Indian star asks fan to save water amid drought

NEW DELHI (AP) — Bollywood's biggest star, Amitabh Bachchan, has asked his fans to save water during the Hindu festival of colors because several parts of western India are facing a drought.

Bachchan said on his Facebook page Tuesday that "I have expressed that we play a dry Holi without water." The Holi festival on Wednesday is celebrated by playing with dry colors as well as colored water.

Several districts in the western Indian state of Maharashtra face severe drought after receiving far less than their usual share of rain during last year's monsoon.

Hundreds of farmers have fled their homes with their cattle to government-run camps where the animals have access to water and fodder.

Local residents say they are finding it difficult to get enough drinking water.