INSPIRED BY SUNIL DUTT JI: SHILPA SHINDE

As she turns politician, actor Shilpa Shinde says after entertaining she now wants to help people

Shilpa Shinde, a popular name on television and the latest actor to join politics, says she did so out of a desire to help people.

Shilpa joined the Congress party on February 5. The actor, who became a household name with the TV show Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain and later won reality show Bigg Boss 11, says she believes in being different. “I never do what everyone is doing (laughs). Today, saying ‘I want to do something for my country’ is an overused phrase. When it comes down to doing things, very few people actually do it,” Shilpa says.

The actor admits she was thinking of joining politics for a while, but says she didn’t get the right opportunity. “There were offers from political parties to campaign. This year, when I was approached, maine ichcha jatai ke mujhe politics mein jaana hai. The first offer was from Congress and things worked out. I will contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai, but I don’t know from where yet,” Shilpa says.

The actor was also in the news two years ago, following a legal fight with a production house for breach of contract. Over a year later, the matter was sorted between both parties. Shilpa feels she had “taken a stand” for herself, without any support from the entertainment industry, and was all alone back then. “So, I feel I have the ability to stand for what is right. That’s why I feel I can do what is needed for young girls, women and even men. I don’t want to stand for women’s empowerment only. I want security for everyone. I have observed many things in many sectors and hope things will change in our society. But unless aap khud nahi karte, aap ko pata nahi chalta. Till now I have entertained people, now I want to help them too. I hope I am able to,” Shilpa says.

Asked if people take actorturned-politicians seriously, she retorts, “Yes, people do, but it also depends on the kind of work they do. Of course, artists are in the limelight more than other celebrities due to their popularity among the masses. Hum artists logon ke dilon tak pahunch chuke hain, hamari fan following hai, par politics mein if someone truly works for the cause, then you get respected too. Like the late Sunil Duttji, who was a legendary actor and a wonderful politician as well. I am inspired by him and the way he handled his two careers, so I know you can excel in both.”

The actor adds, “I have just stepped into politics and there is a lot for me to learn and understand. I don’t plan to keep my acting career on hold, par abhi do nao mein pair bhi nahin rakhna hai.”