The Raima Sen interview

'We belong to a family that values commitment as the highest form of virtue.' An excited Raima Sen shares her feelings about her mother's nomination as a Trinamool candidate. Exclusive to Rediff.com

Actress Raima Sen hit the campaign trail for her mother Moon Moon Sen, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Bankura, West Bengal, on a Trinamool Congress ticket, along with her sister, model-cum-actress Riya Sen.

Moon Moon Sen is the only child of the enigmatic and beloved matinee idol, the late Suchitra Sen.

Doe-eyed Raima, whose expressions and smile bear strong resemblance to her legendary grandmother, shares the excitement that the siblings felt when their mother decided to join politics.

Exclusive to Rediff.com. Read on...

'It gives me goosebumps to think that mom stands the chance of being an MP'

I am so happy for my mom.

It's wonderful to think that a family member is contesting this important election.

It gives me goosebumps to feel that mom, should she win, will become a member of Parliament.

'Politics will give mom much-needed relief'

There couldn't have been a better time for her to join the fray.

She was going through a terrible time after grandma's (actress Suchitra Sen) demise.

Politics will give her much-needed variation and relief.

It will bring her close to the people of this land and will help her come to terms with life.

...

Raima Sen spoke to Rediff.com's Indrani Roy.

Politics is an ideal platform for a charmer like her

My mom is a born charmer, with impeccable public relation skills.

Politics, therefore, is an ideal platform for someone like her.

Her smile and confidence will help her win the people's confidence.

Dida would have worried about our security

Would Dida (her grandmother Suchitra Sen) have approved mom's decision?

I am sure she would have supported the greater cause -- working for people's welfare.

But, at the same time, she would have worried about small issues.

Dida would fret over mom's health and our family's security.

I wish she were here today so that we could listen to the prolonged conversations that mom and Dida would have had over the issue.

(Laughs) Mom would have convinced her anyway.

My mom is no delicate darling

Mom has been working so hard ever since she was selected as a TMC candidate.

She has been reading a lot, discussing politics, history and current affairs with dad whenever she gets the time.

Yet, a section of the media is keen on painting mom as a delicate darling.

I guess, they are really hard of 'good stories that sell'.

I have decided to forgive them as long as they don't malign us or get personal.

...

The people of Bankura, we are told, are eagerly waiting for us.

They expect us to talk sense.

We need to prepare an interesting speech for them.

The scorching heat of Bankura doesn't scare me

As an actor, I am used to working under terrible circumstances.

I don't want to stress too much about the Bankura heat.

Mom, Riya and I are strong enough to beat the weather.

Mom will never let her voters down

Mom said she has been getting very positive vibes from the people of Bankura.

Her rallies have seen huge turnouts.

Also, going by the pre-poll surveys, the Trinamool Congress is destined to win all the way.

I sincerely hope and pray that my mom wins.

We belong to a family that values commitment as the highest form of virtue.

If the people of Bankura vote for mom, she will (and I can vouch for it) never let them down.