The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has got a dash of glamour, with actor Vemuri Lakshmidevi Charan as its candidate for the 21st division in the municipal polls. With the induction of a film star like Kota Srinivasa Rao paying dividends in the past, the party hopes to rake in votes this time, too.
Mr. Charan made a dramatic entry into politics this season. The actor says films are his hobby, and that he will continue to act. Politics is a compulsion for him to address problems facing the people. He never gave a serious thought to politics though he had an inclination to serve society.
According to him, most problems remain unresolved despite repeated pleas to elected representatives. “Day in and day out, we face drainage and water problems. I am contesting elections to address these issues on priority,” he says.
Ask him if he has public acceptance, and he says: “Cinema is a glamour quotient that helps in drawing attention. Every person in my division knows who I am. Not just as a cine actor, people know me as their friendly neighbour for more than 30 years.”
Mr. Charan says he has a long association with the film industry, as his father was a film distributor. Encouragement from parents drove him to look for greener pastures in the industry. And, his dreams were not belied, as he got a chance as second villain in Jayam.
Interestingly, he retained his name ‘Devi’ in Arya, Atanokkade and Raghavendra. In Anumanaspadam, he has a different name, Aids Raja, he says.
Mr. Charan, who shot to fame with films like Arya and Jayam, will be seen on the silver screen again in the latest flick, Laddubabu, which has Allari Naresh as the hero.
