This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Arvind Kejriwal Was Offered A Bollywood Film And He Said 'No Thanks'

Arvind Kejriwal Was Offered A Bollywood Film And He Said 'No Thanks'
India's Aam Aadmi Party (Common Man's Party) leader Arvind Kejriwal (C) is greeted by supporters as he arrives at a public meeting in New Delhi on December 22, 2013. India's anti-graft crusader Arvind Kejriwal has vowed to punish corrupt ministers and clean up 'dirty politics' in a fiery speech that hinted at a decision to form government in Delhi. Kejriwal, a former civil servant turned politician, has been under mounting pressure to form a coalition government in Delhi since his party's stunning showing at December 4 state elections. AFP PHOTO/SAJJAD HUSSAIN (Photo credit should read SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images)
SAJJAD HUSSAIN via Getty Images
India's Aam Aadmi Party (Common Man's Party) leader Arvind Kejriwal (C) is greeted by supporters as he arrives at a public meeting in New Delhi on December 22, 2013. India's anti-graft crusader Arvind Kejriwal has vowed to punish corrupt ministers and clean up 'dirty politics' in a fiery speech that hinted at a decision to form government in Delhi. Kejriwal, a former civil servant turned politician, has been under mounting pressure to form a coalition government in Delhi since his party's stunning showing at December 4 state elections. AFP PHOTO/SAJJAD HUSSAIN (Photo credit should read SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Recently re-elected Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has proved that his love for films can never surpass his passion for politics.

According to a report in NDTV, the CM allegedly passed up an offer to act in a Bollywood film that was extended to him in October 2012. An email exchange between filmmaker KC Bokadia and Kejriwal shows that the former taxman-turned-politician was asked to star in a film he was directing.

The report said Bokadia “humbly” requested Kejriwal to consider acting in his film as it would only serve to “enhance his image”. “It is my desire to cast you as a protagonist in my upcoming movie, in the role of a Journalist. He is like a hero of my film who stands his guard against the corrupt politicians. The movie is called ‘Dirty Politics’, it is an ambitious film with an impressive artist line up… I will be very happy to narrate the character sketch in person," the mail read.

The film, ‘Dirty Politics’ is set to be released this year, starring Mallika Sherawat, Anupam, Jackie Shroff and Om Puri. In an interview with Zoom, Mallika Sherawat also let slip that Kejriwal was supposed to act in the film, saying that "from what the director told her, he was supposed to be a part of the project," and that there were emails to support that he had been approached. The interview also hinted that Sherawat's major reason for taking on this project was because Kejriwal was in it.

Kejriwal replied the very next day, saying that he was incredibly flattered, but would not be able to take on the film as he had just launched the Aam Aadmi party. "I am really flattered by your offer. I am a very small person. I have been a great admirer of your films. However, you would have heard that we have launched our new political party. I am neck deep into it. Our goal is to clean up this dirty politics. Therefore, I am really sorry I won't be able to take out time for the film," he wrote back.

The producer, known for his work in ‘Pyar Jhukta Nahin’ and ‘Aaj Ka Arjun’, sent him another email asking him to reconsider his decision. "Please reconsider my offer, to play one of the important characters of 'the fearless journalist', I need only 7 precious days of yours."

Bokadia eventually cast legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah in the role initially intended for Kejriwal.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.