Actor-turned politician Pawan Kalyan, back in NDA after his solo venture in election did not pay off, told NDTV today that one needs to be persistent to succeed in public life. "Popularity in films do not immediately translate into votes," he told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
People, he said, are wary. "Just because one is good is one field does not mean he would be equally good in another," he said. The gains become "incremental," he added.
Pawan Kalyan also told NDTV that the BJP is not anti-Muslim. "I tell Muslims openly. The BJP is not anti-Muslim. It is pro-Hindutva. They have a greater role to play. They have to take care of the constitutional guidelines and constitutional framework.They have no vendetta against any community. At least here I don't see it," he added.
About how he brought the BJP and Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party together in Andhra Pradesh despite their acrimonious break five years ago, Pawan Kalyan said he had to make sacrifices to make the alliance happen.
This, he said, is more about "strategic understanding". "To feel within, come for a cause, I''m always ready," he said. But this, he added, was needed as "liberty is at stake in Andhra Pradesh".
Featured Video Of The Day
Train Passes Over Man, He Escapes Unhurt
Opinion: Book Review | The Election That Defied Explanations Pawan Kalyan's Brother Naga Babu To Be Inducted In Andhra Cabinet Opinion: Opinion | Pawan Kalyan: Reel Meets Real Parents On Mumbai Ferry Wanted To Toss Children In Sea. Rescuers Stopped Them Robin Uthappa Faces Arrest Warrant For Alleged Provident Fund Fraud On Camera, Car Flips 8 Times, But No One Hurt. They Then Ask For 'Tea' PM Modi Invites People To Visit 'Rann Utsav' For "Lifetime Experience" PM In Kuwait, Meets Translator, Publisher Of Mahabharata, Ramayana In Arabic Maha Kumbh 2025: Key Dates For Shahi Snan, Significance And Other Details Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.