"Women will always be judged for whatever they do"

-Nusrat Jahan

She may have won a million hearts. But her heart is in the right place. Bengali star-politician, Nusrat Jahan, insists she’s much more than the glamour that defines her. The TMC MP from Basirhat, her constituency in Amphan-ravaged and Covid-affected Bengal, believes that this too shall pass. Glamour goddess for some. People’s princess for others. The actress-cum-politician is my next guest in #रघुवार्ता

What is the situation in your constituency, Basirhat right now? Covid was a concern and Amphan caused a huge damage. How are you dealing with this double whammy?

COVID was still manageable, as far as Basirhat is concerned, however, Amphan has caused a havoc. People are rendered homeless & their is lots of infrastructural damage. But this wouldn't dampen our spirits and we'll bounce back stronger. Bengal will come together & overcome this.

What concrete steps have you taken for your constituency?

WB Govt. has already announced 20k each for affected 5L people's A/c for home-repairs. We are Running Community Kitchens for the food requirements. There are places we need to go by Boats & distribute food once a day for both the meals. Personally coordinating with Foreign Donors & NGOs.

In Basirhat post Amphan 

Seeing so much poverty/suffering and then going back to a glam life...do you feel guilty at times?

Nothing is glam at the moment. Everybody is going through suffering. Currently my focus is totally on getting their life restarted and restoring normalcy. I feel guilty even coming back to my home frm these Homeless areas. Camera & Glamour isn't even a concern for me right now.

Lockdown is now slowly being lifted in Bengal and nationwide. Shoots will resume in Bengal from today. How do you see this move?

COVID19 is something we have to live with till meds/vaccines arrive. Life has to get back to Normal. We plan to take all necessary precautions like using Masks, less ppl but we need to focus on immunity. Shooting needs to resume for economy, as livelihood of many is based on it. 

You are often trolled on social media, even recently you were trolled for your dance video during lockdown. Why is there so much negativity?

I do TikTok videos, as part of my Entertainment profession, as my fans are there. Evreybody has their own coping mechanism in Lockdown situations. Some cook, some dance and sing! Trolls don't and have never affected me. It reflects their mentality. Will continue entertaining people forever 

With husband Nikhil Jain

Your husband, Nikhil Jain, is a non-film person. How does he handle the controversies that surround you? 

Nikhil has been very supportive thruout & stands like a pillar. He first tries to keep these news away from me but I eventually come to know (Hehe). He knows me really well. Initially he used to give clarifications but now he has also given up. We all Hear & unhear #IgnoreTrolls. 

Recently, it was reported that you walked out of an important political meeting because your husband was not allowed in. What's the truth?

Haha! News reach far! I am not a 6 year-old who wouldnt walk-in without holding hands. Nikhil was talking to the Guard to let my PA in with me. This was misconstrued by the Camera convoy right behind. It was such a silly news. They could have spun a better story 

What is your aim- A top movie star or a top politician? 

Aim is to create a Better India. A free-will India that is truly democratic, understands the meaning of equality. A top Movie Star & a Top Politician have one thing in common - People. Movies are my passion & I have joined Politics to serve people.

You are from a conservative family. Yet you chose films. Being a glamorous star, you moved to politics. Have you always been a rebel?

No, I move by destiny. I take each day as it comes, not as rebel. To be an achiever I believe, one needs to think & do out-of-the-box. However, I am the only one doing the weirdest possible things in my family. 

Do you come across male chauvinism in films and politics? Is it really a man's world? 

We are living in changing times & trying to create an equal world for EVERYBODY irrespective of gender, race & sexuality. Women have started to put their foot down & are breaking glass-ceilings all around. The only limitations are the ones we accept.

How difficult is it for a woman to uphold her dignity in politics and films?

Films or Politics, trust me its a struggle everywhere. But nothing and no one gonna put us (Women) down. Women will always be judged for whatever they do. The society doesn't decide a Woman's dignity, no matter how big the cliche of patriarchial society is.

You are yet to complete the shoot of your next film, directed by Bratya Basu. When are you hitting the floors? Is Bollywood on the cards?

Shoot for Bratya Basu's #Dictionary resumes this August. Its destiny that chooses my path, so may be.....   #रघुवार्ता