Shivarajkumar, like his legendary father Rajkumar, has distanced himself from State politics despite pressure from various quarters. But, he is supporting his wife Geetha’s decision to enter politics and contest from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency on Janata Dal (Secular) ticket.
To a query on why he himself does not want to try his luck in State politics, he says he is keeping away from politics because of his short-temper. “I don’t think I will fit into politics, it is not my cup of tea.”
However, he is quick to add that he is handling enough “politics” in the film industry though there is a lot of difference between the politics in the film industry and the genuine “power politics” that his wife was venturing into. “It is easy to produce or direct a movie, or even act in it rather than engaging in power politics.”
Drawing parallels between his own decision and that of his father Rajkumar’s decision not to enter politics, Shivarajakumar says he is only following his father’s footsteps.
According to him, Rajkumar strongly believed in women empowerment. “My mother established Vajreshwari Combines because my father gave her space to grow. I am just following his footsteps.”But though Rajkumar did not try his luck in politics, he was not against any of his family members joining politics. Personally he was not interested in politics and that is why he just “disappeared” when attempts were being made to pit him against Indira Gandhi in the Chikmagalur byelection in 1978, he recalls.
Shivarajakumar adds that in case his father had a strong dislike for politics, he would not have allowed him (Shivarajakumar) to get married to Geetha, daughter of the former Chief Minister S. Bangarappa.
