Mumbai, Nov.8 : In an unusual initiative to lend their hands for a social cause Bollywood directors and actors, tried their hand at painting here on Sunday.

The proceeds collected from auctioning of these paintings would be given to a non-profit organisation working for the uplift of the elderly.

It was a joy to notice that after creating magic for the reel life, Bollywood directors and actors used brushstrokes for a noble cause in real life.

An initiative of HelpAge India, the painting event was held to raise funds for the benefit and upliftment of the elderly from the auction of paintings made by the Bollywood celebrities and famous painter Anjanna Kuthiala.

"It is a platform of heart and HelpAge is a good organisation which working to help the people and it is our good luck to be associated with it," said Shekhar Suman, actor.

For some of them, it was an emotional event and related to their personal lives.

"Actually after living for almost 40 years abroad, I've now moved to India mainly because my mother has turned 80 and I want to be with her. Because I feel that way, it was very important for me that I should come and talk about HelpAge and do whatever I can for this cause," said Jagmohan Mundra, a film producer.

Traditionally, several generations of one family have lived under the same roof, with the grandparents often taking care of their grandchildren while the parents go to work.

But while this remains the case in most rural households, city dwellers are increasingly moving out of the family home, leaving the older generation to live alone.

According to government officials, India's elderly population is expected to double by 2026 to 173 million.