Shivarajkumar to support wife in her political pursuit

Kannada actor Shivarajkumar on Tuesday said he would support his wife Geetha in her political career. She was joining politics to fulfill her mother’s dream, he said.

Geetha, daughter of the late former chief minister S Bangarappa, is likely to contest the April 17 Lok Sabha elections from the Shimoga constituency on a JD-S ticket. The JD(S) on Monday shortlisted Geetha and her brother Madhu Bangarappa, currently a JD(S) MLA from Soraba in Shimoga district, for the Shimoga parliamentary seat, which was once represented by their father.

Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the launch of an awareness campaign on “Chronic Kidney Diseases and Ageing”, Shivarajkumar said: “Geetha will contest this time as her mother is ill. This is not for any selfish purpose. It is to fulfill her mother’s dreams,” he said. The actor also said a final decision on his wife contest would be taken on March 17.

“Politics in itself is not bad. Neither me nor my family has any objection to the same,” he said.
Besides, Shivarajkumar stated that his father and thespian Rajkumar did not have objection to family members entering politics.

“He did not want to enter the field himself. However, we have always been given the liberty of choosing what we want to do,” he said. The agile and fit actor explained that lifestyle and fitness played an important role in maintaining good health. “Routine health check-ups, regular exercise and maintaining proper diet are essential,” he added.

The event was organised by Manipal Hospital to observe World Kidney Day. It is conducting an awareness campaign on chronic diseases and ageing. Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, Medical Director, Manipal Hospital, said the number of chronic kidney ailment cases was on the rise. “The sad trend is that by the time the ailment is diagnosed, it is too late. I strongly advocate preventive care,” he said.