Ped Lagao Bhidu: Jackie Shroff’s Inspiring Green Campaign

When you hear the name Bollywood star Jackie Shroff, you might see his rough-around-the-edges good looks, his iconic performances, or his hip Mumbai lingo - "Bhidu". But off-screen, Jackie is going quietly about starting a green revolution that's causing ripples nationwide. It's all part of "Ped Lagao Bhidu" - and it's not just a slogan, it's a rallying cry.

This campaign combines simplicity, greenness, and stardom to motivate crores of Indians to grow more trees and live-in harmony with nature.

Let's find out what the campaign is about, why it is important, and how you can be a part of it.

What is "Ped Lagao Bhidu"?

“Ped Lagao Bhidu” literally means “Plant a tree, buddy” in Mumbai Street slang - and that’s exactly what Jackie Shroff has been encouraging people to do for years.

Unlike high-budget campaigns with big PR teams, Jackie’s green movement is simple, grassroots, and very real. You’ll often see him in videos, interviews, or even random public places, planting saplings, urging people to do the same, and saying:

"Ped Lagao Bhidu. Pani Do, Pyar Do. Bas!"

No oratory. No high-flown words. Just a simple gesture that anyone - rich or poor - can do.

Who is Jackie Shroff Beyond Bollywood?

Jackie Shroff has never lost touch with his roots. Born in an ordinary chawl in Mumbai, he has always been passionate about nature. And that love eventually became activism.

He is not that celebrity who poses for Earth Day only once every year. Jackie has always planted trees, talked of waste, plastic pollution, and even walked the talk when it comes to green living.

He cultivates vegetables himself. He distributes plants as gifts. He requests schools, housing societies, and ordinary people to do their part.

"Bhidu, planet ko bachaana hai toh pedh lagao", he smiles - and voila. Sustainability isn't so difficult after all.

Why Trees? Why Now?

Trees are one of the most effective weapons we have in the battle against climate change. They:

· Draw in carbon dioxide

· Oxygenate

· Prevent soil erosion

· Promote biodiversity

· Shade, cool breezes, beauty

India, like much of the globe, is experiencing increasing temperatures, water scarcity, and pollution. Tree cover in urban areas is diminishing because of urbanization. It's with this in mind that Jackie's campaign could not have been more opportune.

One tree can offer a lifetime of advantages. And one planted today can benefit generations tomorrow.

What Makes "Ped Lagao Bhidu" Special?

Unlike top-down campaigns, this one takes on a sense of authenticity, grit, and life. Here's why:

1. Celebrity with a Cause

Jackie isn't in it for the headlines. He's been doing this for decades - frequently with his own money, space, and time.

2. Street-Level Simplicity

No jargon, no tedious lectures. Just a message that everyone gets:

Plant a tree. Water it. Love it.

3. Relatable to Everyone

Regardless of whether you reside in a flat, a slum, or a village - you can plant something in a pot, a garden, or roadside.

4. Viral Potential

The slogan "Ped Lagao Bhidu" is memorable. It's simple to say, tell, and go viral on social media.

Not Just Words – Real Actions

Jackie Shroff has planted thousands of trees in India - from Mumbai to small villages in Maharashtra. He travels around with saplings in his car and gives them out to strangers, students, shopkeepers, or friends.

He also promotes urban gardening, eco-friendly agriculture, and low-waste living.

Some important highlights include:

· School Initiatives: Motivates children to plant a tree on birthdays

· Urban Gardening: Inspires planting in balconies, rooftops, and window boxes

· Eco-Gifting: Substitutes flowers with saplings of trees at functions

· Plastic Awareness: Encourages not to use single-use plastics

Where Has It Reached?

The movement has taken off, particularly on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where supporters and green activists label their tree-planting posts with #PedLagaoBhidu.

· Schools and colleges have begun conducting tree drives

· NGOs have started working with Jackie

· Local administrations are getting inspiration to develop urban tree planting

· Influencers and YouTubers are propagating the message in their own way

Jackie is now an unlikely environmental hero - not because he has a grand plan, but because his small act of daily commitment is creating a movement.

How Can You Participate in the Movement?

You don't have to be a celebrity to be green. Jackie's message is that anyone can do something.

Here's how you can join in:

-Plant a Tree

· In your area, balcony, garden, or a public square

· Use native or fruit trees for greater impact

-Spread the Message

· Share your planting photos using #PedLagaoBhidu

· Invite friends, kids, and colleagues to participate

-Take Care of What You Plant

· Water it. Guard it. Let it grow.

· It's not planting - it's becoming a parent to a tree

-Gift a Sapling

· Whenever you go visit someone, gift a sapling rather than sweets or flowers

· Join Local Green Initiatives

· Most cities organize Sunday planting initiatives

· Join hands with residents' associations or NGOs

A Personal Message from Jackie (As Seen in Interviews)

"Pedh lagane ka time aa gaya hai bhidu. Planet ko chill karna hai toh thoda pedh lagaana padega. Pyaar se paani do, baat karo, voh bhi zinda hai. Aur yaad rakhna, oxygen cylinder se mehenga nahin padta ek pedh."

This line captures his heart: Trees are not just greenery. They are life.

Final Thoughts

Amidst a noisy world, Jackie Shroff's "Ped Lagao Bhidu" campaign stands out with its simplicity.

It doesn't demand large contributions, policies, or systems. It simply asks you to do one little thing: Plant a tree. Nurture it. Spread the word. This isn’t just about Jackie. It’s about all of us. Climate action doesn’t need a degree - it needs heart. And as Jackie says -
“Start with one tree. Bas Bhidu!”