Naomi Watts praises Vivek Oberoi for Tsunami relief efforts

Hollywood actress Naomi Watts has written an appreciation letter to Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi for his contribution towards rehabilitating Tsunami hit families in Indian sub-continent.

Vivek had adopted a village in Tamil Nadu named Thevanapattinam in 2004. Watts, who portrays the role of a Tsunami survivor in her latest film The Impossible, was deeply moved when she heard about Vivek's involvement in providing welfare for these families.

In the letter, Watts wrote, "Words really fail to express how touched I am to see the work you have done for the rehabilitation of the Tsunami-hit families in Thevanapattinam, Tamil Nadu. It takes a lot of courage and immense devotion to be able to take up such a responsibility on one's shoulders.

"As a celebrity it is important for us to realize that we can act as catalysts for change but unfortunately few take any real measures. Your effort to bridge this gap deserves appreciation from all quarters," Watts said.

The 44-year-old actress, whose latest film The Impossible, is based on true incidents, says she came close to the pain of the disaster victims while working on the film.

"While filming some of the scenes of The Impossible, I came close to realizing the unimaginable grief and pain the families must have gone through in December 2004 when the Tsunami hit their shores. I shudder to think about the void it must have created in the lives of people who faced personal losses.

"I salute you on behalf of the entire team of The Impossible for adopting Thevanapattinam and providing relief work to the Tsunami victims. May your unremitting endeavour in the service of humankind go on with undiminished vigour," she added.

Watts has received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in The Impossible. The film will hit theatres in India on January 4 next year.