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Ramya: From acting to politics

Even as she rules the Kannada film industry, Ramya is taking baby steps towards making a mark in the world of politics. The actress, who contested and won the Youth Congress booth-level Presidential elections two days ago from the Number Three booth of Shantinagar assembly constituency in Bengaluru, talks about her new 'role.'

What made you take the plunge into politics?

It is not enough to have opinions on issues; you need to do something about them. Take for instance the ban that the Kannada film industry imposed on actress Nikitha recently. I was among those who strongly opposed it. You need to speak your mind for things to get moving.

Likewise, for how long will you complain about bad politicians? As an actor, I could have chosen to live a comfortable life and remain oblivious of the things around me. But I have always wanted to serve my nation and the people who have given me so much love and affection and what better medium than politics for that?

I'm also hoping that my entry will motivate many more women and youth to participate in politics. 

'I'll let my work speak for me'

What features on your constituency development priority list?

I have identified sanitation, education and infrastructure as core areas. But rather than talking about how I plan to develop my Shantinagar constituency, I will let my work speak for me.

As of now, I'll just say I have a small responsibility but big plans. Instilling the importance of voting and that too for efficient candidates is also what I am looking at.

Why the Congress?

The party has strived for communal harmony and that's something I identify with. I appreciate their style of governance as well. Also there is so much to learn from leaders like Sonia Gandhi, S M Krishna and Manmohan Singh. 

Rahul Gandhi is my favourite youth leader. He lays stress on transparency and democracy within the party. Elections within the Youth Congress are an example.

'Sidlingu and Lucky are my upcoming films'

You were vocal about your support for Anna Hazare. What is your take on the Congress party's stand regarding his movement?

I was with Anna Hazare on a few things. The movement no doubt awakened the youth. We need a strong Lokpal Bill too. But I also wonder what happens if the crusaders of justice themselves err? Also democracy must prevail. If rats and bugs infest your house, do you change your house or do you work to get it disinfected?

How do you plan to make time for politics with the demanding film career you have?

It's all about planning. Films are no doubt my bread and butter, but it's not like I am doing ten films in a year. When you want to do something, you manage to make time for it.

What are your upcoming films?

There is Sidlingu. I'll surprise you with my performance there. I play a government school teacher. She is a stickler for rules and someone who talks real fast. My body language is also very different.

Lucky is the other film I'm working on. I play a television anchor. She is a recluse and is close to no one but her dog. There is this guy who loves her but she resists him, and why she does so makes for the story. Initially I used to complain that I'm not getting to experiment with my roles, and now when I am getting opportunities, people want to marry me off!