Faces of politics

Former cricketers and ageing film actors can remain longer in the limelight by taking up a new career — politics. With the general elections approaching, political parties are in a race to lure as many film stars and sportspersons as candidates. Congress has roped in former cricket captain Mohd Azharuddin, BJP has ace shooter Jaspal Rana in its fold and is wooing Anil Kumble, Samajwadi Party has convinced actor Sanjay Dutt to contest from Lucknow. However, the choices, though popular, are not optimum. Azharuddin still bears the taint of match-fixing and Dutt has been convicted for a serious crime. However, the usual complaints about criminalisation of politics seem to disappear when it comes to such “heroes”. The whole issue needs deep introspection. Though it is possible that these celebrities could become good lawmakers, it must be kept in mind whether they would successfully advocate the cause of the people, as they are far removed from the common man. Also, so far the record of sportspersons and actors who jumped into politics has been far from exemplary, with the exception of south India. Film stars Dharmendra and Govinda, who won by record margins, were widely criticised for being absent from both Parliament and their constituencies. Navjot Singh Sidhu is known more for his appearances on TV comedy shows than legislative matters. Another Indian opener Chetan Chauhan and all-rounder Kirti Azad raised no spark in Parliament, neither did actors Jaya Prada, Jaya Bachchan or Hema Malini, or earlier Rajesh Khanna or Shatrughan Sinha. The only two celebrities who have replicated their success in their political career were the late Sunil Dutt and to some extent, Vinod Khanna. The Indian fascination or obsession with cricket and cinema is legendary. Unfortunately, merging these two spheres in politics may not be a good idea.