Click to play videoAndhra Padesh: It's a heady cocktail when politics and movies merge. So much so that in Andhra Pradesh even before mega star Chiranjeevi made an official statement on his entry into politics, spirits are high, politicians worried and fans are campaigning.
Chiranjeevi is known as Andhra's megastar, and the star with a golden heart. And on Monday his fans sent out a reminder that no one takes on their beloved superstar.
Frenzied fans attacked Tollywood actor Rajashekhar's car in Hyderabad when he was traveling along with his children. This, because the actor dared to question Chiru's political credentials.
Actor Rajasekhar said, "I will not join a political party floated by Chiranjeevi. What political experience does he have?"
But Chiranjeevi lost no time in apologising for the attack. Professional rivalry apart, Chiru made all the politically correct noises.
The actor apologised saying, "I am sorry Rajashekar. I will ask my fans not to take the law in their hands."
He also skillfully tackled the media who questioned him on his political ambitions.
He responded saying, "This is not the right place and time to talk about forming a party."
The grapevine is abuzz with talks of Chiranjeevi's political ambitions, while some are hopeful that he will take the plunge, others are petrified. For now it seems no one wants to rub the mega star the wrong way.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YSR Reddy "I welcome him with open arms"
The Opposition TDP has chosen to maintain a stoic silence. Others such as the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, were quick to react. Party leaders met him in person and sent out signals that Chiru supports the demand for a separate Telangana state.
The rumor mill has it that Chirnajeevi has been receiving political training from his close associates. If that is true, then he has passed his first test with flying colours, by being up-close and personal with the press and being non-committal about his political ambitions. A move that has made the writing on the wall amply clear.
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