Jana Sena leader and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan is the crowd-puller for the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance in Andhra Pradesh. But he doesn’t agree with the BJP’s communal narratives.

Pawan Kalyan spoke about the politics of alliances, why he chose acting and politics as careers, and what’s in store for the Jana Sena. He said alliances don’t have to agree on everything, and that the TDP and Jana Sena will complement each other and unseat Jagan Mohan Reddy.

It has been ten years since you started the political party. Do you see yourself as an actor, politician or actor-politician first.

I don't consider myself as an actor. It was a reluctant entry into cinema. I was shy, awkward, and hesitant to come in front of crowds. Whatever I am into politics is totally different from films.

How do you manage people in films and politics?

Necessity. To make a living I became an actor and later I lost my shyness. But when it comes to politics I struggle a lot. I was pulled up with various ideologies and still finding out how to live in this social structure.

In different parts of the country, even in two Telugu states, accent differs from place to place and I used to struggle a lot. Suddenly my brother became actor and economic status changed. I couldn't understand patriotism in books and in schools. I was on observer of myself and others.

I never had answers to questions like how thugs can survive breaking rules. To control my feelings, I tried yoga and other things.

Even though I became a star, I still have the same insecurity. To overcome this insecurity I felt it is to start a political party rather than an NGO.

Why only a political party

We have to come under one ideology. Due to personal experiences and political pressures, I decided not to bend down anymore.

Jana Sena is there for ten years though electorally did not taste any success. Even many actors who wanted to enter politics decided against it including Rajinikanth. What kept you going despite all this

The biggest fear is the fear of losing. Why should have fear of losing? I don't consider myself as an actor. I believe in certain ideologies and principles. To live with that, you should face anything life throws. It is not easy to start anything without a political party. We should constantly engage people in dialogue. How can we do that?

It's not easy to bring in change unless you have a mad conviction. For me its a natural progression. You shouldn't get attached to anything too much. For me politics is social consciousness.

But it is a tough job to be in politics. You said you are a shy person but I am not scared.

It is. I am a shy person. I do interact with many people but shyness is there. Even now I feel shy to seek votes. I am person to do things and not to seek things. Asking for votes is seeking something. For me it is easiest to do films. Even now I feel awkward to seek votes.

This is confusing people as to whether you want to lead the state or take a backseat

The problem is with the people. They have become myopic. They got completely disconnected from politics and politicians that unless a problem comes to them, they are not reacting.

Why did you decide to align with TDP. Is the arrest of Chandra Babu Naidu pushed you to announce the alliance without consulting BJP.

No its not like that. I knew Jagan even before he became the MP.I experienced lot of rowdyism from his supporters. He wanted to become CM right after his father's tragic death even before his cremation. I am not bothered as to who becomes the CM. But if a person starts entering into every person's life and troubles them, then I have an issue. It is very easy to say powerful dialogues in cinemas. But it is toughest to come out and stand against this oppression in real life. Post bifurcation I could see the state instability. People are bringing local and non local and as an Indian I am wondering who am I cause once I was pushed from Tamil Nadu to Andhra and now from Telangana to Andhra. People are facing the troubles due to this politicking.

Suddenly they say one capital and now three capitals leading to confusion. There are 30000 women missing in the state of AP. 25000crs worth of property has been mortgaged in Vizag. 7000 schools run by donors have been taken away by the government and more than 61000 children passed away and this went unnoticed by the media. Then the political vendetta when anyone raised their voice against the misrule. I was able to withstand due to the following I have but commoners couldn't survive. If anyone questions in the assembly, they will target family members. All these happenings forced me to bat for the 2014 formula so that anti-incumbency votes would not get split.

There are differences. I am not saying there are no differences.

Five years back you said TDP was a dead party. Now you are back to square one. How do you see both TDP-Jana Sena strengthening each other and what compromises you have made?

I am not saying compromise. I came from a pragmatic political party. Without compromising on values, I chose a middle path. I don't want to become NGO or lead extreme moment. I want my voice to be heard.

What is the line that you do not cross. You are also in alliance with BJP.

I don't agree any religious intolerance. I was the first to condemn the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan's son. In alliances, one need not agree on all points. If we concur on 80% it is good because even in families differences will be there.

How do TDP-JS strengthen each other

TDP has good infrastructure and is good at electioneering while Jana Sena is brimming with young blood. Jana Sena is the only party which has been consistently coming to streets and fighting against the atrocities.

Once you have aligned with the Left now you are with BJP. How do you see ideological differences?

Ideologies can be myopic. One shouldn't be rigid. Without compromising on ideologies one can be flexible. What happened to the communist party now. Left ideology is nothing but Vasudhaika Kutumbam. It is not like Karl Marx has created something new. There are haves and have-nots and the left ideology is to achieve equality among all.

You talked about skill census in your manifesto. But the country is discussing about caste census.

Caste discussion is on due to injustice and social structure irrespective of any country. Even if there is just one caste and one race, still there will be a disparity. You cannot bring up individual capacity. Even in families is the same. According to social structure census must be taken and as many people are unaware of their capabilities to perform and if a question comes they will be confused.

In the past, you have attacked both TDP and YSRCP for not implementing Kapu reservations.

I say if you commit something, better do it. If they have committed on Kapu reservations they have to do it. Both Jagan and CBN did not commit themselves on Kapu reservations. Because beyond a certain stage,we cannot give reservations. The leaders who instigate the movement shouldn't blindly lead it and fool people.

Personal attacks are becoming more in AP.

Yes. There should be change. Assembly is meant for law-making and governance and not for personal abuses. There should be a law forbidding people from making personal attacks. When people revolt it will happen. YCP leaders are now facing the music.

If the alliance comes to power, will Pawan Kalyan be in the cabinet?

Let the alliance come to power, then I will give you another interview.