Stars speak to Subhash K Jha about Priya Dutt's triumph in the recent election.

Shabana Azmi (actress, activist):
"I campaigned for Priya, interrupting the shooting of my English film The Contest to do so. I flew down from my native village Azamgarh specially to vote. Just like me, Priya is a daughter who has inherited the legacy of her father Sunil Dutt's legacy of trust. I've faith in her and offer her my services, for whatever they're worth. Yes I'm quite thriller by Priya's victory."

Rahul Bose (actor, director):
"I feel elated, both for Priya and her late father. Sunil Dutt was a kind, hard-working, secular and courageous man. Priya seems to have inherited these qualities. She has my full support. I was one of the first people to reach the polling booths at 7 a.m. I didn't know they were supposed to open at 8 this time. I'm extremely happy she has won. As a common citizen I'd love to actively help her in every way possible."

Simi Garewal (actress, tv anchor):
"Dutt Saab was a very close friend. I'm bursting with pride at Priya's victory. She truly deserves it. She has worked hard for many years with her father...and the people know that. This victory is as much for Priya as her father.'

Sonu Nigam (singer):
"She seems to be a kind woman. I was supposed to campaign for her. But couldn't because of my schedules. I've high hopes from her."

Ashutosh Gowariker(filmmaker):
"I'm happy for Priya. I'm sure she'll try to fulfil her father's unfinished work and ambitions. And she'll work truthfully. I see her as someone who supported and accompanied her father in his work without trying to get into the limelight or making her presence felt. She has worked quietly and that to me, is the mark of a true leader."

Shyam Shroff (distributor, film producer):
"Well done, Priya. We need more and more educated youngsters to take the country forward."

Rajiv Khandelwal (TV star):
"I'm happy for Priya. The goodness of the late Mr Dutt runs in Priya's genes. I hope she carries forward all the good work that he has left behind to complete. I'm also happy to see more young people coming into politics. I think the future of the country is in the more contemporary educated youth's hands."

Smriti Irani-Malhotra (TV actress, politician, activist):
"Priya's victory is a tribute to Sunil Dutt Saab's remarkable legacy...and a chance for a young working-mother to prove her worth. It's a rare chance, and I know Priya will make the best of it. I hope she continues to work in the same indefatigable spirit as her father. My congratulations to her."

Pritish Nandy (Producer, media commentator):
"It's a joyous moment for all those of us who loved Sunil Dutt and teasure his memories. He wasn't just a friend of mine but also a parliamentary colleague. I kept our friendship intact through his worst years when I was in politics and parliament under a different banner and when his party colleagues shunned him. To see his daughter victorious today swells my heart with pride...party politics de damned."

Urmila Matondkar (actress):
"I'm happy, though not the least surprised. Priya's family commands such goodwill. I'm absolutely sure she'll keep up her father's good work and won't betray the trust people have placed in her."

Vipul Shah (filmmaker):
"I was always sure she was going to win. Mr Sunil Dutt had built up such a remarkably positive reputation for himself with his utterly selfless work, and Priya was with him step by step , in his final years. She's Dutt Saab's natural heir and will do a great job. I wish her all the best and support her unconditionally.

Subhash Ghai (Producer, director, spokesperson):
"I feel as though my own daughter has won. Priya will surely fulfil her father's dreams by walking on his path and following his principles."

Ramesh Sippy(producer, director):
"I feel great joy in Priya's victory. She's as much a daughter of the soil as her father was a son of the nation. And now that people have elected her she carries a great burden of fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of people not only in her constituency but also the people of the country at large. I know she will be equal to the task. My best best wishes are with her and her family who have stood by her."

Farouq Sheikh (Film, TV and stage actor):
"I'm surprised and even disappointed that Mr Sapotdar got even some of those votes. People loved and admired Dutt Saab so much! This was a vote for him, not Priya. Priya's turn will come in the next elections. Anyway I'm very happy for her and wish her all the best."

Vinta Nanda(TV and movie writer-director):
"Honesty has prevailed at least this time. Priya's victory endorses the faith that Sunil Dutt Saab's constituency had in him. Her victory brings in a neo- political culture. We can finally start believing that politics is finally becoming refined in this country."

Anupam Kher(theatre-film actor, director):
"Dutt Saab's legacy of honesty, warmth and goodness continues..I'm sure Priya will do her father proud."

Vivek Oberoi (Actor):
"In my opinion Sunil Dutt Saab was a messiah, an angel who helped thousands of people beyond borders of religion , caste and creed. I'm sure Priya is a true chip off the old block. She'll carry on Dutt Saan's legacy."

Raveena Tandon (actress, producer):
I'm extremely happy. I'm looking forward to more honest and incorruptible pople like her in politics."

Kalpana Lajmi (filmmaker):
"It feels fantastic! She represented my constituency. My entire family including me voted for Priya. Dutt Saab was a boon. I'm sure Priya will do him proud. She's very cultured and hard working and carries herself with great etiquette.

I'm proud of her as a fellow-woman. She's a complete daughter, sister, wife and mother! I hope the people of Mumbai will help this fragile but strong girl to fulfil her father's dreams. I hope she's allowed to forge ahead with honesty and sincerity."