Meet our political pied pipers

Bollywood has always been involved and shown their solidarity for causes -- social and otherwise, that are close to stars' hearts. While this seems to have been happening for quite some time now, what is new is Bollywood's new found love for politics. Elections are around the corner and it is but obvious that celebrities will participate actively. Along with casting the vote, they are also taking the onus of urging citizens to go out and vote.

Aamir Khan, who's rarely seen in the public eye except when promoting his films, recently took active interest in urging residents of Punjab to exercise their right, to vote and choose the most honest candidate. A voice message apparently recorded by the actor is being circulated in Punjab. Some residents were apparently surprised to get calls from the actor -- a voice from an unknown landline number saying, "Main Aamir Khan baat kar raha hoon... aap sab vote kijiye aur soch samajh kar sabse imandaar aur saaf recordwale candidate ko hi vote deejiye." This recorded message has been picked up and is being used by a number of an NGO called Democratic Reforms. The actor, it is learned, has also shot for three short films that will be uploaded on the NGO's website.

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar who's known to often take to Twitter to express his views about several issues, was recently spotted doling out voting advice to a bunch of people at an event. The actor, who's said to be an icon for youth in many ways, is reported to have said, "You should avoid voting for that particular party, whom your family or friends are following over the years, without seeking any information about the candidate. It is your democratic right, and also a big difference with which you can make in the process of how this country would be governed."

Not just urging people to vote sensibly, actors are also going all out and campaigning for political parties themselves. According to latest reports, Salman Khan will be campaigning for Congress. In a bid to woo voters, political parties have started roping in celebrities to campaign for them. The actors in return, spread the message to people to vote sensibly as well as fulfill their social responsibility of being a public figure.

Source: Sneha Mahadevan, DNA-Daily News & Analysis

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