In a fast, no-holds-barred interview to Abhijit Majumder, Rahul Mahajan talks about his slain father, the BJP, cocaine, mobster's moll Monica Bedi, allegations of wife-beating, and the strong possibility of gate-crashing politics wearing jeans and his heart on his sleeve, most likely as an independent.
In a fast, no-holds-barred interview to Abhijit Majumder, Rahul Mahajan talks about his slain father, the BJP, cocaine, mobster's moll Monica Bedi, allegations of wife-beating, and the strong possibility of gate-crashing politics wearing jeans and his heart on his sleeve, most likely as an independent. Excerpts candidate. Excerpts.
Have you decided to contest in this election?
I was hoping the party would give my sister Poonam a ticket from Mumbai Northeast, where my father lost in 1998. It would have fulfilled his desire to contest again from there. It's an emotional matter. Poonam will continue to work for the party. My father taught us to abide by party discipline. But I'm not bound by the rules since I'm not an active member. I may decide to contest this election.
Has the BJP been ungrateful to your father, buried his memory and moved on?
Of course. Not the party workers. Atalji had once described my father as Laxman. But when Laxman's family needs sanjeevani, nobody's willing to give it. The party is not encouraging the youth.
It is getting people from old-age homes when the majority of the country's population is young. I feel injustice has been done and I won't accept injustice.
ADVERTISEMENT
And you may decide to correct that injustice?
Yes. I'm disappointed. But I'm not saying my sister feels injustice has been done.
If you join politics, what do you think you'll have to leave behind from your past?
There's nothing to leave behind. People have seen me in all my facets. They have accepted me the way I am. I'll continue to wear jeans and shirt if I join politics. You get what you see. You don't get somebody with double standards, somebody hypocritical or diplomatic. You get somebody honest, genuine, young.
Babes, wild parties...
My age is not there [sic] for wild parties. There are no babes or wild parties happening. I'm not a teenager. I'll be 34 on July 25. I've seen enough of that. There's always the need for experience. But nobody can get any more scandals out of me. I have seen the worst and best of times. I've seen Tihar jail, and within three months, I've honeymooned at the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel.
Have you left cocaine behind?
That's an accusation I've denied from day one. People have seen me 24X7 for 90 days on camera, and have made their judgment. They've voted for me, and paid for the SMSes to vote.
Who do you think will vote for you?
BJP's traditional support base: 18-30 year olds. Youngsters. People who see themselves in me, and see that I don't fake it.
Have you ever felt you've let down your near ones?
Because of the allegations, I have damaged my father's name. I would like to repair that. I admit it. It takes courage to admit that.
What did you always want to be: a politician, pilot, entertainer?
One life. There are so many things you can do in it.
Have you ever seen hard times financially?
I have lived in a chawl. I used to take the no 89 bus to school. I used to wait for my mother to buy me a bottle of Energy once in six months. And believe me, the taste of that Energy is far better than the best champagne I've had in my life.
Who do you blame for your father's death?
Nobody. It's destiny.
Have you dealt with the pain?
I'm still dealing with it. It's tattooed in my heart. It also gives me energy.
Are you in touch with Shweta?
Yes. She is still a very close friend. We speak to each other regularly.
Did you ever beat her up?
Of course not. She'd have gone
to the cops. She'd not be my friend now.
Are you seeing Monica Bedi?
Of course not. But I'm in touch with her. She's a nice girl and I respect her.
Would you act in films even after joining politics?
Yes, to make money. Politics is not my profession or business.
What are your plans for tonight?
I've got a 9 am shoot tomorrow for Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan. I'll have food at home, meet my mom, sleep early.
No parties?
Every Saturday I have this morning shoot. You either party or make money.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
