The odds are stacked heavily against women in politics. They are up against strong, entrenched and largely patriarchal lobbies in political parties.
Nagma
It becomes difficult for a woman to become part of a lobby without eyebrows being raised. Even if she has proved herself with sheer stint of hard work, it will still be difficult for her to be accepted.
You know, women are treated like objects. But they have substance. They are not just an item number to be looked at - they have more to them than that.
If Salman Khan is not marrying, it is his personal decision and purely a personal matter. The issue is not related to empowerment of women.
I have addressed public meetings. I have done rallies and road shows. I have gone door-to-door for leaders like Kapil Sibal ji.
Film actors already have a public outreach, which helps political parties bridge the gap between them and the people.
The BJP is filled with people who wish to divide the country.
If I sense trouble, I ask the crowd to calm down and step back.
If I have to convey some message to different parts of the state, then the state capital offers me the best platform.
In politics, you have to work very hard, and those who do not want to work cannot be here.
After establishing myself as politician I will take decision about my future in film industry.
You cannot expect rewards without putting in hard work.
I have a U.P. connection as my mother had graduated from the Aligarh Muslim University.
Films, more for children, have a greater appeal on the people. It is through this medium that any illogical thought among people can be controlled.
If my own party workers criticize me, how will I reach out to people?
I have been with the Art of Living for around four years. Now, I have started taking classes, too. It has taught me to be patient and achieve a state of peace.
In fact, I am proud to be associated with the Congress.
Cricketers and Bollywood stars are attracted to each other because they are both well-known in their fields, and the constant pressure of proving oneself doesn't exist.
I've had enough of Bhojpuri cinema actually.
It is being stated that Modi was a minor at the time of his marriage, which is a big lie. There is evidence to prove that when he got married, he was not a minor but had grown up.
You need guts to deal with controversies.
My forefathers were from Punjab and so were my parents before they shifted to Delhi. And let me make this very clear - I am not a South Indian.
I am no longer interested in the rat race and I want to be around in a meaningful way.
I am an Indian citizen. How can anyone label me as an outsider?
I am an artist and artists do not lie.
My mother belongs to a family of freedom fighters.
I have been with the Congress because I believe in a secular ideology.
Modi talks about the Gandhi family, but people should remember he failed to take care of his wife.
I share a very cordial relationship with my father's side of the family.
I quit south Indian films because I was bored. The fans in south India were also quite demanding.
I have acted in nine regional languages and now I am ready to do a Bangla film.
Frankly, I wasn't comfortable with the idea of showing my private life to the public.
I follow the ideology of Gandhi and Nehru.
The AAP tried to lure the voters by giving them freebies, but they only gave free water that was dirty and unfit.
Instead of doing a B or C grade Hindi film, I would much rather do an A grade regional language film.
Doesn't everybody love movies like 'Lion King?'
No doubt Modi ji is a great orator because he was a pracharak from a young age.
See, love is not pre-planned.
During the 35 years of Left regime, there was no independence. We were left at the hands of torturers.
The Congress has provided people with MNREGA, Right to Information, food security, voting right to youths attaining the age of 18 years, land acquisition and rehabilitation act, and development-oriented programs like Jan Lokpal against corruption. That is why only Congress can provide a better government for the country's development.
It is not only in Meerut but entire U.P. where caste equation has phenomenal influence on politics.
I was born to a Hindu father and Muslim mother on Christmas day. You can't get more secular than that.
Politics is a game of great patience. A woman has to hold her ground and maintain dignity, holding her head high.
My first Bhojpuri film 'Panditji Bataayina Biyaah Kab Hoii' was a huge hit. After that the offers poured in and they were too good to be ignored.
It might be perception of a few people, but I strongly believe that there is no shortcoming in Bihar's law and order in Nitish regime.
Each of us has been gifted uniquely by God, and should use it to good capacity.
I am very happy to be nominated by the Congress party to contest the Lok Sabha elections.
Though I have worked in Bhojpuri films and had been introduced to the culture of the area, it was on visiting that region that I came to know that a lot needs to be done to improve the living conditions, and an initiative has already been made with the help of the Pardesiya Kala Sangam and Jagriti, both NGOs.
I have campaigned in many states across the country. Lok Sabha, assembly, corporation elections... I have worked in all of them.
I am an AICC member and a popular Bhojpuri actress as well.
