket challenge, hoped that the participation of Mahesh Bhatt and support of major organizations like Taj Hotels will give a boost to the initiative.

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