‘I belong to Mathura, I am a gopi’

Mumbai: The original Dreamgirl, Hema Malini, who has been in politics for a decade, is ready to contest Lok Sabha elections from Mathura this year (she has been a Rajya Sabha member). She talks to DC about her political journey, films and her family.

Talking about her political journey, Hema says, “It was a pleasant experience being a Rajya Sabha member. And I am now looking forward to the Lok Sabha experience. My daughters, Esha and Aahana have grown up, so I have fewer responsibilities as a parent. And Dharam Ji (superstar Dharmendra) too has always been there to encourage and advise me.

“There’s a Modi wave going on right now and the present political scenario in India is very interesting. I feel this is the time when we have to do a lot of things to bring change. People are fed up with all the nonsense that’s going on… People seem to like Modi’s ways and I think I can participate in bringing about changes for the people of this country.”

“I have to file the nomination first. Then I will go and campaign in Mathura. As a star I have campaigned for other candidates but this time it will be different. I used to campaign in five to six cities in a state.”

If elected, the star-turned-politician has clear-cut plans for her constituency. “I will try my utmost to bring in various changes for the betterment of the Brijwasis. Yes, for this I will need the support of the people. I have a mind of mine own so whatever I am instructed to do (by the party), I will sort out the good and the bad from that. There are many who like to pull your leg and without the support of the people and the members, it will not be possible for me to bring in changes,” she says.

“Krishna has selected me as his Radha and expects me to bring happiness to the people and do something for them. I have been visiting this place a lot. I have always been connected to Mathura. In fact for the past 10-15 years I have been a regular visitor here and people keep telling me that I have a house in Mathura. They refused to believe me when I would tell them that I have no house here. And later I started to feel that I was actually connected to this place. And thereafter whenever anyone would ask if I had a house in Mathura I would nod.

“Some people say that I do not belong to Mathura, I am an outsider. I am not an outsider, being a Krishn-bhakt I belong to Mathura, I am also a Gopi!”

Talking about the changes she would like to bring about, Hema says, “Over the course of time, the beauty of this city has deteriorated drastically. The population is okay, but we need to maintain cleanliness of this pious place. My first step will be making it a clean and fresh city. I have to bring in a change in the whole system over there.

“Most MPs from here have never bothered about cleanliness. I will have to make new footpaths as there is hardly any space to walk. As a Rajya Sabha member I was keen on giving some funds from my end. I wanted to donate Rs 2 crore but no one was ready to connect me to the right people to whom I could give these funds.” “Also, the Yamuna River has to be cleaned. There are no proper toilets for ladies, which I will rectify. Children will be encouraged to be educated and proper mid-day meals will be given in schools; this will encourage parents to send their wards to schools.”

Talking about her husband Dharmendra’s somewhat bland political career, Hema says, “He has not been unsuccessful in politics. In fact he has brought about few great changes in his constituency. He left politics because he was heartbroken…he could not stand unnecessary criticism. People are star struck…they expected him to live there, which was not possible. He had other things to do. Dharam Ji did his work sincerely, what more do you want?

Hema Malini is certain that she does not want to quit the industry yet. “I have no plans of quitting. If some good role comes my way I shall accept the offer. Dancing is my passion and I shall continue dancing too,” she says.

On a parting note, she says, “I am busy preparing “Krishna Belle” which we will be performing soon. Being born in a Vaishnav family I have always been close to Lord Krishna and I feel it’s a dream of a gopi to contest from Krishna-Nagri. It is like a dream come true for me.”