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Andhra's actor-turned-politicians fight it out

February 15, 2009 18:43 IST

In his latest film Satyameva Jayate, Rajasekhar has taken a not-so-subtle potshot at fellow actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.

Playing an angry policeman fighting a corrupt system, Rajasekhar rebukes another character, "Why are you using Mother Teresa's photograph for your benefit? Don't you have any identity of your own?"

During his much-hyped entry into politics, Chiranjeevi has cited Mother Teresa as one of his inspirations. His swanky office also has a photograph of Mother Teresa, along with photographs of several other humanitarians including Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr B R Ambedkar

Chiranjeevi had launched his own party Praja Rajyam last year, while Rajasekhar has joined the Congress.

Rajasekhar has denied any references to Chiranjeevi in the film, stating, "If you watch the movie and that scene, you will understand my point. I am not criticising anybody."

"I have seen so many people use Mother Teresa's photograph. Will the work done by her benefit them? Why can't they create their own identities," he added.

Incidentally, some fans of Chiranjeevi had attacked Rajasekhar's car in Hyderabad last year, after the latter made some unsavoury comments about the megastar's entry into politics. 

Mohammed Siddique in Hyderabad