NOT JUST A VOTE GETTER

NOT JUST A VOTE GETTER After her marriage to Dr. C. Bali, the glamorous film star Vyjayanthimala decided to leave films for good. No One in his wildest dreams expected her to resurface – as a politician.

ANJANA DATTA

She was once a much sought after, highly paid actress. But in 1968, after her marriage to Dr. Chaman Bali, she quit the film scene for good. Then, Vyjayanthimala Bali, the film star of the 60′s decided to enter politics. And, now she’s known as the glamorous MP.

I met her during my recent visit to Madras. She lives in a huge bungalow in Alwarpet. We sat in her office room which is dominated by a garlanded photograph of her late husband, Dr. Chaman Bali, and a couple of photographs of the Balis with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Vyjayanthimala is as attractive as ever in her 50′s, with beautiful kohled eyes, and bow-shaped lips. Her voice is full of confidence as she talks about her activities and future plans.

Helping the poor and the underprivileged is her main concern today. Touring the State of Tamil Nadu during the elections made her aware of the problems faced by slum-dwellers. “On seeing their squalid living conditions, my heart went out to them,” she says. “And in my election campaign, I pledged to serve and better their lot.”

She was elected from the Mylapore constituency, and began a number of rapid reforms. She launched a cleanliness drive, formed grass-root level action groups under the Vyjayanthimala Welfare Association, organized several health camps.

The effects of her intervention were felt almost immediately. Sanitary arrangements and provision for clean drinking water and electricity were made available for the people. My host, who also lives in her constituency, confirms this.

In memory of her late husband, she set up the Dr. Bali Pharma Foundation, a life saving drugs bank. Says Vujayanthimala.”My husband always wanted to help those who did not have easy access to life saving drugs in emergency situations.” It is a non-profit voluntary organisation. Life saving emergency drugs are supplied – at cost to those who can afford to pay, and free of cost to the poor. (Dr. Bali Pharma Foundation,80, Sir C.P.Ramasamy Road, Alwarpet, Madras – 600 018).

Headed by a panel of eminent physicians and surgeons, the Foundation helps to make available the benefits of modern medicine to the poor and weaker sections of society. The Central Government has recently donated a mobile hospital van to the Foundation. Equipped with sophisticated medical instruments, the van will be capable of providing medical services to both rural and urban people at their door step.

Vyjayanthimala has a soft corner for children. She plans to start several welfare projects for infants and pregnant women. The children’s room at the Madras airport was her idea. A plan is underway to build similar children’s rooms at other airports all over the country.

She maintains that education is the main factor leading to women’s emancipation. “Apart from education, women need to be aware of their rights and duties. They should assert their identity and this means being economically independent and free in life. But they should always retain their feminine grace.”

Dismissing the common charge against film stars that they are merely being inducted into active politics simply to cash in on the votes, Vyjayanthimala remarks, “No doubt film stars can draw votes and attract crowds, but nobody can take the public for a ride. People can understand the amount of sincerity and good work done by any candidate – film star or not.”

What about films? Would she like to stage a comeback if she is offered a powerful role?

“Not at all”, she says emphatically. She relinquished the film industry after her marriage to Dr. Bali. Though the life to which she has returned lacks the glamour and excitement of the film world, it has its own charm. And in films or not, she is still active. Her days are still crammed with work and there is little time for brooding. After the death of her husband, the burden of looking after the business has fallen on her. Sudhir Bali, Dr. Bali’s nephew, assists her in managing her business affairs.

But no matter how busy she is, she always finds time for dancing. “Dancing is my passion”, she declares, “It is a part of my life.” She has given many public performances in India and abroad and has recently cut LP records in dance lessons for the benefit of fresher’s who can learn and prepare their lessons even during holidays or while travelling.

Coming from the rough and tumble politics of metropilitan Madras, Vyjayanthimala seems to have perfected the fine art of staying in the full glare of media publicity and active politics. In fact, given her potential, she seems to be the woman to watch out for in Tamil Nadu politics.

Anjana Datta.

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