Soumya Vajpayee (BOMBAY TIMES; May 23, 2019)

Kirron Kher joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2009. In the 2014 General Elections, she won from Chandigarh. Subsequently, she shifted base to her hometown to do justice to her job as a MP. Kirron spoke to us about the challenges celebrities face when they join politics, how her personal life has suffered, why films have taken a backseat and more. Excerpts:

While the common perception is that Bollywood celebrities have it easy when it comes to politics, do you think it’s harder for you, given the constant scrutiny and social media attention?
I feel it works both ways. As celebrities from the world of films or sports, we are recognisable for the electorate. But celebs are often judged. While there are some who might not be good at their job or may not be interested in getting into politics, most of us are committed people, who are well educated and capable of doing good work. Being a politician is difficult for film personalities, because we constantly need to prove ourselves. Our work is always scrutinised.

How has your journey been as a politician so far?
Since I was the spokesperson for my party, I was always aware about the issues in Chandigarh. Plus, it’s my hometown. So I know the city well. Since it’s a small place, working there isn’t that hard. As far as being a politician goes, I love being in the Parliament, because I get to talk and debate there. To be able to bring about a change in India is a feeling of immense pride. So, when something I initiate becomes a law, it feels gratifying. The only time I feel sad is when the opposition violates the decorum of the Parliament.

Has your political career affected your personal life in any way?
Yes, my personal life has suffered because of my political career. I don’t get to meet my husband (Anupam Kher) and son (Sikandar Kher). Even if I’m in Mumbai to shoot for India’s Got Talent, it’s only over the weekend. I’m always away from my family. My son really misses me and the time we used to spend together earlier. He only meets me whenever he travels for work to Chandigarh, which happens rarely.

You’ve not been doing films either.
My film career has taken a backseat because of my political journey. The last movie I did was Punjab 1984, which was five years ago. But it’s not that I’m not open to film offers. If a promising project comes my way, I’ll definitely take it. Meanwhile, I’ve done two advertisements recently.

How does your husband feel about your political career?
My husband is more driven about my political career than I am. He has always been supportive and feels proud when I’m able to make a difference.

You don’t live in Mumbai anymore.
I live in Chandigarh now and travel to Mumbai mostly for six days in Diwali, unless some urgent work comes up. I love Chandigarh. The city has a much better quality of life. Though I miss meeting my close friends back in Mumbai, I’m glad that politics keeps me so busy that I don’t get the time to think about anything else.

The election results will be out today. Are you nervous?
I’m sure we will win in a big way. I’ve been so tied up with the election campaigning that there’s been no time to feel the jitters. The elections were on May 19. So there was no time to feel nervous. I’m feeling very confident.

Actress and BJP MP, Kirron Kher is now the 'face' of the LGBT community
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 16, 2015)

Despite representing a political party known for its staunch Hindutva ideologies, Kirron Kher is fearless and completely committed to the LGBT community in the country. Excerpts from an interview:

Do you have a personal connection with the cause?
One's prayer and pleasure are personal business. Which God I pray to and what turns me on in bed are private matters. I've a mixed bag of friends who are homosexuals, heterosexuals and bi-sexuals. Their sexual orientation does not define our friendship.

Films like Dostana, in which you played a stereotypical mother aghast at her son's gay sexuality, were hits but did it really help the LGBT community?
See, as far as Dostana goes, ultimately my character was warm and accepting of her gay son. It took Indian parents years to accept their mentally challenged children and now finally, our country is open to talking about other mental diseases. The day parents fight the social and moral taboos surrounding the LGBT community we'll have tackled the issue.

Even before you became the 'face' of the LGBT community you told Mr. Gay India 2014, Sushant Divgikar, on the reality show, India's Got Talent, that you will fight for the rights of the community?
I hosted the talk show Purushkshetra that discussed alternative sexuality for the first time on Indian television. Even thought the show only aired for a short duration, it focussed on homosexuality and women in a patriarchal society like ours. I have been supportive of the LGBT community since the very beginning. Why should anyone be against it?

How did you party react to the decision to campaign for gay rights?
There are many in power who are against Section 377 but there are also those who support it. The first thing I would like to do is introduce educational programs which will help people understand the scientific and medical history of homosexuality. This will eradicate the stereotype that men have a choice in deciding their sexual preferences.

