Chirag Paswan has set his focus on politics after a flop Bollywood debut with Mile Na Mile Hum two years ago.

Chirag, the son of LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, said his Bollywood career has taken a backseat and now he will be concentrating on politics under the guidance of his father.

Chirag said Ram Vilas, who has not been keeping well for sometime now, had committed a few political mistakes that had led to his downfall.

In 2005, the LJP had 29 MLAs and four MPs. At present, the party has a single MLA. “It’s not possible to be in politics and Bollywood at the same time. I believe that somewhere my film career has taken a backseat and now I just want to concentrate on politics,” Chirag said.

At present, Chirag does not hold any post in the party.

Chirag said: “Politics gives me more satisfaction than Bollywood. Politics cannot be a part-time job. My decision to join politics was clear since the beginning. However, I wanted to create an identity of my own and therefore I joined films. But I feel that I couldn’t prove myself. I don’t want to stay under the shadow of my father.”

Ever since his father was unwell, Chirag has been looking after most of the political developments in the party besides taking part in the programmes organised by the party.

Chirag was even found touring Hajipur, the traditional stronghold of his father, to connect to voters.

He also visited Bagaha after the police firing to meet the victim’s family.

Asked on whether he takes assistance to hone political skills to become a seasoned politician, Chirag said: “Machhli ke bacche ko kabhi tairna nahi sikhaya jata hai (a fish does not need to learn swimming). I have been following my father since the beginning and always learn something from him. During my college days, when my friends used to go abroad for vacation, I used to be with my father in the state or in Delhi to learn the political agendas.”

Ram Vilas became Union minister five times and his name figured in the Guinness World Records in 1977 for winning a parliamentary election by the highest margin.

The BTech graduate from Amity University, Delhi, Chirag, also pointed out the mistakes of his father that led to the downfall of his party.

“Some of his decisions went against the party and we compromised on the policy. I think that is what led to his downfall. But what matters now is that how the party bounces back and regains its lost glory,” he said.

He said: “There has always been ups and downs in politics. The party requires inspiration and I feel that it needs my assistance. My father will always remain my role model and I would be privileged if I achieve even 10 per cent of his skills.”

Asked about contesting the 2014 general elections, Chirag said: “If the party feels that I am capable enough to contest the election, I won’t deny. But I don’t have any intention to contest the election. At present, I just want to fight for the people of my state, especially the youths, who are totally neglected under the regime of the present government.”

On his plans to motivate the party workers, Chirag said he would like to raise the important issues among the party and make strategy to deal with those issues.

“I will also ensure transparency in the party and decision would be taken unanimously. A proper agenda would be planned so that it can function smoothly,” he said.

The actor-turned-politician also said his mother Reena Paswan is the backbone of the family.

“My mother is the backbone of the family who keeps everything in place.”