Didn't raise asset naming issue to gain favour: Rishi Kapoor

Actor Rishi Kapoor, who had kicked up a storm by criticising the practice of naming the major assets of the country after Gandhi-Nehru family, has claimed he did not rake up the issue to gain political favours from the Modi government.

The 63-year-old actor, in a series of tweets, had criticised the Congress party for naming public assets after Gandhi-Nehru family members.

"I have no aspirations to become a politician, nor did I say this to please the ruling party. I was neither trying to impress anybody, nor do I seek Padma award or Rajya Sabha membership," Kapoor said, while replying to Rajat Sharma on India TV show "Aap Ki Adalat".

The actor said he respected the Gandhi-Nehru family but was not in the favour of naming national assets after a single family.

"Don't we have eminent people who built cities and our great country. The Kapoor family has been a supporter of Congress every time, but the issue is that sycophants in the party are trying to name all public assets to please the family," he said, adding Delhi alone had 64 assets that were named after the Gandhi-Nehru family.

When asked about his recent praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kapoor said, "I feel whatever Modiji is saying is correct. My only request to him is that he should fulfill his promises soon. I am patiently waiting and I am hopeful he would definitely fulfill."

The actor was trolled on Twitter after his comments with some people calling him a "Modi-bhakt' but Kapoor said he is fine with the moniker.

"Yes, I am a Bhakt (worshiper), but a Bhakt of God. I do not know what connotation this word has nowadays, but yes, if so be it, yes I am."

The actor was also all praise for HRD Minister Smriti Irani for her "emotional and courageous speeches".

When asked about not getting a Padma award during the Congress regime, Kapoor said only people with close connections in Delhi are awarded.

"Yes, I learnt this after working for 44 years. Now even the age of getting an award is over. But my regret is that even Shammi Kapoor was not honoured. It's sad. In our government, a person is awarded only if one has a pull in Delhi. They don't give awards to deserving person," Kapoor said.

The episode featuring Rishi Kapoor will be telecast tonight at 10pm on India TV and a repeat telecast scheduled for tomorrow at 10am and 10pm.