I won't enter politics because I respect politics, Prakash Raj. File Photos: IANSIt was difficult to miss his intense gaze as Prakash Raj entered the foyer at Taj Vivanta hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. The embers that are burning inside clearly shone on his face. His words too carried the intensity of the smoldering remnants of the fire inside. The four-time national award winner still sticks to the political ideologies that he had during his days at Kalakshetra in Bengaluru, when he used to embrace the medium of street plays. Whenever the state intruded into the common man's lives, he reacted strongly. And, he continues his crusades even now. Prakash Raj opens up on a host of issues including the controversy over the release of Hindi film Padmavati and Malayalam film S Durga and the turbulent political scenario in the country in an exclusive chat with Onmanorama. Edited excerpts
Several films, including S Durga in Malayalam, have been denied permission to release. Film industry representatives are getting attacked. They are facing situations that they had only heard about from artists and technicians in other countries. How do you see these developments?
There are several dirty streets in the country. Some of them have the name Durga. Some places have Durga wines. They have been functioning for ages. The people who have no objection to this is now targeting films. Several wrong things happen at the places that I mentioned earlier. They don't see them but see the film S Durga.
The same is the case with Padmavati. Padmavati is a queen etched in folklore. Even historians have very little information about her.
A director makes a film in his viewpoint. And criticisms are dished out without knowing and seeing what it is. People don’t see films and criticize them. The Supreme Court decided to leave the matter to the Censor Board. However, some people are creating trouble without any reason.
On Hindutva and nationalism
The present political scenario in the country is disturbing. It is high time we get out of our comfort zones. People who think that Hindutva and nationalism are the same are ruling the country now. Hindutva is a way of life. A lot of debates are happening over this issue. How can people who say that those belonging to a particular religion should leave this country become Hindus? They don't know what is Hindutva.
Instead of telling lies in the name of Hindutva they should tell what is inside their minds. If they resort to murder in the name of religion, people should understand that. Why are high court rulings that rap chief ministers increasing in the country? We then see courts being approached seeking a favorable verdict. If anyone is hauled up by the courts, you should leave. That is how democracy functions.
Today, our mindset is such that we share the pictures of a man beaten to death and his body burnt on social media. The picture and message will lie in everybody's mind for long. It will lie in one's mind the way he or she sees it. We can also see politicians who put a ransom of crores of rupees on a person’s head in this country. How do they get the audacity to do it?
On politics as a service
If someone says this is my leader, he or she doesn't become a real leader. People together should decide who their leader is. Politics should not be seen as a profession. It should be a service.
People should decide before voting who should be their leader. One shouldn't behave like a fan when he or she votes. That is similar to voting for a particular religion or a community. If you pledge to provide hope to others, you should first think if you can become a guiding light or not.
On a probable political entry
I won't enter politics because I respect politics. It needs much more knowledge and foresight than what I have. One should enter politics if you know you are better than others. I don't have the courage. People like me grew up seeing those like Lankesh. Hence, I have some idea about politics in mind.
On the lack of govt in Tamil Nadu
There is no government in Tamil Nadu. Everybody knows this. Social development takes place only if a government works for its people. In Tamil Nadu, politicians are on a race to hang on to power. This is a very bad situation. I was able to understand the problems of people there. They have great resentment.
(To be continued...)
