Producer Firoz Nadiadwala: When I saw cops on duty, realised how tough it is for them

Firoz Nadiadwala

Away from the spotlight, producer Firoz Nadiadwala has been offering assistance to the city's police personnel amid the current crisis. The producer began the initiative in March by reaching out to the patrolling cops and those at checkpoints in his Juhu Scheme neighbourhood. "When I saw the cops doing their duty and risking their lives by exposing themselves to the virus, it made me realise how tough it is for them. I began by providing breakfast and lunch food packets to them along with bottles of mineral water," says the producer, who has backed Phir Hera Pheri (2006) and Welcome Back (2015), among other films.

In the following weeks, Nadiadwala extended his initiative to the Juhu, Versova, DN Nagar, Oshiwara and Amboli police stations. The food is prepared and distributed by his staff under his watchful eyes. "I want to ensure that quality food is being served to the frontline heroes." In May, he tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital for a week. His ill-health did not put the brakes on his humanitarian cause. "My staff continued with the aid, even providing the cops with face shields."

Firoz Nadiadwala has provided cops with face shields

Besides sending ration to the gurudwara at Four Bungalows in Andheri, he has taken the responsibility of providing monthly ration kits to 100 families. Each kit contains essentials - including basmati rice, pulses and oil - to suffice a family of four. The producer has opened up about his cause in a bid to encourage others. "I want others to join us so that we can reach out to many more people," he says.