Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has the Telugu film industry up in arms with her remarks against film actors wanting to become politicians. Mayawati had said in a public meeting here on Sunday that actors could only “sing and dance” and had no inclination to serve people.

“Don’t get into the trap of film glamour,” she advised her followers, slamming BSP’s doors on Telugu film actor Chiranjeevi who was rumoured to join the party.

She also asked the local BSP leaders not to encourage film actors to join the party. Mayawati also stood by her statement by dismissing the state BSP chief Nalla Suryaprakash from holding talks with Chiranjeevi’s brother Pavan Kalyan, also an actor, on Chiranjeevi’s plans of a political career. However, the Telugu film industry has not taken kindly to Mayawati’s slur on it.

Tollywood, as the industry is known, has asked Mayawati to study history before making such comments. Well-known Telugu comedian and former TDP minister Babu Mohan who said Mayawati was “ignorant of history”, pointed out that actors and politicians like MGR, NTR or Jayalalitha have served the people much better than any seasoned politicians. “In fact, film personalities are much more sensitive to people’s problems,” he added.
Veteran actor and former Union minister Krishnam Raju pointed out that there were several instances of film personalities making it big in politics, by winning the hearts of the masses with their dedication and commitment. Even today, there are several film personalities who are doing well in politics, he added.

Telugu Desam women’s wing also took an exception to the BSP leader’s remarks. Telugu Mahila Chief and actress Roja said Mayawati’s remarks “made no sense”. She said that many actors have shown the world that cinema and politics could indeed become good partners.