Taking the political plunge

The number of film stars in politics is really a testimony to the clout of cinema in India. The glamorous personas of these actors evoke a warm feeling in minds of the public, which is why many of them have gone on to have two successful careers. As always, the General Elections bring with it a new wave of actors who are ready to woo the voters with their charisma. Now, testing political waters is actor Krishnudu who’s noted for his work in films like Vinayakudu, Ye Maaya Chesaave, etc. The actor, who was inspired by Jagan Mohan Reddy’s pada yatra, has joined the YSR Congress. 

Actor Krishnudu with Jagan

Another fresh face in politics is Reshma Rathore of Ee Rojullo fame. She had committed herself to politics by joining the BJP. Yet another entrant is actress Madhavi Latha of Nacchavule fame. Madhavi, who had earlier hinted about her political aspirations, too has joined the BJP in the presence of Union minister Nitin Gadkari. While actress Vani Vishwanath had publicly evinced interest to join the Telugu Desam, comic actor Prudhvi Raj too has been aggressively campaigning for the YSR Congress. The lure of politics has also led producer Bandla Ganesh to join the field. 

But does embracing politics affect the actor’s film career? Prudhvi is quick to rubbish such assumptions and says gone are the days when people would judge an actor for his political stand. Prudhvi, who is at the peak of his career, shares, “I don’t believe that an actor’s political choice will affect his chances,” adding, “Today, people will run after whoever is talented. The worst case scenario is that I may be unemployed for a few months. But I don’t mind being idle for some time.”
Krishnudu agrees and says, “Politics is different from films; while the latter is my profession, the former is only my personal political stand. Be it any industry, people will approach you only if you are talented.”

Actress Reshma Rathore of Ee Rojullo fame had committed herself to politics by joining the BJP.

A film career is rife with ambiguity. So, isn’t it a gamble for the actors who are looking to create a splash in politics? Actress Madhavi says she always has a plan B. Explaining that politics is her childhood dream, Madhavi shares, “I always had an alternative career even when I joined films. Since I am a fashion designer and hold a Master’s degree in Fashion Designing from Coventry University, UK, I can run a boutique.” The actress wanted to join politics because it gives her the opportunity to make a difference to society. “However, if I am not comfortable with the political scenario, I shall go back to my enterprise profession,” she adds. 
While it’s one thing that these celebrities provide the glamour element, it needs to be seen if they’ll be offered the red carpet when it comes to contesting. How likely are these first-timers to be given a party ticket?

BJP’s Amberpet MLA, G. Kishan Reddy explains, “The ticket will be given to people based on their merit. Be it an actor or anybody else, the party will examine the potential of the candidate and then take a call.” So contesting elections isn’t always a given. In fact, popular Telugu comedian and MLA Babu Mohan and actor Allu Arjun’s father-in-law Kancharla Chandrasekhar Reddy were denied tickets by the TRS. Buzz is that Chandrasekhar Reddy is likely to join the Congress. But when contacted, he has denied the speculation. “Not true,” he replies, adding, “Our CM, K. Chandrasekhar Rao garu always respects and rewards hard work, so I am still optimistic that I might get a call.”