Jessica Washington reports from Karnataka, India
The melodrama of elections is often likened to a theatre, but in India, that takes on a more literal meaning.
Actor and director Prakash Raj has had a long and varied career – acting in films in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and more.
Like many of his movies, his journey to politics has been full of some unexpected turns – a story of murder, death threats, and if things go as he plans, a triumphant victory.
“We need strong voices from the citizens, reclaiming the republic. I have felt that need, and I realised I can afford to lose some of my comfort zone,” he told SBS News while on the campaign trail.
Actor and director Prakash Raj has had a long and varied career – acting in films in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and more. He's now running for political office. Source: SBS News
“At some point, we need to put our foot down.”
Polls opened in India's elections - - on 11 April, with counting beginning on 23 May.
Mr Raj is running as an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha (lower house) elections.
The popular actor is used to playing the villain, but he said it is a relief to simply be himself.
“I am fine to be unpopular, I’m okay with dissent, which actors are not comfortable with,” he says.
Prakash Raj, 53, an Independent candidate from Bangalore Central constituency addresses the gatherings as part of his campaign. Source: EPA
“But it’s a very liberating thing, to be known not for your acting and dialogue, but for who you are.”
The 54-year-old had largely stayed out of politics – until the murder of his friend, investigative journalist Gauri Lankesh shocked him into action.
Ms Lankesh was a prominent independent journalist in Bengaluru who had written many stories about corruption – she was shot as she entered her home.
Her murder was a crime which disgusted many locals, who see their city as cosmopolitan and free.
“To see her voice being silenced, I felt a little guilty too – if I had stood by her, probably it may not have happened,” Mr Raj says.
“I took it as a chance to raise my voice so that another Gauri doesn’t happen in this country.”
Polls opened in India's elections - the world's largest - on 11 April, with counting beginning on 23 May. Source: SBS News
– even though it is unclear if he will even win the seat he is contesting in the centre of Bengaluru.
Regardless, his fans are hopeful.
“He’s the voice of the people, he’s not just a person, he’s a personality,” one fan said.
“It’s a thought, it’s a vision, he’s a true leader in all senses.”
The crossover between politics and pop culture has a long history in India – many film stars are running in this election, but most with the backing of a major party.
Around two hours from the Bengaluru CBD, another movie star candidate – Nikhil Kumaraswamy – was greeted by hundreds of admirers.
In true movie star fashion, he made a dramatic entrance – in the middle of the road, his supporters lit up firecrackers to announce his arrival.
One man even carried a flame from the temple through the packed crowd to bless the candidate.
Supporters of the movie star with promotional material and flags. Source: SBS News
The 29-year-old actor is running as a candidate for the Indian National Congress –
But he faces a formidable opponent – who happens to be another actor.
Sumalatha Ambareesh has starred in more than 200 movies and is running as an independent in Mandya, in the same seat her late husband held.
For the actor, a win would be deeply personal – the Congress had promised to endorse her as a candidate before rejecting her in favour of Mr Kumaraswamy.
“He’s the voice of the people, he’s not just a person, he’s a personality,” one fan said. Source: SBS News
“I wanted to continue the legacy of my husband, he’s done a lot of good work here,” she tells SBS News.
“People are lamenting the fact that after he left, there’s no one taking up that work, and there is a huge vacuum.”
Ms Ambareesh says she hopes to fulfil what her husband had dreamed up for the constituency.
Once asked to make a comment about the film industry, Mahatma Gandhi said it had no relevance to him.
Times have most certainly changed – actors are now heavily involved in politics, and in recent months, that relationship has been amplified.
The prime minister has often met with celebrities to get their support in espousing his policies.
Indian polling staff check the material given by the election officials ahead of the second phase of the parliament election. Source: AP
But earlier this month, a group of 600 theatre artists urged voters not to support Mr Modi, and what they call, his divisive policies.
