You may not know him, yet when you do, you cannot ignore him. Born and brought up in Mumbai, Rahool Kanal has grown his influence from his college days to today, where he is well known across social circles, both in Bollywood and otherwise. Active in student politics from his college days, Rahool has experienced the challenges Mumbaikars face every day- from the stark poverty faced by slumdwellers to the delays faced in getting assistance-Rahool wasn’t someone who looked the other way.
This desire to help people when they need him drove him to establish the I Love Mumbai Foundation, a public service initiative dedicated to supporting Mumbaikars.
“Growing up in this vibrant city, I saw firsthand the disparity between the wealthy and underprivileged, which sparked a deep sense of responsibility within me. I realized that even small actions could make a significant difference in someone’s life,” Rahool says.
“Our mission is to provide essential resources, education, healthcare, and hope to those who need it most. Through initiatives like food distribution, healthcare camps, and educational programs, we’ve been able to touch the lives of thousands of Mumbaikars,”
A student of Bandra’s famous St. Stanlislaus School, he had an early exposure to its esteemed alumni, including Bollywood greats like Salman Khan, Shaan and Arbaaz Khan. He started developing connections from there on, as he interacted with the school’s strong alumni network. Rahool himself has a personal connection with Bollywood, working as a child artiste in various television serials like Jai Hanuman, Akbar the Great, Kasme Wade and others.
These early interactions helped him develop deep relations with various personalities while also developing his own brand as a youth leader. Since then, Rahool has been working to expand his reach throughout Mumbai through his I Love Mumbai Foundation.
“For me, staying connected to the ground realities of Mumbai is about being deeply rooted in the community. I believe in immersing myself in the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, listening to the stories, struggles, and aspirations of its people. Whether it’s walking through the streets of Dharavi, engaging with street vendors in Bandra, or meeting with residents of informal settlements, every interaction gives me a deeper understanding of the city’s complexities.
My work with the I Love Mumbai Foundation is guided by the people we serve. We don’t just provide solutions; we co-create them with the community. By involving Mumbaikars in our initiatives, we ensure our efforts are relevant, effective, and sustainable.
Regular feedback loops, community consultations, and on-ground assessments help us stay attuned to the evolving needs of the city”
Through his foundation, Rahool has helped Mumbaikars cope with various challenges, especially during the COVID pandemic. During the lockdown, he set up a food relief van named Being Hangryy, Along with that, he also arranged a team of volunteers to help feed stray animals during this difficult period. All of this was done in collaboration with Bollywood actor Salman Khan also with SEVA foundation serving strays all around Mumbai & ration kits were distributed
These are just some of the various initiatives the I Love Mumbai Foundation has taken up over the years, and Rahool’s connections have helped him reach out to everyone in need. Even though he faces challenges in implementing his outreach efforts due to bureaucratic red tape, a lack of awareness amongst citizens of their rights along with a lack of trust in the authorities, Rahool has managed to create an inclusive and responsive civic ecosystem through his efforts.
To further expand his reach, Rahool Kanal has been using social media to highlight his work and the challenges he faces with his 9.9 million social media followers.
“We use social media to amplify marginalized voices, raise awareness about pressing issues, and mobilize support for meaningful causes. By leveraging our online reach, we inspire action, drive engagement, and create a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for creating positive change. We believe that real change happens when online engagement translates into offline action, and we strive to make that connection happen.” Rahool explains.
Rahool is also quite particular in ensuring complete transparency in his initiatives.
“We prioritize transparency by maintaining open communication channels with our stakeholders, including regular updates on project progress, challenges, and financials. Our financial statements are audited annually to ensure accountability.
To ensure sustainability, we develop long-term plans for our projects, engaging with the community and building ownership. We also partner with organizations, government agencies, and corporations to leverage resources and expertise. Additionally, we incorporate environmentally sustainable practices in our projects, recognizing the importance of minimizing our ecological footprint.” Rahool explains.
Rahool has shown how consistent efforts and wide-ranging networking skills have helped boost his authority as a hero for anyone who needs help. Now that he’s become an authority figure that people look up to, how would anyone deal with the setbacks that come with such responsibilities?
“Start small, think big, and stay committed. Identify a problem you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to take the first step. Understand the root causes, engage with the community, and build a team of like-minded individuals.
Be prepared to face challenges and learn from failures. Stay adaptable, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Most importantly, keep your purpose clear and your heart genuine”.
God is the only one who can give respect or take it away from you. Rab Rakta!!!
