Date:13/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/13/stories/2004121301732000.htm

International

Aamir auctions `Lagaan' bat for Imran's hospital

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 12. The cricket bat used by the Bollywood star, Aamir Khan, to hit a winning six in his Oscar-nominated movie, `Lagaan', has fetched (Pakistani) Rs. 60 lakhs at an auction at Lahore.

The auction was held to mobilise funds for a cancer hospital of the former Pakistan cricketer Imran Khan.

Mr. Aamir Khan attended the fund-raising dinner held last night. It was bought by Pakistan builder, Ali Imran of Bahria Town. Mr. Aamir Khan said that he kept the bat as a souvenir but chose to auction it to raise funds for the hospital built in Lahore a few years ago, in memory of the former cricketer's mother, Shaukat Khanum.

Mr. Imran Khan is planning to build another such hospital in Karachi. He later announced that the money raised during the dinner would be spent to treat poor patients, the local daily, Dawn said.

Mr. Aamir Khan, who arrived in Lahore on Friday, said that his visit was memorable as he had been showered with great respect and love.

He was lucky that he had come to Pakistan for a noble cause. Mr. Aamir Khan also presented hospital plaques to major donors. — PTI