Twelve-Year-Old Sitara Ghattamaneni Donates ₹1 Crore to Charity

In a remarkable display of philanthropy, twelve-year-old Sitara Ghattamaneni, the daughter of renowned Telugu actor Mahesh Babu and actress Namrata Shirodkar, has donated her first salary of ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000) to charity. This significant gesture comes after Sitara was appointed as the brand ambassador for a prominent jewelry brand and her promotional campaign featured prominently in Times Square, New York City.

According to an official statement from the family, Sitara expressed her desire to contribute to society rather than keep the earnings for herself. This decision has garnered widespread admiration, resonating with fans and the public alike who view her actions as inspirational. Namrata Shirodkar stated, "We are incredibly proud of Sitara's decision to give back. It shows her compassion and understanding of the importance of helping others at such a young age."

Sitara has already made headlines in the entertainment industry, previously lending her voice to the character of Baby Elsa in the Telugu version of Disney's *Frozen 2* (2019) and appearing in a music video alongside her father. Notably, her brother, Gautham, has also made strides in the industry, currently pursuing a drama course at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

The family's commitment to social responsibility is evident as they actively support various charitable organizations. Sitara's donation is expected to benefit educational initiatives and healthcare programs for underprivileged children. According to Dr. Anjali Roy, a child development expert at the University of Hyderabad, "Such acts of kindness can significantly influence young people, encouraging a culture of giving back to the community."

The significance of Sitara's donation extends beyond her personal achievement, reflecting a growing trend among young celebrities in India contributing to charitable causes. In recent years, many young stars have used their platforms to raise awareness and funds for various social issues.

Industry leaders have also applauded Sitara's philanthropic spirit. Rajesh Kumar, CEO of a leading charity organization, remarked, "Sitara's decision to donate her first salary is a testament to the values instilled in her by her family. It is refreshing to see young individuals take such initiatives in a world often dominated by self-interest."

As the family celebrated Sitara's twelfth birthday, they were seen at Hyderabad airport, preparing for a vacation. Mahesh Babu, who is currently working on his upcoming film, *SSMB29*, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, has been supportive of his daughter's endeavors. Fans eagerly await the film, which promises to be a significant addition to the Telugu film industry, featuring a stellar cast including Prithviraj Sukumaran and Priyanka Chopra.

In conclusion, Sitara Ghattamaneni's decision to donate her first salary not only showcases her maturity and empathy but also sets a positive example for her peers. As she continues to navigate her budding career in the entertainment industry, her philanthropic actions will likely inspire other young stars to follow suit, fostering a culture of generosity and social responsibility within the youth of India.