Pune, Oct 28 (PTI): Taking time off after a hard fought ODI series against the Proteas, India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni spent over an hour with special children at a charity show held here.

Freely mixing with the physically and mentally challenged children who participated in a cultural show organised by the Mukul Madhav foundation here last night, Dhoni distributed gifts to them, bringing smiles on their faces even as a distinguished gathering of donors heartily applauded the gesture.

Cameras zoomed and clicked endlessly as Dhoni posed for pictures with the delighted kids, who turned out in colourful dresses for the song and dance programme that included a dance sequence of 'Ganesh Vandana' and the singing of the national anthem.

Noted industrialist Prakash Chhabria, who heads the Mukul Madhav foundation, told the audience that the funds raised on the occasion would go for various activities undertaken by the trust to provide medical and educational assistance to the weaker sections of the society.