'Destruction of human lives in the Kashmir floods is very disturbing'

"Why must we react to a calamity according to our antecedents?" Anupam Kher asks, referring to the alarming flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The actor is deeply concerned about the calamity, not as a Kashmiri but as an Indian.

"For me, a flood situation in Kashmir is as much a matter of concern as in Bihar or Assam. When the tsunami happened, it swept over all of Japan. The Japanese are known to be so well-planned and meticulous but they were not prepared to deal with the tsunami. Nothing prepares us for nature’s fury," he says.

Having said that, Anupam admits that he has relatives in Kashmir whom he is worried about.

“My first cousin is in Jammu. He sent me a picture of his brand new expensive car submerged in water. It’s destroyed completely, and he is heartbroken. The destruction of property and assets during this devastating floods is very disturbing. But even worse is the destruction of human lives. People are without food, homes have been swept away. Rescue operations are on. The army is doing a fine job. We can only pray and hope for the best."

Actor Sanjay Suri, who is from Kashmir, has a lot more to worry about. His mother lives in Kashmir all by herself.

"I have no relatives there but my mother is safe with friends. My prayers are with all of Jammu and Kashmir. There is a huge task ahead for the government and the forces rescuing people," he says.