What should be the film fraternity's agenda to support the cause?
Films help minorities. The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Singh Is King have been the 'face' of the Sikh community in Bollywood and helped us move on from portraying Sardars are 'funny characters'. Bollywood is filled with closeted gays who pretend to be straight. It will take a long time for people to be open about the issue. The change definitely needs to start with our film industry.

Sankyutka Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 23, 2014)

She has entertained audiences with her bindaas comments and even bigger bindis as a judge on the reality TV show, India's Got Talent, since 2009.

But now that she is a Member of Parliament, Kirron Kher may step away from the judge's seat. Buzz is the actor-politician is ready to leave the talent show in favour of more politically correct endeavours.

When contacted Kirron agreed that her brash reel persona could pose a problem. "I will have to be careful to avoid outrageous or controversial topics because that could hinder my political career," she said.

Kirron, who was last seen in the Fawad Khan-Sonam Kapoor starrer Khoobsurat, says that she has been dividing her time between her constituency, Chandigarh and Delhi, with not much time spent in Mumbai. "I'd love to judge the show but I don't have the time to even breathe," concluded Kirron.

But when contacted, the channel spokesperson maintained that she is still on board. "Kirron Kher has been associated with the show since its inception and will be on the jury panel for the upcoming sixth season as well," said the spokesperson.

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; February 25, 2014)

Kirron Kher is traditional and yet unconventional. She is emotional, imaginative, rebellious and bright and would want to see India blossom and be a voice in changing India. She loves her son Sikandar the most and has now started enjoying her own company. She fears losing a loved one as much as she fears death and would only want her husband Anupam Kher to give her more time. Ahead of her upcoming romantic comedy Total Siyapaa, in which she acts with Anupam for the first time, she talks to Bombay Times about her rebellious son Sikandar, her go-getter husband Anupam and why she still considers Chandigarh her home. Excerpts:
 
How did you get into films?
I am a Jat Sikhni from Punjab. My father was in the Army, so I travelled all over India till he retired and settled down in Chandigarh, where I did my schooling and college. My sister Kanwal Thakar Singh and I (Kiran Thakar Singh) both played badminton and were famous as the Kanwal sisters since my sister was an Arjuna award winner and captain of the Indian team. Sunil Dutt sahab and Nargisji were looking for a new face. On one of their visits to meet Sanju at Kasauli, where he studied, they came to know about me from a local studio, as I used to do a lot of theatre as well as was written about due to my badminton. They came to the house and I came to Mumbai with them and started living with an aunt in Bandra. They signed me but, despite their best efforts, eventually, that film could not be made as they were going through a bad time at that time. My father did not let me apply to either FTII or NSD as they were co-eds. I was attracted to alternate cinema due to my theatre background and gravitated towards it. I met Mr Shyam Benegal for Mandi and he offered me one role, but I said no as I had been spoilt by theatre where I would always do major roles. And I told him, ‘I will one day play your lead.’ Years later, I did, in Sardari Begum, where I won my first National Award as an actress.
 
Between Chandigarh and Mumbai, which city do you prefer?
Even though I live in Mumbai, my heart and home is in Chandigarh. While I lost my mother three years back, my father lives in Chandigarh, where I visit him very often. I like Mumbai and the people here, but I love North India, as it is evocative with its changing seasons and I am very happy when I am there. Chandigarh is so clean and lovely. I love the big houses there, with those lawns and relaxed evenings, where when you cross the road you land up at a friend’s place. Within Mumbai, I love South Mumbai and find it very beautiful.
 
Talk about your mother? 
My mother was very regal-looking and used to wear beautiful saris, the best of chiffons in summer and silks in winter. I, too, was more into dressing and dancing. I was very rebellious, naughty, bright and constantly lived in the idea of being in love. If someone would ask me, ‘Tum badi hoke kya banogi?’ I would say, ‘Main dulhan banoongi.’ I had a fetish for jewellery and I wore a sari for the first time when I was just 12. My mother did not let me pierce my ears till I was 16 years old as she did not want me to have long cuts in my ears. I was very imaginative and highly romantic. If my mother took me to a sad movie, I would not come home and eat as I would be so lost and excited with what I had seen, so she would say, ‘We should not take her to see a film.’ I was very entertaining for my friends. I love my father more, but my mother was my biggest critic. She was a disciplinarian and she expected a lot from me. She made sure I tried to achieve even when I didn’t feel like it. But she would push me to achieve my potential, not necessary my ambition, as she felt I would be lazy. Now, Anupam pushes me as he is a doer, whose entire life is spent in achieving. He is passive-aggressive. I am oversensitive and have 1,000 insecurities inside. My dad always gave us unconditional love. He is just more easygoing and is more accepting. I go all the time to meet him and love him very much. But I feel sad that my mother died as she loved life and did not want to die.
 
