Tampa Bay: Bollywood stars who have flown into Tampa Bay in Florida to attend the 15th edition of International Indian Film Academy Awards expressed their disappointment at not being able to cast their vote at the Lok Sabha elections.
“I have always endorsed voting and standing up for your rights. But I had committed to attending IIFAs months in advance,” said Shabana Azmi on the sidelines of a workshop organised by actor Anupam Kher. IIFA 2014, the annual travelling awards show that honours the best in Bollywood cinema, makes its debut in the United States this weekend.
Her husband and noted lyricist Javed Akhtar echoed her sentiment and said that while it was unfortunate and a tough choice to make, his wife will be helping the cause of women in Uttar Pradesh by holding a charity fashion show at IIFA Rocks later that evening.
“It’s not just about our personal commitment but it is also about helping so many women in a village who will be benefitted by our presence. We could have either stayed back to cast our vote or not honoured our commitment to help these women,” said Akhtar.
Anupam Kher, when asked about skipping voting, turned the tables by asking the reporters on the green carpet.
“Were you all able to exercise your vote because you had to cover this right?” quipped Kher.
“But in all seriousness, I spoke to Kirron [Kher, his wife] and Sikander [step son] and they are happy that they could cast their votes,” said Kher.
Slumdog Millionaire star hoped for a day when online voting would become a reality in India.
“I spoke to Sonam [his daughter] today morning who went to cast her vote. I hope the right candidates come to power who can bring about progress in our country,” said Kapoor.
Meanwhile, actor Riteish Dehsmukh belonged to the minority of actors who were able to manage both.
“I cast my vote on 17 at Latur [Maharashtra]. But I was just fortunate and I am sure that all those who are here today wanted to vote but were unable to because of the timing. It’s wrong to criticize them because they are just honouring their commitment made six months ago,” said Deshmukh.
Actor Nawazzudin Siddiqui, who has been nominated for his role in The Lunchbox at this year’s IIFAs, said that he felt ashamed that he couldn’t exercise his voting rights.
“I wanted to cast my vote but I am yet to get my voters ID yet. But I will cast my vote next year. It’s a matter of shame for me,” said Siddiqui.
But politics wasn’t the sole talking point at this year’s IIFA. A galaxy of stars such as Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan and Kalki Koechlin are here already in Tampa gearing up for the big Bollywood awards night on Saturday.