Kirron a committed person, shifted base to city: Anupam Kher

Ace actor Anupam Kher is back in the city and is actively taking part in the poll campaign of his wife MP Kirron Kher. He is also said to be the major force behind Kirron getting the BJP ticket for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat for the second time. The actor spoke to Chandigarh Tribune correspondent Sandeep Rana during his visit to the city to accompany his better half during the filing of nomination papers. Excerpts:

Q: Your wife has got the BJP ticket for the second time. How do you see her candidature from here?

The BJP high command has reaffirmed its faith in her considering the kind of work she has done during her tenure. You could see the love people showered on her when she came to file her nomination papers. A large number of people were part of the roadshow.

Q: Announcement of her name was quite delayed. Why?

This is a smart strategy. Captain does not announce in advance which player he is going to take to the field. They (BJP high command) know what they are doing.

Q: It is said it was for your influence that Kirron got the ticket?

It is the funniest thing I have heard. As an actor, if I have that much influence, it is a compliment but I will not take it. It is ridiculous.

Q: For how long will you campaign for your wife in Chandigarh?

I will be back after ten days and stay here for sometime. I am a professional actor and have a lot of work. But it is my moral duty to help her.

Q: Of late, many celebrities like Sunny Deol and Urmila Matondkar are entering politics. How do you see it?

It is fantastic. The commitment she showed towards the city in the last five years, Kirron has proved she is not just an actress but also a committed person. She has shown commitment by shifting her base from Mumbai to Chandigarh, leaving her family.

Q: Recently, there have been films released on politics and political leaders. Even you have done “The Accidental Prime Minister” and it faced criticism as well. Your take on it.

We all face criticism in our lives and I have faced it since my childhood. One who is not able engages in criticism. But they do not know I am a doer. I think such films should be made. And what is the harm in it?

Q: What are your views on the Congress and the ‘mahagathbandhan’?

Their only target is to remove PM (Narendra) Modi. They should tell what is their vision or roadmap for India. They should tell us how they want to go about it.

Q: Do you have plans to enter politics?

I have a work contract abroad and I am representing India internationally. For the time being, I am not joining politics, but cannot say, I may feel like going for it after a few years.