Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav is shooting for a Hindi film in Patna
Highlights
- Tej Pratap Yadav stars as Bihar Chief Minister in upcoming Hindi film
- 'Apharan Udyog' is based on kidnappings in Bihar in the 1990s
- Holds two important portfolios, how does he have time to act, asks BJP
Tej Pratap Yadav, Bihar's health minister, has the challenging task of running the show in a state critically short of doctors and facilities. The older son of former chief minister Lalu Yadav is also the state's environment minister, based in Patna - India's second most polluted city.
In this undoubtedly busy schedule, Tej Pratap Yadav has squeezed in an acting job.
On Monday, Yadav junior played the part of Bihar chief minister. Only for the camera.
He is starring in a Hindi film, "Apharan Udyog" (kidnapping industry), based on the kidnappings in Bihar in the 1990s. Ironically, his father Lalu Prasad Yadav and mother Rabri Devi ruled the state during that period.
"It is a positive role. It's about taking Bihar out of the darkness. My father Lalu Yadav also worked in a film. Now that I have got a chance I am also doing it," says the 26-year-old, letting all criticism roll off his back.
The film is scheduled to release in August. The shoot began on Monday in Rajgir, about 100 km from Patna.
In his opening shot, 'Chief Minister' Tej Pratap Yadav arrives in an SUV and tries to reason with hundreds of protestors holding banners and placards.
The lines were - "
Bhaiyon aur behnon, aisi apradhik ghatnaon ko karne waalon ko baksha nahin jaayega" (brothers and sisters, we will not spare those behind such crimes)." Mr Yadav fumbled, but his audience was forgiving and duly clapped.
The film is scheduled to release in August. The shoot began on Monday in Rajgir, about 100 km from Patna.
The opposition BJP is far from impressed. Nand Kishore Yadav, former health minister, said: "He can't even answer questions related to his department in the assembly. Health is such a crucial department. I was also a health minister and I just had no time. But I guess Mr Tej Pratap Yadav has the backing if his all-powerful father and he can do as he pleases. I just wish he would concentrate more on work."
Tej Pratap shrugged: "If you get a role won't you take it?"
The debutant politician's five months in the government have been peppered with controversy.
Most recently, a government ambulance with the best emergency equipment, parked outside his home 24X7, was removed after reports appeared in the media.