I chose to join a party that is out of power: Urmila

Films have a schedule, politics don't. For actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar, it was an urge to do something for people and that led her to join politics. The 45-year-old joined the Congress last month and has been nominated from the Mumbai North seat to take on BJP veteran Gopal Shetty.

Wherever she goes, she draws a crowd. The question is whether this translates into votes. The actor who has essayed a variety of roles is on new turf, but she says that she is comfortable but definitely a bit worried.

"Sometimes I am scared... Particularly after the Borivli incident... That I could be targeted like Dr Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and Gauri Lankesh," Urmila tells DH's Mrityunjay Bose during a freewheeling chat.

Following is the excerpts of the interview:

What has been the last few days like?

In films, there is a schedule, in politics, there is no schedule. In films, there is a script, in politics, there is no set script. In films, you don't get hit, in politics, there are chances you may. I have given my 100% to films, I will give 100% to politics.

Has the transition in such a small period of time difficult for you?

I was always a good student. I know the political issues. I know Indian history, culture and social scenario. I can connect to people. As regards people, I say that we are one of them. Filmstars do not come from Mars.

You have said that you feel threatened?

The Borivli incident was worrisome, it was horrible. A huge crowd was moving towards me. Sometimes I am scared... Particularly after the Borivli incident... That I could be targeted like Dr Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and Gauri Lankesh. However, I am going to continue my work undeterred. Today, attacks have a larger definition. It does not mean only physical attacks but also other forms of attacks like trolling. There are personal attacks. There are dirt and filth in these attacks.

What are the issues that you are talking about?

My constituency is in India's commercial capital. But it has issues like the water crisis. It's a smart city. Mumbai needs drastic improvement. I can't go to the slums and talk about Rafale. I am speaking about issues that are directly touching their lives. I am speaking about issues looking at whom I am addressing and what are their needs and expectations are.

The BJP is using the sacrifice and valour of our armed forces in the campaign.

It is very sad. Armed forces should be kept out of politics. For the BJP, when they felt casteism and communalism is not working, they brought in the army to garner votes.

Why it is so that suddenly filmstars are joining politics?

For me, it was not a sudden decision. I wanted to work. I joined the Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. I chose to join a party that is not in power. I have come out of the star image.