She is not just a screen icon; Rituparna Sengupta has always been a philanthropist and has helped people in distress amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite staying in Singapore with her family right now, the National Award-winning actor has been organizing relief for the sex workers of Kalighat red-light area joining hands with dancer Avirup Sengupta's NGO Prayas. Recently, they distributed groceries, sanitary napkins and other daily essentials to 100 women, who have been out of work due to the restrictions in place. They also distributed milk, bread and biscuits to 40 kids in the area.The initiative is a joint effort of Ballygunge Siksha Sadan principal Sunita Sen, designer Papri Jain and social workers like Mohua Roy, Piyali Dutta, Shimanti Das, Madhumita Ghosh, Arnab Dutta, Abhyuday and Anirban Guhathakurata as well. “I have worked with these women as a part of my research for films where I played a sex worker. I have been part of various social work involving them. So, I know their agony, their struggle. They are an important part of society, and it is my responsibility to stand by them in these tough times. I am glad to do my bit,” Rutuparna shared with ETimes from Singapore. Sengupta has been an active part of many of these initiatives; for instance, a community kitchen for COVID patients, vaccination for kids with special needs, distributing essentials to 300 hawkers in the Kalighat temple area and helping HIV patients. With the help of Prayas, Sengupta has also sent medicines and dry ration to those affected by cyclone Yaas in the Sundarbans. “I am a giver and will do everything in my capacity to help people in need. I believe this is my way of giving back to society,” added Sengupta who along with Kolkata Endeavour society is working for the rickshaw pullers' orphans as well. Prithviraj, Asif, Manju and Anna Ben for Venu directorial? Rima Kallingal asks fans to spot her in a throwback picture Meena: Has completed four decades in the film industry