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Veteran Bollywood actor Jaya Bachchan has been a member of Parliament since 2004 while also appearing in selective films. In a recent interaction, the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor opened up about actors entering politics and how their popularity often surpasses that of politicians, making them beneficial for political parties.
Speaking to India TV, Jaya said, “Actors are also human beings with aspirations, and maybe after achieving success as an actor, you want to do something for people… When you use a film actor… I am sorry, please forgive me for saying this, but apko dekhne chaar aadmi bhi nahi aaege (Not four people will come to see you) until and unless you are a known person. But if a film actor, even a small one, will come and stand, the audience will come to see him. Whether they give vote to you or not, that’s up to them, but they will definitely come to see you. People in politics want the crowd to come and listen to them, but first, they have to come to see you, and then only they can listen to you.”
When asked if politicians come close to the popularity of actors, she responded, “Until and unless you are Narendra Modi, nobody else.”
While discussing how actors should be fearless when critiquing political parties and sharing their unabashed opinions, Jaya said, “It is easier said than done. If the Enforcement Directorate (ED) comes in front of the gate… Even if you pay all the taxes and follow all the rules, but even if ED stands on your head, what creative work will you do? You will think before speaking 24 hours a day. I don’t have such fears, but I know that it is a constant problem that celebrities are facing, and in all mediums like sports and others.”
Last month, during her speech in Parliament, Jaya urged the government to show some “mercy” toward the struggling film industry. “Today, leave aside GST, all the single screens (theatres) are shutting down. People are not going to movie halls because everything has become so costly. Perhaps you want to kill this industry altogether,” she had said.
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