Actor and politician Ramya does not care what others think of her and does what she feels is right. After staying abroad for close to two years, Ramya has resurfaced in the state. Her visits to families of deceased farmers, meetings with party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have brought her back to the centre stage in Congress. However, she is off again to Germany to do a short course on global governance.
In her first media interview in the last two years, she spoke to Rajashekara S of The New Indian Express and outlined her priority in politics while keeping options open for films with meaningful roles.
Excerpts:
Where were you for the last two years? What were you doing?
I am going to go for a little longer. In 2013, when the election was going on, I lost my father. It was a very difficult journey of nine months. And these constant comparisons (with other leaders), which the media started, took a toll on me. I needed a break and wanted to study. And I think I needed some time for myself as I didn’t get any to think about my future or the time spent with my father.
What course was it?
Is it complete?
I did a short course on international relations and public policy in London. But I won’t tell you where I did the course from. I travelled as well. I will now leave for a two-week course on global governance at the Bucerius Law School, Hamburg on August 15.
I want to apply to the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard, US for a Mason programme meant for mid-career professionals. It is a one-year programme and I am thinking if it is too long a time. Politics is so stressful that it can consume you. And one needs that space to retain stability and individuality.
Is this a short visit or you are back for good?
I wouldn’t say it is a short visit. It is just a visit when I am required. I am here for good. But in between I will be taking time off to study. People are questioning me as if I were the sitting MP while Puttaraju (sitting MP) is having a field day. People in Mandya are asking where is Puttaraju? He hasn’t come here. The media should be questioning him. Instead people are asking me.
Do you plan to continue in politics or focus on films?
I can’t say I will focus on films. I could do both provided I get something nice. I cannot do run-of-the-mill stuff anymore. People have a certain image. And I want to use this opportunity to portray characters of strong women, who have progressed with time. It has to be a reflection of the society.
Is it possible to nurture a constituency when you were not here?
I am not a sitting MP, but I am always there for people. We have an MP, MLA, a district minister and a government. I don’t want to step into their shoes. People should understand that there are people to do things. I want to give them their space to work.
Is the tiff between you and fellow actor and Minister M H Ambareesh over?
Listen, there was never a fight between us. I don’t have a camp. There are no camp followers. Show me who is in my camp. There are some people who want to create divisions. The mentality of factional fights should end as we are all working for the party. But I think this is part of politics.
Mandya has seen a large number of farmer suicides. What, according to you, are the reasons?
Some have died due to crop failure while others due to financial burden. There are a few natural deaths, which the media has wrongly projected. The media should be more responsible and sensitive in reporting such issues. Farmers should also change according to the times. Instead of spending lavishly on marriages, they should go for simple registered marriages. The shaadi bhagya scheme should be given to simple marriages. Governments should also give more incentives to cooperative farming.
Don’t you think the state was slow in dealing with farmer suicides?
No, the government seized sugar stocks and the money was released to farmers. I think the government of India is not doing enough to insulate farmers.
You met Rahul Gandhi. Did you get time to discuss farmer suicides in the state?
Not really. It was a packed schedule at FTII, Pune. But I have spoken to him over phone. He is going to visit Mandya.
Rumours are doing the rounds that you are running for an MLC election...
No. I am just 32, and still have a long way to go in politics.