MUMBAI, June 8: It was a weekend dedicated to the underprivileged kids. On Saturday two major events took place to help and cheer the `children of a lesser god'.

The first event organised by the British Airways, along with its new partner, Jet Airways conducted its fifth Flight of Fantasy for 100 children from Akanksha Shelters, the School for the Hearing Impaired in Navi Mumbai, and Save the Children's Balwadis.

The children in the age group of 6-15 years were first treated to a musical programme at the airport restaurant, while Kevin Steele, the British Airways' General Manager (South Asia) dressed in colourful garb played Santa Claus for the happy bunch. "The great joy that our previous Flights brought to the children encouraged us to give other underprivileged children the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying," he said. Their cup of joys was filled to the brim when in the middle of proceedings walked in their favourite film-stars, Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher. "Whatever these people are doing for these kids is a really nice thing. I think more and more people should take such initiative," said Shroff.

And they had another surprise waiting for them as they boarded the flight. They discovered that Shah Rukh Khan too had boarded the plane to spend time with them.

The airplane was flying at just 2000 feet above the ground, and the captain described the sights around the city. And at the end of this dream flight, the children were almost too overwhelmed to talk. "I have never been on an aeroplane before. I thoroughly enjoyed the flight and the dancing, and Jackie, Anupam, and Shah Rukh of course," said 10-year-old Miriam. While 13-year-old Suraj, who cannot speak, gesticulated that he was having the time of his life.

In the second event on Saturday, Club Aquaria in Borivli (West) played host to a special carnival for children `Kiddy's Day Out' in aid of `Hope' foundation.The main attraction of the evening was performances by jugglers, magicians, cartoon characters, as well as exciting games like Hulla-hoop, tele-contests, tug-of-war and many other exciting programme for the kids.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.