Chennai: Yesteryear actress Shakeela Begum, 43, has commenced a political career by joining the Congress party.
The Chennai-based veteran artiste will be associated with the human rights wing of the Tamil Nadu state unit of the Congress.
She had set the screens on fire when adult films ruled the roost in South India in the 80s and 90s. Her racy films had propped up the ailing Malayalam industry, especially in the late 1990s, and helped the cash registers of theatre owners ringing.
Shakeela, who appeared in hundreds of sensuous roles, had endeared herself to millions of film buffs within a short span of time. However, with the advent of the Internet, 'A' films in theatres lost their mass appeal and the sex siren was pushed into oblivion.
She has acted in about 250 films, primarily in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. She had debuted in the film Playgirls (1995) at the age of 18.
A biopic on her was released last year. Bollywood actress Richa Chadda essayed her role.
Shakeela talked to Onmanorama about her debut in politics and the ideas that motivate her.
Why politics?
I get involved in the affairs of society in many ways. I want to do more on many issues. I do not always get heard because I am known as just an actor. Politics is a platform for social work.
Why Congress?
My father was a Congress worker. He used to tell us about Jawaharlal Nehru and his contributions to the country. That way, I had a place for Congress in my heart even as a child. I like Congress because it never bothers to inject politics into religion. I had made up my mind that I would work only in a national party. When Congress invited me in, I accepted it.
But the current trend among celebrities is to join the BJP.
You know very well that Shakeela is not like everyone else. You call me a controversial actor. I joined the party I liked.
Shakeela has a lot of fans in Kerala, which is also facing an election. Do you plan to go there to campaign?
My priority is the campaign in Tamil Nadu. We have only 10 days left to campaign. I will do as I am told by the party leadership.
Would you stop acting when you become active in politics?
Cinema is my livelihood. I will continue both.