What insecurities do you have?
We were two sisters and a brother till my brother passed away at 43, all of sudden, in his afternoon sleep. I was with Anupam returning from London on a flight and was just strapping myself in when we got the message. I had another brother who had died at the age of two. I fear losing loved ones, fear loneliness, fear illness and death and because of Anupam, also fear heights and flying.
 
What made you add an extra ‘r’ in your name?
I believe in numerology. By adding an extra ‘r’ my name adds up to number 6, which is the number of Venus that rules the arts. After my change of name, I starting saying yes to all the projects I was saying no to earlier. The double ‘r’ also sounds nice to me, phonetically. I am traditional in the sense that I believe in God and like to observe traditions. But I am completely unconventional when it comes to things like emancipation of women and believe in individual choices, so long as they do not harm anyone else. I am all for gay rights as I believe that people should be left to live their lives the way they want to without checks from society, as one’s pleasure and peace is entirely a private thing.
 
Who are you most attached to?
My son Sikandar, who is a lot the way I was as a kid, as in rebellious with a great sense of humour. It’s heartbreaking, but he has also made all his mistakes himself as he won’t listen. He is loving, affectionate, outgoing, implicitly trusting, but stubborn. I too was trusting, but life teaches you to be a little wary. I feel he has inherited his goodness, empathy and kindness from me. I have brought him up as a single parent. Anupam is very much his own person, who is involved in his own life and is father to himself. But he is a good man, is kind, will not do anything nasty or mean to anyone, but he will not change his plans for anything. He is very involved in his career and that is all-consuming for him, but he has been a wonderful friend. He is very tender, loving and giving to Sikandar. More to Sikandar than to me, I would say. Sikandar is blessed to have had him as his stepfather. He might not have had time for us, but he will never do anything malicious or nasty. He is also a very loyal person to his family, but he is not a disciplinarian, so I have had to bear the brunt of being that. Sikandar doesn’t listen to me at all.
 
Talk about Anupam?
Anupam was a kind of guy who I could trust completely. I remember even when we were friends, and, if we were performing in a village where the bathroom ka darwaza bandh nahi hota ho, he was the kind of guy I would tell, ‘Anupam, bahar khade rehna, so that koi andar na aa jaye.’ I love him very much except that I want to tell him, ‘Darling, I wish you had given me more time when it was required.’ He would always make me laugh and we had a lot in common. When I was breaking off with Sikandar’s father, I would be depressed, but Anupam would be there for me as a friend. He finds me too moohphat, but I too have always been there for him in many ways. For instance, when he broke up with his girlfriend who lived in Lucknow, I gave him money to fly there, as he was worried that she would do something to herself. I was always happy being with him, though it was never love at first sight and he had made a pass or two at me that I would brush aside. But he was so overconfident about himself and did not think twice before making a pass. Then I don’t know how one day our physical chemistry just changed. We were doing a play in Kolkata together. He was getting into the car and he turned back and there was this one look he just gave me, it was so unspoken, but I became aware of him as a man from that moment.
 
Do you have friends in the industry?
The Bachchans, the Chopras (Pam and late Yash Chopra) and Sunita and Anil Kapoor. The friendship with the Bachchans started when I married Sikandar’s father, Gautam, who was like family to the Bachchans. Even after Gautam and I separated, we remained in touch as I did not want Sikandar to suffer. In fact, we became good friends till Gautam passed away last year. Jaya is very supportive as a friend and she is always there. In all their functions, you will find all their old friends. Sikandar is six years younger to Abhishek and so his first crib was the one that Shweta and Abhishek had used. Pam and Jaya are like older sisters, who I could reach out to if I needed to. But the person that I am most likely to call if I have a problem is Anupam. He was my girlfriend and boyfriend, both. Now I fight with him all the time. But he is still my security blanket, where if I feel low about something, I will call him first. And that is the case even if I am crying because of him only.