Can politicians ever become as popular as actors? In the opinion of actor and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan, the answer is no—except for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the 'She' conclave hosted by India TV, Bachchan discussed the relationship between politics and popularity, noting that several BJP leaders are able to win elections mostly because of Narendra Modi's name and not because of their political acumen.
"I say this strongly myself. I happen to belong to the opposition camp, but what is a fact is that ruling party chiefs who were film heroes or otherwise all won the battle due to the name of Narendra Modi and not because of any political acumen," she averred.
Bachchan also spoke about the phenomenon of movie stars turning politicians, saying that after attaining success as actors and becoming popular, some stars feel the need to do something significant for their fans. She made a point about the difference between politicians and actors in terms of drawing a crowd: "If a political leader stands today, I am sorry, please forgive me for saying this, but apko dekhne chaar aadmi bhi nahi aaenge (Not even four people will come to see you) unless and until you are a known person." She compared it with actors, who can draw a crowd by their appearance alone even when they are not persuading the crowd to vote for them.
When asked if politicians could ever be as popular as actors, Bachchan categorically said, "No. Until and unless you are Narendra Modi, nobody else."
During the session, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi called for celebrities to take a stand on key issues. Bachchan replied by conceding the difficulty involved in being a public figure, particularly in present-day politics. "It is easier said than done.". If the Enforcement Directorate (ED) knocks at your door, even when you do everything correctly and pay taxes, what innovative work can you create? You will ponder before speaking 24 hours a day." She explained that, though she doesn't scare away with such circumstances and speaks up her mind, she understands that there are numerous celebrities who face such problems, not only in film but in every industry.
Bachchan also spoke of the misconceptions regarding her coming to Parliament, stating, "They have told me, 'Arey, aap aaj bhi aayi hain? Aap roz aati hain?' ('Oh, you came today as well? Do you come every day?'). I find that very disturbing. I have not come here because I'm a film actor. I have come here because I want to do something socially."
On the subject of films based on government campaigns, Bachchan expressed her disapproval of titles like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, saying, “Just look at the name, I’d never go to watch such movies myself. ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’, is that even a name? Is that even a title? " When the host inquired whether the audience would watch a movie with such a title, a few hands rose. Bachchan jokingly replied, "Out of so many people, barely four people wish to watch the film; it's very sad. Yeh toh flop hai (It is a flop)."
Read also| 'Aurangzeb is not relevant today', says RSS leader Sunil Ambekar
