Actor- turned politician Akash Das Nayak, who recently joined BJD, is contesting from Korei Assembly seat. He shared his personal life, interest and political background of his family.
Q, It is said that you snapped the ticket of Prafulla Ghadei. Is it true? Who gave you ticket and why?
A, Prafula Ghadei is father-like leader. When I got ticket, first of all I went to him and bowed down seeking his blessing and I also got. Nobody made lobby for me. Naveen Babu, who is the high command of the party and hounrable chief minister of Odisha, chose me thinking that I can serve my native place better. He retained trust on me and fielded me from Korei.
Q, How did you join BJD? Who make you joined? What is the role of Kalpataru Das in this line?
A, I think everybody wants me to join the party. When I went Naveen Niwas, perhaps he knew about the my interest to join. He congratulated and accepted me. Kalpataru Das also introduced me. He is senior leader. I have enough respect for him. Basically, I was attracted mostly by the ideology of Naveen Patnaik. That apart, I had a strong interest for social service. It developed when I used to move to the poor with my father who is known as noted labour leader. Since that time, I was looking for an opportunity.
Q, Your mother is an educationist while father a labour leader. Why did you chose the footprint of your father?
A, No, my mother is also a social worker. Many times she involves herself in social activities. So, I was influenced by both.
Q, It is seen in BJD politics that no star in the party has returned empty handed. So, in this context, you were allowed to contest as son of a leader or as a star?
A, Both the factors work in this field. As a star, I have my own identity. On the other hand, my father had also special identity as a labour leader. So, keeping both the factors in view, they might consider me as deserving.
Q, A long term rivalry was between your father and Prafulla Ghadei. Now, Ghadei’s son was sent to Sukinda and Mayadhar Nayak’s son was kept in Korei. Don’t you think that you have been used as a weapon in Jajpur politics?
A, No, there might some ideological differences between Prafulla Babu and my father. But we have strong family relationship. We attend their all family functions and they also.
Q, How are the organizations and the supporters of Priti Ranjan Ghadei responding you?
A, Of course, there must be a strong attachment between Priti Ghadei and his followers. But, the people now also accept me and love me. I congratulate them and I am always trying to occupy a special place in their hearts.
Q, How did you get attracted towards politics from the glamour world?
A, I was involved in many social works. During my acting life, I make me engaged in many orphanage. I also joined many movements including Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal movement. During natural calamities I usually visit the affected areas and share with the people.
Q, A number of cine-stars are now in politics. If all would be engrossed in politics, then cine industry might collapse.
A, No, all may give time to cinema after their political activities. I would like to personally say that I would give first priorities to my constituency, then cinema. Cinema is my interest but I like to give respect people’s interest first.