Amid politicians and filmstars urging you to vote, one voice is making its presence heard. Lola Kutty, Channel V’s most popular face, is travelling the country urging the youth to exercise their right to choose their preferred candidates. But with one clear message — Vote Ya Vaat. t2 caught up with the inimitable Lola…

What is the concept of Vote Ya Vaat?

Demographically, close to 50 per cent of India’s population is under the age of 25. With the elections approaching, we wanted to do something to urge the youth of this country to go out there and choose the right candidate. But we were also aware of the fact that no one — particularly young people — likes listening to long lectures. Hence we have kept the format of the show extremely simple, where I go around the country asking the youth simple questions to test their general knowledge and their awareness of current affairs.

In a very subtle manner, we then try to make them aware of the importance of their vote and what factors they should keep in mind while exercising their right to choose the people who run this country. We Indians love to complain. This show strives to drive home the point that if you don’t vote, then you don’t have the right to complain. But then, we are not going hammer and tongs at anyone. Lola’s bindaas style keeps the tone of the show light and fun.

How aware and interested is today’s youth in the election and voting process?

I have travelled the length and breadth of the country with Vote Ya Vaat and I have realised that there is a huge dichotomy. On the one hand, there is this large section that is apathetic. They are really not bothered about who comes to power because they believe that no matter which party runs the country, things will never change. But then there is the much smaller idealistic group which is genuinely interested in the voting process and wants to do its bit for the betterment of the system. These are the kind of people who go to (Member of Parliament from South Mumbai) Milind Deora’s office and volunteer to work for him. These are the kind of people who want younger politicians like Rahul Gandhi and Sachin Pilot at the helm. These are the people who are spreading the message that having a voter ID is cool.

What has your experience on the show been so far?

It’s been one hell of a ride and I am extremely happy that we have been able to make so many people aware about the election process. But the one thing I must tell you is that as far as general knowledge goes, Delhi, being the capital of the country, truly appalled me. The young people there don’t know their Prime Minister from their home minister and their finance minister. In fact, most of them don’t even have an opinion. But Calcutta, you will be pleased to know, did quite well.

Any one person or incident that stood out?

There have been quite a few, but right now I can remember this young man who said that voting for his dog was a far better option than voting for any candidate. If you are so cynical at 18, what will you be at 60?

Does Lola Kutty vote?

I couldn’t vote the last time because I was out of the country. But this time I am planning to take a day off and go to Chennai and vote. It would have been so much easier if I could just produce my ration card and vote in Mumbai. It’s true that the people of this country are apathetic to the election process, but does our system make it any easier?