Over Rs.1.15 crore ($246,000) were raised in aid of the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at a charity event in London attended by Bollywood stars and members of British royalty, a statement said Friday.

The event, held Thursday, was organised by DVK Foundation whose founder Deepak Kuntawala was one of the survivors of the attack on the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel.

A press release issued by the organisers said that the function held at the Royal Kensington Palace was attended by members of the British royalty and celebrities from India and Britain.

'More than Rs.1.15 crore were collected during the event, which was hosted by the acclaimed Indian film and television actor Kabir Bedi and his actress-daughter Pooja Bedi,' said a press release.

The money was raised through the fundraising dinner and auction, which was conducted by actor Boman Irani.

The items on auction included a weekend on the luxury yacht which went for 11,000 pounds to British musician Newton Faulkner.

Another item on the list was a ticket to the movie premier of 'Avatar' with Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver, which went for 10,000 pounds.

'The event is an affirmation of the human spirit that rises above dark tragedy and reaches for the light of compassion,' Kabir Bedi was quoted as saying in the press release.

Besides, a poetry tribute to the victims of Mumbai terror attacks by film director Shekhar Kapur and a musical performance of Phantom of the Opera were some of the attractions of the night.

On Nov 26, 2008, 10 terrorists sneaked into India's financial capital Mumbai by sea and in a carnage that lasted nearly 60 hours killed 166 people and injured 244 more.

SEARCH