Actors entering politics disastrous: Prakash Raj

CHENNAI: It would be disastrous if actors enter politics just because they are popular, said actor and Tamil Film Producers’ Council vice president Prakash Raj on Sunday.
Asked if he would support actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan if they entered politics, Prakash Raj said that he will vote as a responsible citizen and not as a fan. The National Award winner also clarified that he will not enter politics.
“Actors who come to politics must have a clear perception of the issues facing the country and win the trust of the people,” said Prakash Raj while addressing reporters in Bengaluru.
The 52-year-old actor has been questioning the BJP-led central government on demonetisation and “silencing” of artists since last week through Twitter. In an interview earlier, the actor had said that national politics should be kept out of Tamil Nadu. “Before I vote, I look at the promises made by a party in the manifesto and what solutions it proposes to solve pressing issues.”
Prakash Raj said that he is awaiting Kamal Haasan’s manifesto before he can decide on whether to vote for him or not.
The ‘Singham’ star said, “If one wants to rule Tamil Nadu, he must be known to its people. He should have lived here 20-30 years and understood the local problems. National parties are only interested in encroaching on the state territory. They are not concerned about the issues concerning the state.”
The ‘Iruvar’ actor also added that Rajinikanth who has lived in Tamil Nadu for more than 40 years is more a ‘Tamil’ than a ‘Kannadiga’.