'Unlike Shotgun, my loyalty towards my party is quite sturdy'

Says Shekhar Suman in a no-holds-barred conversation with Subhash K Jha. Suman, a Congress candidate from Patna Lok Sabha constituency, gets candid about his foray in politics, his rival Shatrughan Sinha and other issues

Shekhar Suman once considered Shatrughan 'Shotgun'u00a0 Sinha as his mentor.

But now, the mentor and the protege are fighting for the Patna Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming general elections.

Read on, as Shekhar talks about politics, Bihar and of course, the Bihari Babu.

You are known for your comments on politicians. What made you take a plunge in politics?
My wife used to wonder why I needed to question the societal structure. But now, I have realised that it's high time that we stop talking and get active in the process of bringing in a change.

Kya baat hai: Shekhar Suman doesn't want people from calling him a politician as he believes that it has sleazy overtones

But weren't you dithering about contesting the elections?
The thought of contesting elections was brewing for a while but I wasn't sure. And now that I have made up my mind, I'll stick to it and won't let anybody down.

What influenced you to contest on a Congress ticket?
It's the oldest party and has given India all the progressive persuasions. My grandfather was associated with the Congress and my mother had made it clear that it was either Congress or no politics for me.

Besides, during the last general elections, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka had asked me to contest on a Congress ticket. However, I wasn't prepared then.

You've been pitched against Shotgun. Do you think you'll be able to beat him?
It doesn't matter who's the opponent. I am ready to cross swords with anyone, no matter how formidable he is.

Sinha thinks it's unethical to pitch one entertainer against another?
Didn't he mention that he's the one who started it? He contested against Rajesh Khanna in 1989 and tasted defeat.

But Sinha has worked for theu00a0 people of Bihar and has a great fan following?
When it comes to elections, a fan following means nothing. I'm not venturing into politics as an actor but as a person who would like to work for the welfare of the people and as someone who has a very strong emotional connect with the land.

Had you done anything for Bihar?
I wanted to open a hospital for paediatric cardiology where kids could get free treatment. But I couldn't get the project moving, as I had no clout. Somebody didn't want me there.

So what do you plan to do if you win the elections?
I want to do something for the entertainment sector in Bihar. Maybe, I'll start an acting academy in Bihar. Also, Patna needs a cosmetic surgery. While other cities have changed, Patna still looks the same.

Your take on politicians switching over from one party to another.
My loyalty towards Congress is unwavering. Unlike Shatrughan Sinha (he had met SP general secretary Amar Singh before the names of candidates were declared), my loyalty towards my party is quite sturdy. For me, it's either Congress or no politics.

But it doesn't seem that it will be a cakewalk for you.
I think that the people in Bihar should look at me with disquiet. If others haven't delivered so far, then why shouldn't they trust me?

You speak like a seasoned politician.
I'd refrain people from calling me a politician. The connotations are too sleazy.