Farhan Akhtar says he is only part of the TMC's youth wing to share his professional expertise, nothing more

While it's commonly believed that actors and politicians make strange bedfellows, Farhan Akhtar's reported association with Trinamool Congress (TMC) comes as a bigger surprise.

Along with tennis ace Leander Paes and entrepreneur Sam Pitroda, the actor/filmmaker is one of the eight members finalised on the 12-member committee to mentor the TMC's youth wing, led by Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of Mamata Banerjee.

The All India Trinamool Yuva, the national organisation recently floated by the TMC to attract youths, is planning a pan-nation drive, also incorporating online application forums on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Talking about roping in people from diverse fields, TMC MP-elect Derek O'Brien, who's also one of the committee members, was quoted saying, "We want more and more young educated people to join politics.

Farhan is excellent in his field of work, Leander is great in sports so each of us will be sharing our experiences and our failures with the young members."

However, Farhan tweeted "The media has reported that I have joined the Trinamool Congress Youth Wing.

The truth is that I have been asked to be a member on an their advisory board for cultural activities in my capacity as actor/filmmaker.

This is, in my understanding, an apolitical board. I hope this will clear my stand on this decision once and for all."

When contacted for further information on his role, Farhan maintained, "I have agreed to be a member on the advisory board for cultural activities being set up by the Railway Ministry.

I have no involvement with the Trinamool Congress Youth Wing."