Stars like Jaya Bachchan, Jaya Prada, Dharmendra, and Sanjay Dutt — the list of actors venturing into politics is endless. But a reverse trend, in which politicians are seen experiencing the glitz and glamour of tinsel town, is what is making news. While actors were roped in to get more votes by cashing in on their popularity, politicians are taken into movie to giver a realistic touch to the film.

After Lalu Prasad Yadav broke the ice by featuring in the film- Padamshree Lalu Prasad Yadav, Arjun Munda, former chief minister of Jharkhand expressed his desire of working in a film and now former President APJ Abdul Kalam will be seen playing himself in Main Hoon Kalam. Is it only about following the trend and strengthening the ties between the film industry and politics, or it is about having an opportunity to fulfill their secret desire. Answers came from our own political leaders, who not only see acting as a challenge but also as a tool to reach out to people.

Talking about the trend and his take on it, Ranjit Shirole of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, says, “While many actors have taken up politics and have been successful, the reverse is not very common. I run a production house, I have produced films, so I have a fair ideas of the nitty-gritty of the profession and I don’t mind taking it up. Politics and films are equally dear to me. Given a choice, I might shy away from camera but would love to do some theatre. Though I would happily take up any acting assignment as a challenge and I am also sure of giving good performance.”

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