The Bachchan clan raised a whopping Rs.25 lakh (Rs.2.5 million) for a charity through sale of special paintings, based on interpretations of Amitabh Bachchan, and a book, which was unveiled to mark the megastar’s 70th birthday.

On Amitabh’s 70th birthday celebrations in October 2012, a special art exhibition was held with 70 paintings from leading artists from all over India. A book titled “B70”, commemorating the special paintings, was also launched.

The proceeds from the sale was Saturday given to charity organisation Plan India for their Girl Child Campaign, it was announced here in the presence of Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek and Aishwarya.

“Whatever we have got after selling all the books, has been given to Plan India. In future, no matter how many books are sold, after deducting the tax, the entire money will be given to Plan India,” Jaya told reporters.

Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan

Granddaughter Aaradhya was missing from the event. “I was just telling Aishwarya it didn’t occur to me before, we would have got Aaradhya and she would have given the cheque,” said Jaya.

Amitabh says he and his wife Jaya have never believed in discrimination. “I have always believed there is no difference between a male and female child. I have said it on many forums, and I say it here again. I have a son and a daughter and whatever little we have, will be equally divided,” he said.

“That is my personal belief and that is the belief of Jaya too. I feel we never had any discrimination between a girl child or a boy. They have equal place in our lives,” added Amitabh.

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