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`If they can get Hema, we`ll bring in Moushumi`: The Indian Express
New Delhi, Mar 05: Who says the Congress is bereft of star support? Ask T Subbirami Reddy. The reigning badshahs of Bollywood-Messrs Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan are all `very much fond of Congress` and the only reason they are not formally endorsing the party is because they are `shy types.`
New Delhi, Mar 05: Who says the Congress is bereft of star support? Ask T Subbirami Reddy. The reigning badshahs of Bollywood—Messrs Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan are all "very much fond of Congress" and the only reason they are not formally endorsing the party is because they are "shy types."
Similarly, "Dharmendra’s family was very much fond of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi" and the reason he is not exhibiting his fondness right now is that "he wants to be absolutely neutral."
There are other stars "who are very much part of the Congress and will soon join the party" but Reddy fights shy of naming them "because then others might capture them."
The one person who is neither shy nor neutral and is in no danger of being captured is Moushumi Chatterjee. She, Reddy discloses, will join the party tomorrow. Rubbing his hands with unconcealed glee, the Congress MP and the party’s pointman in Bollywood, says,"Humko bhi mil gaya na—unke paas Hema, hamare paas Moushumi.’’ Hema may have been the "dreamgirl" of yesteryears but "Moushumi Chatterjee was a versatile star liked by all intellectuals as well as masses." What is more, she is also the daughter-in-law of the late Hemant Kumar whose "music everyone loved," adds Reddy.Talking of Hemant Kumar, another well known music director—Naushad—is set to back the party. "He is too old to campaign but he will issue a message in support of the Congress," says Reddy, revealing another name he is certain the other side won’t appropriate. Subbirami Reddy, famous for throwing lavish parties studded with Bollywood celebrities, is more than a little peeved at the media’s "disinformation campaign" about the BJP’s success and the Congress’s failure in roping in stars for the campaign trail.
"Tell me, which new heroes are coming to them? Shatrughan Sinha and Vinod Khanna joined them long ago , Hema Malini campaigned for them for the past six years, Jeetendra is not really interested in public life, and Suresh Oberoi was an artist once upon a time.’’ In contrast, Congress has a far more distinguished gallery. "Dilip Kumar, Sunil Dutt, and Rajesh Khanna are towering personalities—the BJP has no one to match them. Then we have Govinda who is a present-day hero. And now Shakti Kapoor has joined us.’’ Shakti Kapoor, unlike Suresh Oberoi, is not a has-been. ‘‘At least Shakti Kapoor is acting in 14 films today—and he is not a villain only. He has acted as villain, as comedian, and in many character roles,’’ gloats Reddy, pointing out that of the BJP’s star catch "none of them is acting in films anymore."
But that is also reason for hope. The "shy" Khans, he says, ‘‘are extremely busy with their careers and are still thinking whether they can spare time to campaign in the elections." When "they get older and retire", they too will come out in open support of the Congress. Watch out for SRK—he may come asking for your vote in Elections 2020.
The one person who is neither shy nor neutral and is in no danger of being captured is Moushumi Chatterjee. She, Reddy discloses, will join the party tomorrow. Rubbing his hands with unconcealed glee, the Congress MP and the party’s pointman in Bollywood, says,"Humko bhi mil gaya na—unke paas Hema, hamare paas Moushumi.’’ Hema may have been the "dreamgirl" of yesteryears but "Moushumi Chatterjee was a versatile star liked by all intellectuals as well as masses." What is more, she is also the daughter-in-law of the late Hemant Kumar whose "music everyone loved," adds Reddy.Talking of Hemant Kumar, another well known music director—Naushad—is set to back the party. "He is too old to campaign but he will issue a message in support of the Congress," says Reddy, revealing another name he is certain the other side won’t appropriate. Subbirami Reddy, famous for throwing lavish parties studded with Bollywood celebrities, is more than a little peeved at the media’s "disinformation campaign" about the BJP’s success and the Congress’s failure in roping in stars for the campaign trail.
"Tell me, which new heroes are coming to them? Shatrughan Sinha and Vinod Khanna joined them long ago , Hema Malini campaigned for them for the past six years, Jeetendra is not really interested in public life, and Suresh Oberoi was an artist once upon a time.’’ In contrast, Congress has a far more distinguished gallery. "Dilip Kumar, Sunil Dutt, and Rajesh Khanna are towering personalities—the BJP has no one to match them. Then we have Govinda who is a present-day hero. And now Shakti Kapoor has joined us.’’ Shakti Kapoor, unlike Suresh Oberoi, is not a has-been. ‘‘At least Shakti Kapoor is acting in 14 films today—and he is not a villain only. He has acted as villain, as comedian, and in many character roles,’’ gloats Reddy, pointing out that of the BJP’s star catch "none of them is acting in films anymore."
But that is also reason for hope. The "shy" Khans, he says, ‘‘are extremely busy with their careers and are still thinking whether they can spare time to campaign in the elections." When "they get older and retire", they too will come out in open support of the Congress. Watch out for SRK—he may come asking for your vote in Elections 2020.