‘Locket is my senior — in politics as well as films… It’s a tough contest’: Rachana Banerjee

I have been hosting this TV show (Didi No. 1) for the last 12 to 13 years, and my film career is over 28 years. I have worked in tough conditions, under extreme weather conditions. I earned popularity as Rachana Banerjee for all the work I have done in the entertainment industry. So for me, my film career will always be on top, then Didi No. 1 TV show and after that politics.

Q: Why did you join politics especially at a time when your show has been topping the charts?

I was never keen to join politics. I always dreamt of acting in movies since childhood. I left my studies, went against my family to join cinema because it has been my passion. Politics was never in my plan. I never dreamt of joining politics. However, I have always liked (TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee. She always motivated me and inspired me… She (Mamata) works so hard. She has been attacked, assaulted, but stood firm in this male-dominated profession. So, despite not being a political person, I have always admired her as a woman.”

Q: Was it after Mamata Banerjee appeared on your show that you were approached to join politics? Or was it your spontaneous decision?

She (Mamata) is the chief minister of our state. She has been MP seven times. Since 2011, she has been on this (CM) chair and is everyone’s favourite. No one can match her. Definitely, if she thinks giving me the ticket is the right decision, it must be. She came on my game show. There she told me “Rachana come with me and support us”. Definitely, she didn’t say this spontaneously. She must have thought about it. She has this confidence that I can do it and she trusted me when she approached me.

Q: When did Mamata Banerjee approach you ?

Didi (Mamata) loves artists. She watches serials, shows etc. So in that sense, I have known Didi personally since 2011. But Didi never approached me to join politics, and I never even thought of joining politics. Didi might have thought that she needs me now and that Rachana is needed. Therefore, I was approached. We did an episode of Didi No. 1 and then it was clear that she wanted me (to contest the election).

Q: Do you think celebrities are making guest appearances in politics by just winning seats for the parties? Both Mimi Chakraborty and Nushrat Jahan have said they won’t contest elections.

Surviving in politics is a challenge, it is very tough. And it is more challenging for popular faces and celebrities because people have high expectations from them. Artists are known faces. People easily relate with them and therefore their chances of winning are higher. Therefore, successful film personalities have joined politics, not only in Bengal but everywhere else too — whether it’s in the south or Maharashtra. Now, how one copes with it; who will be able to give their sweat and blood to succeed in politics; who will sustain; and who will like the profession (politics) is an individual’s choice. Mimi (Chakraborty) and Nushrat (Jahan) both were loved by people, that’s why they could win by such a high margin. Maybe, they couldn’t work to that extent or they didn’t like it, and didn’t want to fight it out further.

Q: There is a perception that celebrity MPs are unapproachable after the elections. They hardly visit their constituencies.

I don’t think Nushrat Jahan and Mimi (Chakraborty) were less accessible to the people of their constituency. The time will tell how approachable or unapproachable I am in the future. If I have decided to be in politics, I am sure I will give my 100 per cent to it.

Q: Why are you contesting from Hooghly? Do you have any connection with this constituency?

Not really! It was simply that Didi (Mamata) asked me to fight from Hooghly… She asked me about Tamluk, Kanthi… But then she asked me if I was comfortable contesting from Hooghly. I was okay with it.

Q. What should the people of Hooghly expect from you if you win?

A lot of people have approached me with water issues. Many complained that the arsenic level is high in water. Some have approached me for better road connectivity. The TMC government has sanctioned Rs 2,500 crore for resolving the drinking water issues… I will try to resolve their issues.

Q: Your political rival, BJP’s Locket Chatterjee, and you have shared powerful onscreen chemistry both as best friends and as bitter rivals. Now, you both are pitted against each other in Hooghly. While she had won from Hooghly in 2019, you are making your poll debut. How challenging is this for you?

She (Locket) is a senior politician. She has been doing politics long before she became an MP. I am very inexperienced in front of her. She was my senior also in the entertainment industry also. It is a very tough contest.

Q. In your show, you promote women empowerment and talk about issues concerning women. Do you think your party, the TMC, is on the backfoot over the Sandeshkhali episode where women alleged sexual harassment by local TMC leaders?

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and (TMC general secretary) Abhishek Banerjee have already taken action in connection with the Sandeshkhali episode. All those who were involved are already behind the bars. The TMC has made its stand clear. Those who were sexually assaulted, their complaints have been registered. Opposition’s job is to take advantage of such situations, especially during elections, that’s politics. The Opposition will remain Opposition. They will continue criticising the good, bad and all the acts of the government. The Opposition will not talk about how the TMC handled the Sandeshkhali situation and how everyone involved, no matter whoever they were, are now in jail.

Q: You wear so many hats — a TV host, a mother, a celebrity, and now a politician. How do you balance your life?

It’s very tough, but nothing is impossible. Definitely my disciplined life has taken a toss now. But I am sure it’s only for two months. I don’t eat any food after 6 pm. My dinner is at 6 pm. But by the time I reach home now after campaigning, it’s already 8:30 pm these days. So, I am having a tough time adjusting my routine… I am watching my water intake and food to keep myself healthy even during campaigning. Due to increased responsibility, I am less available for my son these days, but I will compensate for it after the elections. I think we women know how to do all this by default.