India - Farhan Akhtar does his bit for Bihar flood victims (G.Read)

Shilpa Jamkhandikar

MUMBAI (Reuters) - For filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, an in-flight newspaper was the catalyst for an upcoming Mumbai concert organised by the "Rock On" star to raise funds for flood victims in Bihar.

Akhtar, who made his debut as a playback singer and actor in the Bollywood film about four members of a rock band, was on a flight to Mumbai when he read a newspaper report on his "Rock On" concert in New Delhi.

"The report was glowing about our performances and the film. And just next to that was a small report about the victims," Akhtar, 34, told Reuters in an interview.

"Here we were, celebrating what we thought was a great film and somewhere in another part of the same country, someone didn't even have food to eat."

Soon after he chanced upon the newspaper report, Akhtar joined hands with actor Arjun Rampal and producer Ritesh Sidhwani to organise the 'Rock On for Humanity' concert.

The concert, to be held in Mumbai on Oct. 31, will feature some of India’s top rock bands and Akhtar himself is slated to perform at the event.

Funds raised at the concert will help set up rehabilitation camps for women and children in some of the worst affected areas in Bihar, where nearly 300 flood-related deaths were reported.

"We are hoping that, if this concert works, we will also go on to other causes and help other needy people as well," Akhtar said.

In the meantime, the filmmaker is concentrating on sister Zoya’s directorial debut "Luck By Chance" which comes to theatres in January.

"After that, I start work on the sequel to 'Don', which will be on floors next year, and will have Shah Rukh Khan in the lead."

As for acting stints in the future, Akhtar said he had got offers and even read scripts, but hasn't committed to any projects.