Political journey began with Vajpayee’s push
NEW DELHI : Throughout his film career Vinod Khanna was overshadowed by another six-feet something actor. But in his parliamentary career, the four-time MP from Gurudaspur left Amitabh Bachchan miles behind.
Bachchan’s tryst with politics was a misadventure that ended miserably, damaging his ties with the Nehru-Gandhi family.
During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s regime, Khanna was picked first as the junior minister for tourism and culture. After a year, he was made the junior minister for external affairs.
He would diligently come to office and work till late in the evening. But by any standard, Vinod Khanna was possibly not an active parliamentarian. He only asked 22 questions in the last two Lok Sabhas (2004-2014) and never cared to bring a private member bill. He was more in his elements when he went to his constituency. He once told this correspondent, “Atalji called me and said you have to contest election. I only told him that please give me a ticket from Punjab as I would be comfortable there.”
One of the everlasting images of the tall, handsome parliamentarian was when he came to meet the then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee for some work. Mukherjee was returning to his room in Parliament. Khanna introduced himself: “Sir, I am Vinod Khanna.” Mukherjee, who hardly watched Hindi movie, completely ignored him and continued to walk briskly. “Sir, I am Vinod Khanna, Member of Parliament,” the familiar voice said, in desperation. “Oh! Please come, please come, MP ji. What can I do for you,” Mukherjee greeted him.
Finally, in Parliament Khanna found someone oblivious of his star status.