Veteran actor and environmental activist Jackie Shroff recently spearheaded a large-scale tree plantation drive in Lonikand village, Pune, Maharashtra, planting 1000 trees. The initiative, held on July 3, 2025, saw Shroff joining hands with Dr. Ellie Organics, a sustainable beauty brand, and Thinksharp Foundation to lay the foundation for the Lonikand Biodiversity Park.
Shroff, known for his longstanding commitment to environmental causes, expressed his vision for the plantation drive, stating, "This plantation drive is not just a mere initiative, but through this, we are hoping to grow love, peace, and humanity, something that cannot be destroyed today, or ever in the future". He further articulated the broader aim of the project: "Through this, we aspire to grow something indestructible that actually works for the coming generation, so that they experience the beauty of better living, a healthier and sustainable life. True healing starts when we prioritize the well-being of people and the planet".
The Lonikand Biodiversity Park is the first in a series of green commitments under the "We All Are Connected" initiative by Dr. Ellie Organics. This initiative has an ambitious goal of planting 6 million trees by 2030. Beyond just increasing the tree cover, the project seeks to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the environment in the younger generation.
Shroff's dedication to environmental causes is well-known. In previous years, videos of the actor speaking about the importance of planting trees have gone viral, showcasing his humorous yet earnest approach to the issue. He has consistently emphasized that planting trees is everyone's responsibility and that it is crucial for the well-being of future generations.
Besides his environmental work, Jackie Shroff is also preparing for his role in Anupam Kher's upcoming film, "Tanvi: The Great". He will be playing the character of Brigadier Joshi, alongside a cast including Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Karan Tacker, Iain Glen, Pallavi Joshi, and Arvind Swamy. Shroff recounted how he accepted the role after being moved by a song Kher played for him during their initial conversation.
