Vivek Oberoi: 'Anna Hazare is a fountain of wisdom'

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi met with social activist Anna Hazare at his Ralegan home in Maharashtra.

The actor visited the anti-corruption crusader to seek his advice on how he could use his status as an actor to promote social responsibility.

Speaking to NDTV, Oberoi said: "We had come here to seek his blessing. It felt nice to meet him. My family and I do a lot of social work and we are associated with a couple of NGOs. Annaji is an inspiration to all of us.

"He is a fountain of inspiration. He has guided us to make India a better nation. We have to work hard to make India great."

Oberoi praised Ralegan Siddhi - Anna Hazare's hometown - saying that he didn't feel like he had entered a deprived area.

"I am shocked after seeing this village. People used to call this [a] drought-hit region. But coming here I feel I have entered a nature's park," the actor said.

Ralegan Siddhi is considered to be a model of environmental conservation and, since 1975, has been led by Anna Hazare.

Oberoi was recognised by Forbes Asia for his charity work and to date has donated $3m and helped raise $25m to support education, health and disaster relief in India.