The actor, who has actively campaigned for his brother and late father, may take the plunge into politics soon.
It looks like Riteish Deshmukh will get into politics sooner than later. Son of the former chief minister of Maharashtra the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, has already started dressing for the part. But there’s lot more to it. Read on...
Carrying dad’s legacy...
He hails from the politically dominant Maratha community. His brother Amit is the current Congress MLA from Latur, and Riteish played an active part in the campaigning. He was very close to his father, and they would always talk about politics. Says an actor who has worked with Ritiesh, “He would talk to his dad every single day. Even while on outdoor shoots, they would have long telephonic conversations everyday. He has learnt a lot from his dad. He may not talk about it to his filmi friends, but he understands politics very well.
And he will eventually get into it. And he must. It would be such a waste if he didn’t.”
The good boy
Although Riteish has been an actor for the past 10 years, having debuted in 2003, he has always conducted himself with grace and dignity. He has never been involved in any scandals or controversies, save one where he recieved flak for (The Taj incident during 26/11) and for which he apologised in an interview to a tabloid. Ritiesh has also been very low-key in terms of being seen at parties and premieres. He doesn’t smoke or drink, and has a sqeaky clean image. He is known as a solid, stand-up guy in the industry who is always there for his friends, as also mere acquaintances; always polite, helpful and decent. It’s almost as if it he has been preparing for the job of a politician, his whole life.
It’s in his blood
Says a source, “Politics is in Riteish’s blood and now with elections approaching in the next year, it is the right time for him to take the plunge. People in political circles as well as the film industry feel that he is perfect for the job. Clean, chivalrous and conscientious.”
Recently a producer asked Ritiesh if he would eventually join some party, a shocked Riteish replied that there was no question of him joining anywhere but the Congress Party as his family has been part of it for generations... and he kind of let the cat out of the bag.
Testing the waters?
In January this year Riteish made his debut as a film producer with the Marathi film Balak Palak, a superb film about kids and growing up. His next Marathi production is said to be based on the life of a popular politician from Maharashtra. Titled Lai Bhaari, it is being directed by Nishikant Kamat, and Riteish is playing the role of a politician.
For the people...
He has set up a state-of-the-art educational institution in his hometown Latur in Maharashtra. Ritiesh feels that education is a priority and it is important to have schools with good facilities where education is imparted in a newer and different system and which is as good as or better than the ones in Mumbai. Riteish has also designed a state-of-the-art multiplex in Latur for the people. All these steps are considered as Riteish’s next step up the political ladder.
For now the actor is busy shooting for his film Grand Masti the reality show, India’s Dancing Superstar. and his production house. As far as embarking on a political career goes, Riteish is non-committal. He’s neither denying nor confirming the rumours, which is again a sign of a good politician. Holding his cards close to his chest.
Politics & Cinema
Rajesh Khanna
He contested the elections on Congress (I) ticket and miraculously defeated Shatrughan Sinha in the 1992 elections, but eventually lost interest in politics.
Amitabh Bachchan
After temporarily putting aside his film career and entering politics in 1984 on the behest of his close friend Rajiv Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan swore off politics admitting that, “I am not cut out for politics.”
Jaya Bachchan
She continues to be an active and vocal member of the Rajya Sabha. She sees politics as a platform to bring about a social reform.
Govinda
His tryst with politics was even less fruitful with charges of corruption and incompetence hounding him out of the political arena. He had sorrowfully admitted, “Active politics is not for me. I think I was thoroughly misunderstood.
Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Dutt’s reasons for being in politics were way too personal and emotional. He was in it only to support his ‘brother’ Amar Singh.
Jaya Prada
She seems to be faring much better in politics under Amar Singh’s patronage. But one should not forghet that she is from South, where actors make natural politicians.
Shabana Azmi & Javed Akhtar
Have had an interesting and fruitful innings in the Rajya Sabha, though neither intend to practice active politics.
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