Hyderabad, February 12: Three decades, 149 films in a range of varied roles, from Apathbandhavudu to Gang Leader, Sankaradada to Jai Chiranjeeva, the arguably greater heroism of launching the Praja Rajyam and, finally, merging with the Congress … life has been a dramatic journey for mega star and PR chief, Mr K. Chiranjeevi.
Speaking with Deccan Chronicle, over a steaming cup of coffee, the super star appeared relaxed as he waits for what could be the biggest role of his life, as a Congressman. The process of merger of the PR with the Congress will take a month to complete.
But Mr Chiranjeevi already has a stream of Congress leaders, even ministers and MLAs visiting, as the word spread that he would be appointed to a key post by Congress president and UPA chairperson, Mrs Sonia Gandhi.
As he waits for completion of the formalities that will make him a Congressman, Mr Chiranjeevi ruminated, “It’s certainly difficult to establish and run a political party in the present environment. I did feel the pinch. But I was hurt more when some leaders who I trusted, ditched me, launched a smear campaign and indulged in character assassination.”
He described the PR merger as “a win-win-and-win situation for the PR, the Congress and the people.”
On the merger discussions with Mrs Gandhi, he said that the merger proposal came from the Congress high command and the PR leadership agreed to it after approval by the party.
“The Congress, which promises a socialistic pattern of society and has an avowed commitment to the uplift of the poor, especially the SC, ST and BC communities as well as the minorities, is the right party to carry on our party’s goal of social justice,” he asserted.
The announcement, however, was unscheduled. “During talks with Mrs Gandhi, I was literally moved by a remark she made. When I said something about the PR, Mrs Gandhi corrected me and asked me not to talk about “my party” any more but say “our party”. Everyone present burst into laughter. Her talk indicated she was keen on merger. Mrs Gandhi said since there was an agreement for merger, why not tell the people. It was then I made the announcement in New Delhi itself, which was actually not scheduled,” he said.
The PR chief expressed confidence that Mrs Gandhi would stand by her word to be fair to PR members. “I am sure she will take care of my interests as well as that of my MLAs, leaders and cadre.”
When asked if the Congress has promised him the post of CM, Deputy CM, a Union Cabinet berth or a party post, as rumours are doing the rounds, he said, “We are like guests of the Congress. A good host certainly knows how to treat a great guest.”
Quoting his senior party leader, Mr C. Ramachandraiah, Mr Chiranjeevi said that the Congress seems to be planning to utilise his services beyond AP and in the national arena. “Mrs Gandhi reportedly informed Mr Ramachandraiah that they plan to utilise my services beyond AP. Thanks to some Hindi films, I am also known in the North. I have good following in Tamil Nadu … I can speak Tamil and Kannada, and am also known in Maharashtra and Orissa,” he disclosed.
Asked whether his heart lies in AP or in national politics, he quipped with a smile, “Of course, I want to be close to my people in the state. But it is left to the Congress High Command to utilise my services wherever it wants, in whatever capacity.”
Talking on other issues, Chiranjeevi emphasised that he doesn’t “like to be labelled “a Kapu leader”. No … no … no…, I don’t like to be confined to the Kapu (community). Like a mother who treats all children like her own, all communities are one to me. People owned me as actor and now as a politician.”
Finally, speaking about his 150th film, which is pending, he said that he plans to complete it at an appropriate time, “but it is not a priority now.”
–Agencies