Praja Rajyam

People have to wait for hours in a queue to see a film star on screen. And even ardent fans rarely get a chance to see their favourite stars in flesh and blood. But now screen gods are flitting across the state riding piggyback on various political parties, much to the delight of fans.

After megastar-turned-politician Chiranjeevi launched his Praja Rajyam road show with much fanfare, NTR’s grandson Taraka Ratna and actress Roja have also taken out yatras in support of the Telugu Desam supremo, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu. Actor Pawan Kalyan has even ventured into the MIM bastion in the Old City in support of big brother Chiranjeevi, while the megastar’s other brother Nagababu, and nephew Allu

Arjun too are getting ready to hit the road. Meanwhile, star couple Dr Rajasekhar and Jeevitha will soon crisscross the state for the Congress. These road shows and campaigns are likely to intensify as polls near. For film lovers of the state, it is going to be a gala time. The sudden flurry of political activity among film stars has also divided Tollywood into three groups.

One group supports Chiranjeevi and the second comprising of actor Krishna, brother Adi Seshagiri Rao, Dr Rajasekhar and Jeevitha supports the ruling Congress. The NTR clan including Balakrishna, Jr NTR, Kalyan Ram, Taraka Ratna and Harikrishna, and actress Roja are coming all out in support of the TD. And striking out on her own is popular actress of yesteryear, Vijayashanti, who is espousing the Telangana cause. However, the entry of stars has not sent all parties into throes of delight. Jr NTR has imposed some conditions for campaigning and this has not amused the TD leadership. A section of TD leaders are also upset over the NTR family trying to take over the entire campaign. “Chandrababu Naidu is in panic and is using the actors to pull the crowd,” said a TD leader. -DC