Actor Rishi Kapoor recently criticised naming numerous national landmarks after the Nehru-Gandhis – and created a furore. Speaking with Rajlakshmi R, Kapoor discussed names defining the nation, dynasty in politics versus Bollywood – and intolerance:

Congress workers have virulently protested your remarks – are you surprised?

These protests are staged. They’re all ‘paid’ people – half aren’t even aware of the matter and simply come for some measly sum, a meal and some drinks.

These protests show the shallowness of the Congress leaders who led the protest.

I’m saddened though that some people misconstrued my question. I just appealed to the common man – who’s responded very enthusiastically.

Congress has overdone the naming game – they don’t need so many landmarks to prove that the Nehru-Gandhi family sacrificed so much for the country. I have nothing against their family. I bear them love and respect. But even so many years later, why do we have Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kamala Nehru Park? Is this a joke?

We could understand if this happened in the 1950s-60s when most Indians were illiterate. Today, India’s becoming a literate country with great technology. We have a mind of our own – we are not in a fool’s paradise that they should keep doing these things and no-one will question them.

National assets could be named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sardar Patel, Dr Ambedkar, Lata Mangeshkar – their contribution as nation-builders can’t be overlooked.

Such decisions must be questioned.

The Khans questioned intolerance under PM Modi – what are your views?

Till date, i do not know what they mean by tolerance and intolerance. These words are ambiguous.

When Congress workers were pelting stones outside my house, i was very tolerant of their violent and intolerant reaction to my views. Congress follows Mahatma Gandhi – now, their own workers have reacted violently to my simple thought, expressed non-violently.

Isn’t this intolerance?

Politics in India is worryingly dynastic – but isn’t the film industry also becoming so?

Cinema is not dynastic at all. In cinema, people must prove themselves – only then they get selected by filmmakers. In politics, people get selected first – then they work.

In cinema, there’s no nepotism. An individual succeeds only with talent and luck. There’s nothing dynastic about our family achievements. We’re proud of our surname – but each one has had to prove himself.

Why did you choose politics – and Congress – for criticism now?

I am a tax-paying citizen of this country. When i heard about changing the name of Delhi’s Akbar Road to Maharana Pratap Road, i was piqued – is it necessary to name 64 places in New Delhi alone after the Nehrus or Gandhis, to remind the world that this family has sacrificed so much?

This question has been in the minds of all Indians for many years – i had the guts to say it.

Will you join politics?

I have no political aspirations. I’m happy being an actor. Of the 100 years of Indian cinema, our family has given 86 years to this industry.

I have no aspirations for a political career. I have not done this to gain any mileage. They haven’t given a Padma Award to recognise my 44 years of contribution whereas people junior to me by 25-30 years have received it.

But i haven’t given this issue any thought – now, even if they give me this, i may refuse it.

You’ve been called a ‘bhakt’ on social media – are you one?

Yes, i am a ‘bhakt’ – of God. I do puja twice a day. I respect all religions. And i respect humanity. I’m a humanist.

They’re politicising my statements. I’m not an RSS man. I’ve commented against the beef ban and appointing Gajendra Chauhan at FTII too.

People approached me for the Rajya Sabha two or three years back. I never wanted that, so i declined.

I stand by my statement today – but i am pained by the way my statements have been coloured.

Indira Gandhi, Nehruji and Rajiv Gandhi were great leaders – i have the highest respect for them. But why are people down the line using these names to get around in the Indian polity?

Rajiv Gandhi died in 1991. In 2009, they name the Bandra-Worli Sea Link after him. Is there no one else in the country, state or city who has any contribution equal to Rajiv Gandhi?