‘Now the ropes will get tighter’

In what could be termed as an unexpected development, Payal Ghosh has forayed into politics. On Monday, the actress joined the Republic Party of India (RPI), and was promptly elevated to the position of Vice-President of the women’s wing.

“Getting into politics was never in my mind, but after getting many offers from political parties, I wanted to give it a shot. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Sir invited me to join his party and told me I could contribute to the community of women and the underprivileged. I took around 20 days to take a decision, and finally took the political plunge,” explains Payal, adding that she has been aspiring to be of service, especially to women.

But why RPI? “Because that’s a party that has women in large numbers and works for women’s empowerment. They felt that since I am already fighting my case, I can better relate to women’s problems,” she says. The actress also revealed that her #metoo campaign had crystalised her idea of joining a political party. 

“Ramdas Sir said if I join the party, the women’s wing will be stronger,” she said, adding, “Also, I felt it would be difficult for me to wage a lone battle against atrocities on women, but if I have a platform like a party, more women (in the party) can join me in the crusade.”

Although Payal’s brother had advised her not to get into politics, her father encouraged her. “I was not mentally prepared. But I spoke to my father and he said there’s nothing wrong in joining politics; moreover, I always wanted to serve society through some NGO,” the actress shared.

Soon after joining the party, Payal wrote, “Now the ropes will get tighter” on her social media account. Was she referring to Anurag Kashyap whom she accused of sexual misconduct, we ask. “Of-course,” she nods, and adds, “I have filed a police complaint against him, and I believe my political affiliation will definitely expedite my case. I think I am equally influential [as he is] to fight him now.”

Ask her whether her decision to get into politics will affect her chances in films, and she replies in the negative. “The party has asked to contribute during my free time, and I am very clear about that. However, I will try to do my best for women and women’s empowerment is my prime objective,” explains the Oosaravelli star.

Payal reveals that she had heard several horror tales since she made the accusation against the Bollywood filmmaker and that was one of the reasons she got into politics. “Despite being an actress, my case is progressing at a snail’s pace; then imagine the plight of common women who are facing such issues. Through my party, I want to counter persistent issues like sexual harassment, and fight for justice,” she says.

Soon after joining the party, Payal wrote, “Now the ropes will get tighter” on her social media account. Was she referring to Anurag Kashyap whom she accused of sexual misconduct, we ask. “Of-course,” she nods, and adds, “I have filed a police complaint against him, and I believe my political affiliation will definitely expedite my case. I think I am equally influential [as he is] to fight him now.”

Ask her whether her decision to get into politics will affect her chances in films, and she replies in the negative. “The party has asked to contribute during my free time, and I am very clear about that. However, I will try to do my best for women and women’s empowerment is my prime objective,” explains the Oosaravelli star.

Payal reveals that she had heard several horror tales since she made the accusation against the Bollywood filmmaker and that was one of the reasons she got into politics. “Despite being an actress, my case is progressing at a snail’s pace; then imagine the plight of common women who are facing such issues. Through my party, I want to counter persistent issues like sexual harassment, and fight for justice,” she says.