Sharmila Tagore launches charity event

Bollywood veteran Sharmila Tagore has launched a photography exhibition and held a fundraising dinner in London on behalf of children's rights charity CRY UK.

The exhibition, called 'Come Share My World', features photographs taken by children in the Kutch region of Gujarat during a ten-day photography workshop conducted by the charity. The exhibition was put together in an effort to raise awareness of the deprivation suffered by children in the poorest regions of India, and takes a look at the children's own interpretation and understanding of their lives.

Speaking at the event, Tagore said: "'Come Share My World' is unique in the sense that it paints a real picture of the lives of children in India. As a nation, India has the world's youngest and fastest growing population. And yet nearly one in every two children under the age of six years is underweight. The photo exhibition is a call to action for us to end child deprivation now."

Describing the children's work, the Life Goes On star told Digital Spy: "All of the images are beautiful. It's really amazing what these children can do with just a little guidance. Every image captures so beautifully their personal experience of life. And the remarkable thing is that now, those children are going on to teach other children about photography.

"All of us need to take responsibility and do our bit. Children's causes are very close to my heart."

Tagore, who was recently honoured at the IIFAs, has been a supporter of CRY India for over 20 years.

CRY CEO Puja Marwaha said: "This workshop was a step towards ensuring these children their right to participation through the highly expressive medium of photography. It was a unique opportunity for us to have a better understanding of the children's world view."

'Come Share My World' was unveiled to CRY UK donors and supporters during Pledge 2011, the CRY UK annual fundraising dinner.

All funds raised at the event go towards funding several grassroots projects that ensure lasting change in the lives of Indian children.