Earlier this month, former Member of Parliament (MP) and actor Shabana Azmi didn't shy away from supporting those criticising celebrity MPs Sachin Tendulkar and Rekha for their absence from the Rajya Sabha. However, when we asked actor-politician Paresh Rawal to comment on the cricketer's attendance, he chose to dodge the questions. HT carries the following:

Did you think it was fair for Sachin to receive flak for his low attendance?
I do not want to comment on Sachin Tendulkar. I think he should answer this question.

What were your thoughts when he was permitted to skip the budget sessions?
I have no say on that (matter) either. That is Sachin's lookout, and of those who have sanctioned it. I don't want to be a part of this controversy. I have no right to talk about others.

Do you believe every MP should attend all parliamentary sessions?
If I am an MP, then I should attend the sessions. I should perform the duties that I have been given and if someone can do more than that, then that's even better.

When is director Umesh Shukla's film, in which you will be seen playing Amitabh Bachchan's son, going on the floors?
I have not met Umesh for a long time, but I know they are fine-tuning the script. It will go on the floors next year in March or April. Soumya Joshi is working on the script, and I know it's lovely. In fact, the Gujarati play by the same name is still successfully running in Ahmedabad.


Are you nervous about playing Amitabh Bachchan's son?
It will be a challenge, but I am not nervous. The idea of working with Amitabh Bachchan in itself is very exciting. He has this great ability to reinvent himself with every role that he does. I will have to pull up my socks and give my best in that film.

What's happening with the Narendra Modi biopic?
We are working on the script since we want to have a solid one. Generally, biopics are made on people who have retired from their respective fields. In his case, he has not. So, we will have to think about that factor as well. By February or March, we will roll.

Are your sons planning to enter Bollywood too?
Aditya is interested in screenplay writing. Anirudh is assisting Naseeruddin Shah on his plays. As for their Bollywood debuts, they are interested, but they will have to figure things out on their own. My job is only to guide them.