South Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna has launched a humanitarian initiative, Project Annapurna, pledging food and grocery assistance to 400 underprivileged families across eight regions of South India for the next year.
In a video message, the actress said she had formally adopted 400 families under the initiative, which aims to ease their daily food expenses and allow them to save money for future needs and well-being.
Under the plan, the families will receive grocery or ration support for three months at a time, with the assistance continuing in phases over the next 12 months.
Each grocery package includes 75 kilograms of rice, 10 kilograms of flour, 10 litres of cooking oil, lentils, ragi, soya chunks, spices and tea leaves.
The initiative will reach disadvantaged families in eight locations across South India, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Anantapur, Kodagu and Vijayawada.
Rashmika said her role as Jayamma in the upcoming period drama *Ranabaali* had inspired her to support underprivileged communities. The film is set against the backdrop of the historic Madras famine of 1876–78.
The actress said she had generally kept her charitable activities away from the public eye but decided to share this initiative in the hope of inspiring others to help people in need.
“If this small effort of mine inspires even a few of you to come forward and help others, then my initiative will have been successful,” she said, adding that even a small act of kindness could change someone's life.
