Amitabh Bachchan's popularity became zero when joined Cong: Singer Remo Fernandes

Panaji: Citing the case of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, renowned singer Remo Fernandes, who recently joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on Saturday said popular perceptions about parties and politicians affect image of even the public figures.

"When Amitabh Bachchan had joined the Congress party years back his popularity became zero. He had lost his credibility," Remo, who recently joined Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, said while addressing a press conference here.

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The internationally acclaimed folk and pop singer said the reason Big B's popularity took a hit was because popular perception about political parties.

"....The reason why his (Bachchan's) popularity dipped was because people equated anyone joining any political party for being part of thieves, rapists and criminals," he said.

Remo said Bachchan still faced the consequences despite the fact that Congress was largely free of corruption in that era and having iconic faces like Rajiv Gandhi.

AAP, a movement worth joining: Remo

The renowned musician said that for the first time in his life he felt there is a movement worth joining.

Fernandes said that for last two to three decades he has been penning songs on political and social issues. "People have been asking me to join politics. The reason why I didn't join politics was that every party was an embarrassment," the singer, who is known for his hit songs like 'Oh meri munni' and 'Humma humma', told reporters.

Praising AAP, Fernandes said it has become a political party by force after trying its best to change the system from outside for years.

"During Mahatma Gandhi's time the politicians were gentlemen but today they are criminals...," he added.

Fernandes said it was a 'shame' that an old man like Anna Hazare has to go on fast and felt politicians in the country are 'waiting for him to die' during the next fast so that they can continue with their 'mess'.

Fernandes along with social activist Dr Oscar Rebello joined AAP soon after the party's stunning showing in the recent Delhi Assembly elections. Both have clarified that they will not be contesting any polls.