Hema Malini, actor-filmmaker-dancer and Rajya Sabha MP, is drawing huge crowds for the BJP wherever she goes. Contributing Correspondent Vijay Singh catches her attention for a few quick questions.
What campaign accessory do you always travel with?
Since the weather is so hot now, I always keep a spare outfit with me. I also make sure I have my sunglasses with me at all time.
What do you do before you set out for the day?
I step out for campaigning only after I complete my pooja at home, which is something I do every day. But I no longer practise dance and yoga, which are also part of my normal morning routine, because I have to join my team at the helipad by 9 am. We use the helicopter every day so that I can cover the maximum number of places. I have a very hectic campaign schedule and I have to be on time or the whole programme can be disturbed.
How do you keep fit?
I am already very fit, so I don't need to do anything extra. But, thanks to my hectic campaign schedule, I do think I will gain or lose at least three kilos by the time the elections are over.
What do you do to keep your voice in fine fettle?
I am not taking any kind of extra care of my voice. This is because I don't get a chance to speak much. The minute I start my speech, the crowd cheers so loudly that I don't get an opportunity to say much.
I find it difficult to speak in remote places because it is so hot and dusty that I tend to choke. I am doing this for the first time. Campaigning is a very tough job for me, but I am managing.
What is your favourite mode of transport during the campaign?
I prefer to travel by jeep, because you can see everyone clearly and everyone can see you. Also, people are not able to come close to you easily when you are in a jeep.
Huge crowds, numbering in lakhs, come to see me wherever I go. Right now, I am travelling in a private helicopter and am in Aurangabad. I have four more meetings to attend, but some of them had to be cancelled because, when we tried to take off, the crowd came too close to the helicopter. Some of them even caught hold of its rotors so the pilot refused to take off.
If there is one thing you can avoid during the campaign, what would it be?
Nothing special. I avoid oily food and am continuing to do so even now. I also fast two days a week. This is part of my normal routine.
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Image: Rahil Shaikh