Indian actor Mohanlal fulfills his promise to nurses in UAE

• ‘Nurses and doctors are the real heroes in these challenging times. We must appreciate their courage and sacrifices.’
• ‘I first visited the UAE 40 years ago and it has a special place in my heart’, says the actor who is in the country to receive the Golden Visa.

Abu Dhabi: In a touching tribute to the UAE’s frontline warriors, Indian superstar Mohanlal visited Burjeel Medical City on Monday and conveyed his gratitude to the nurses for their relentless service in the fight against the coronavirus. Last year, on International Nurses Day, he had called several nurses working in different Emirates to commend them for their role in combating the pandemic. During the telephonic conversation with the actor, registered nurse Sonia Chacko had a special request. “When are you coming to meet us in the UAE, Laletta?” she asked the star. To which the actor had said, “I will visit the frontliners, including you, once the pandemic is under control and the travel restrictions are eased.” A year later, the actor has made good on his promise by visiting the nurses who have been bravely battling the pandemic from the frontlines. The 15 nurses that he spoke with last year are thrilled that he kept his word. While some of them travelled from Sharjah, Dubai and Al Ain to meet him, the others interacted with him on the big screen.

Chacko can barely contain her excitement. “When he called last year to wish me on International Nurses Day, I had requested him to meet us the next time he comes to the UAE. I can’t believe my wish has come true. This is indeed a memorable occasion for all of us nurses. Such gestures inspire us and fill us with positivity,” she said.

The actor interacted with the medical staff in an event organized by VPS Healthcare, which owns Burjeel Medical City. John Sunil, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Burjeel Hospitals, welcomed the actor to the event.

The actor, among the select few Indians who have been granted the UAE’s Golden Visa, spent some time interacting with the nurses and thanked them for their service. “Nurses and doctors are the real heroes in these challenging times. I am happy that I could come here and greet you all. You have been dispensing an invaluable service to the community at a difficult time like this. I appreciate your courage and sacrifices and thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Mohanlal, who also thanked Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, for inviting him to the event.

One of the nurses asked him if he would consider staying in the UAE for a longer duration now that he has received the golden visa. “I first visited the UAE 40 years ago and it is like my second home. If you insist, I will come and stay here,” he said on a lighter note.

When registered nurse Sinu from Burjeel Royal Hospital, Al Ain, asked him how he handles work stress, he said, “This is my 44^th year in movies. If you have commitment, gratitude, the fire to succeed and most importantly, the grace of God, you can overcome such pressures. I wish that all of you are abundantly blessed with these qualities.”

For Maria Du Plooy, registered nurse at Burjeel Medical City, who had only heard of Mohanlal from her colleagues, meeting the actor was a special moment. She said, “I am happy that I got a chance to meet a beloved movie star from India. My staff became quite starry-eyed when they knew you were in the building and wanted me to ask you if you would make a movie with a hospital theme while you are here in Abu Dhabi.” To this, the actor replied, “I will definitely take it as a challenge and do it.” 

Mohanlal was impressed with the giant floral carpet that the organizers had readied for Onam along with another one made in his image. He concluded the session by saying that he hoped the situation would get better soon and that next year’s Onam festival could be celebrated in the usual manner.

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© Press Release 2021