🎬 1. Introduction – Beyond the Silver Screen
Being Human, founded in 2007 by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, isn’t just a clothing brand—it’s a registered charitable trust focused on education and healthcare for underprivileged Indians beinghumanonline.com. What’s unique? The foundation is funded primarily through merchandise sales—from T-shirts and watches to bicycles—with profits dedicated to social causes Starbiopic.
💡 2. Mission & Programs
🎓 Education
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Supports Akshara High School, aiding over 200 Mumbai children Reddit.
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Assists Aseema, enabling 300 street and slum children to access education Give.
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Runs tubelight & digital literacy initiatives, preparing tribal youth and those with disabilities for employment.
🌡️ Healthcare
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Funds heart surgeries via “Little Hearts” Forbes India.
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Provides surgery for craniofacial deformities, eye camps, cochlear implants, marrow donor drives, and drought/flood relief beinghumanonline.com.
🤝 3. Funding Model & Reach
Rather than relying on donations, the foundation earns via “Being Human” merchandise, including apparel, jewellery, and bikes Wikipedia. In FY17, sales hit ₹216 crore—about ₹20 crore net profit—with a significant share channelled to charity Forbes India. Salman himself noted, “We don’t make any money from this venture. After tax, every penny we get goes to the foundation.” Forbes India
🌟 4. High‑Impact Initiatives
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Chhoti Si Asha: supported disadvantaged children’s fund‑raiser via Rotary India Bollywood Hungama.
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BMC Dialysis Project: faced challenges due to incomplete setup, but the foundation explained procedural delays .
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COVID‑19 Mask Drive: released masks with a free mask donated for each purchase—met with mixed public reactions.
📢 5. Praise from the Ground
On Reddit, multiple users shared firsthand accounts:
“Many patients with heart disease or cancer are helped by his NGO and thanks to being human are operated…” Deccan Chronicle.
“It’s not fake … out of all the NGOs made by Bollywood folks, being human is the only one whose on ground work is actually visible.” beinghumanonline.com.
These suggest that on‑the‑ground impact is tangible—even among those critical of Salman.
🤨 6. Critique & Controversies
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PR tool or authentic charity?
Allegations suggest image sanitization uses charity events, especially during legal battles Reddit. -
Revenue transparency concerns
Some claim only a fraction of merchandise earnings supports charity. -
Operational setbacks
Faced a show‑cause notice over delayed dialysis setup in Bandra Oneindia.
✅ 7. Why Being Human Still Matters
| Feature | Impact |
|---|---|
| Market‑driven fundraising | Sustainable model not reliant on donations |
| Diverse outreach | From schools to surgeries and natural disaster relief |
| Brand‑integrated giving | Consumers contribute through everyday purchases |
| Celebrity firepower | Brings visibility to neglected issues—supported by Salman and his family |
🙋♀️ 8. FAQs
Q1: Can anyone request help from Being Human?
A: Yes, while there’s no formal portal, Salman said cases are vet‑checked by his father and Dr. Sandeep; genuine needs are addressed .
Q2: How much fund actually reaches the needy?
A: Exact numbers aren’t public, but Forbes and transparency ratings show 80G/12A status and significant field programs .
Q3: Does Salman donate personal income?
A: Yes—profits from production house SKBH Productions (e.g., Chillar Party) go to charity Wikipedia.
Q4: What about misuse or fake websites?
A: In 2017, Salman himself warned fans to avoid impostors and use only the official site BeingHuman.
Q5: How can I contribute?
A: Buy merchandise, donate via official site, or partner with the foundation through CSR avenues.
💭 9. Conclusion – Real Humanity in Action?
While Being Human faces critique—as many large NGOs do—its tangible impact in education, healthcare, and relief work is undeniable. Fueled by a self-sustaining funding model and Salman Khan’s influence, the foundation combines celebrity power with social action.
Whether charity is motivated by image or genuine intent, what ultimately matters is the help reaching needy beneficiaries—and everyday stories suggest being human is delivering that.
🔚 Final Thought
Salman Khan often says: “being human… People say it when they’ve made a mistake. …instead of using the term so conveniently, just try and do your best.” beinghumanonline.com For many, this ethos may be embodied in how the foundation aids children, families, and disaster victims across India.