Self-confidence is their hallmark

Filmdom has always had its share of Parliamentarians. S. R. ASHOK KUMAR talks to two recent entrants into the arena, actors Sarath Kumar and S. S. Chandran.

THE RAJYA SABHA will now have two more film personalities from Tamil Nadu. One is a hero of the Tamil silver screen, Sarath Kumar, and other a comedian, S.S.Chandran. Read on to know their thoughts and their aspirations.

What are the qualities you think you have to become a good Parliamentarian?

Sarath Kumar: You have to be good human being first. Then one can be a good Parliamentarian.

S. S. Chandran: Film personalities can become good Parliamentarians. Earlier MGR in Tamil Nadu and later the present Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalitha have proved it. Also Sivaji Ganesan and S. S. Rajendran have been MPs. Today Vinod Khanna is a member of the Lok Sabha.

Who will be your role model in Parliament?

Sarath: My role model is none other than Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Chandran: As a comedian I can make the Parliament laugh with my jokes and make my point heard with due attention. In this my role model is Piloo Mody who was one of the best speakers in Parliament.

Do you think your lifestyle will change after you become a Parliamentarian?

Sarath: There will not be much change except that I will be busier.

Chandran: For me there will not be much of a change. But what ever I say will be quoted. So I must speak with authenticity and conviction as I have been doing always. From the day I assume the membership of the Rajya Sabha my every day work will be for the benefit of the people of Tamil Nadu.

You were an actor-producer. How are you going to find time for your celluloid world activities?

Sarath: I am a planner and I will divide my time to concentrate well in both areas of work. In the beginning I will devote a little more time to the affairs of Parliament and once I get used to it I can devote equal time to both and work to the best of my ability.

Chandran: If a lawyer or a doctor becomes an MP he continues with his practice. Likewise I will continue with my acting.

Do you feel you will be able to devote enough time to your party activities from now on?

Sarath: I have been active since the time I entered the party. I worked hard as a party candidate in the last Lok Sabha elections. I will now strive to bring more benefits to the downtrodden and underprivileged.

Chandran: For me cinema and politics are extremely important. I will allot time according to the needs of the situation and work hard.

Have you thought about the maiden speech in Parliament? What is going to be the subject?

Sarath: It may be about what I feel are the atrocities to the people of Tamil Nadu in general or any other matter which needs to be voiced in parliament.

Chandran: Rajya Sabha is a learned forum which is represented by the best minds. I will thank my leaders in my first speech and take up important issues prevailing at that time to suit and benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.

You may have been selected on a party ticket. But you are supposed to work without party affiliation in Parliament. How do you intend to prove yourself in this regard?

Sarath: My party slogan is always for the benefit of the people. One must not forget the contribution of the people of Tamil Nadu when the Kargil war was on. I was also connected with it in a small way under the Chief Ministership of Dr. Kalaignar. I will follow the footsteps of my party leaders and will always do my best for the people of the country in general and Tamil Nadu in particular.

Chandran: If a road is laid by the Chief Minister it is not being used only by our party members but by all. Likewise if a person comes to me with a problem I will not ask him which party he belongs to. I will try to solve the problem first and send him back happy.

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