•ANURADHA AGRAWAL: You have an enchanting smile. But it is visible only now that we have met you.

As far as Kyunki... goes, it actually depends on Ekta Kapoor. In my own shows, I try to smile a lot.

•SHAHEEN MANSURI: Actors seldom succeed as politicians. You seem to fit into that mould quite well.

Celebrities tend to limit themselves to campaigns and social issues. I have been actively involved in the working of the BJP. They liked the way I worked for the youth wing and today I am state secretary for Maharashtra. I feel that famous people who endorse politics for publicity are open to criticism.

•NAMRATA SHARMA ZAKARIA: Why did you choose the BJP?

This is not very well known, but I am a third-generation BJP member. Even my grandfather was a part of the party. I literally grew up in the Parivaar. So when I took up politics there was no two ways about which party I was going to align with.

•FARAH BARIA: What do you feel about Hindutva?

A BBC journalist once asked me what I thought of Hindutva. I told him that for me there is just one mantra—justice for all, appeasement for none.

•FARAH BARIA: Even in Gujarat?

Even in Gujarat. Gujarat has become a point of reference for communalism and regionalism. The truth is that there is no excuse for communal violence. As a nation, we are one. But the matter is being taken care of in the Supreme Court. Whatever they decide, sar aankhon par (will be acceptable).

... contd.