Almost every second Odia film released in the last decade has featured Bijay Mohanty. Now, he is trying to make his presence felt in politics.

Contesting for the Lok Sabha seat from Bhubaneswar for Congress, the veteran artiste believes it’s better late than never.

Confident that the love the audience showered on him during his journey of over 70 films will translate into votes, Bijay marches on every day around the city to talk to people, know their issues and demands and appeal for votes.

In his sixties, it is not easy for the actor-turned-politician to travel in an open jeep under the scorching sun. He prefers cotton kurtas or shirts and ensures they are white in colour. His trousers or pyjama are made of cotton and he keeps a wet towel, cap and sunglasses handy.

But his campaigning schedule has disrupted his food habits. “When we are campaigning continuously and travelling in a jeep without a roof, it is not possible to munch on something while you are visible to the people. So, it becomes hectic and we take short breaks now and then and get down for whatever is available on the way. The only thing we keep a stock of in the vehicle is lots of canned lassi and curd items to fight the heat,” said Bijay.

His day at work begins at 7am and he follows the schedule planned out for him by the party members to visit various parts of Bhubaneswar during the day. He meets people, asks them about their problems and promises them better days. “There is no time or need for any research. What I say is what I feel on the spot after meeting people in an area,” the actor said.

Throughout the day, when not waving to or shaking hands with the public, he picks up his phone to talks to family and friends.

When he finally gets home at 11pm, he unwinds with a nice bath and a hearty dinner of “dahi pakhala”