WHERE POLITICS IS REEL

Movie Stars Make A Splash In Andhra Pradesh

When it comes to electioneering by movie stars, none can beat the Andhra Pradesh. At the time when leaders from all political parties are slogging it out in the open, the state bridging North and South India is agog with actors and actresses addressing the people and appealing for the votes. Today I watched Junior NTR addressing the voters from his house and ridden on a bed on account of backache. His speech, which came after hectic schedule of road shows and rallies, was full of vigor and enthusiasm.

Those who have watched any of Junior NTR’s movie knows how the young descendent of Nandmuri Tarak Ramarao can deliver the speeches laden with aggression. He carried the same zeal in reality when he spoke about the political picture of his state. He invoked Telugu pride frequently during his about ten minute long speech. His speech was carried live by the NTV, a channel owned by Tummala Narendra Chowdary. The channel also interviewed some of the supporters of the young superstar and they seemed to have lapped all that was spoken by Junior NTR.

It was very appalling to see a young hero targeting the Mega Star like Chiranjeevi. He took a dig at Chiru, without the naming of course, “who had called Gandhiji to fight for the freedom of India? Who had called Dr. Ambedkar to fight for the cause of Dalits?” He also criticized Congress, the ruling party of Andhra Pradesh and main opponent of Telugu Desam Party, for which Jr. NTR was campaigning for last many days.

However, he was not alone in the fray. Almost half of Telugu movie stars and artists are in election process this time. Nagarjuna, who till now has managed to keep distance from the party politics, has opened his mouth this time. Even though speaking in a reserved manner and refusing to endorse any of the party, he said there have been only two persons in the state who have kept their promises. Those two are NTR and Y. S. Rajshekhar Reddy, the present chief minister of the state. Nagarjuna, a heartthrob of a large number of youths (I myself like the actor) in Andhra as well as in other states, also wished success to Chiru.

Meanwhile, many new actors like Allu Arjun are also campaigning for the Praja Rajyam, party founded by Chiranjeevi.