Chiranjit Chakraborty waves to supporters from an open-top jeep in Barasat last week. Picture by Aranya Sen

Who: Tolly veteran and election newbie Chiranjit Chakraborty, in white cotton kurta-pyjama.

What: It’s 7.30am and Chiranjit, the Trinamul candidate for Barasat, has just stepped out of his Southern Avenue home for what he hopes will be a quiet, hour-long drive to his constituency. These are the few moments in his day that Chiranjit will get to spend in solitude — well, almost — before the crowds take over. The actor-turned-politician has been travelling daily to Barasat, where an open-top jeep takes him around the wards of his constituency.

The company he keeps: Chiranjit travels light. A cellphone in his pocket and an extra set of clothes in the car — “For an emergency,” he explains — are all that he carries to Barasat. Not for him the lunchbox, the laptop and a bagful of personal accessories that many other candidates can’t do without.

Long-time friend Saroj Sinha is his companion on the campaign trail and Atanu Mukherjee, a Trinamul worker from Barasat, his local guide. Atanu also hosts the actor for lunch at his residence in between the ward visits.

The reception: The busy marketplace in Ward 29 gets busier as Chiranjit’s car rolls past. As the vehicle slows down, some of those lining the road peer through the tinted windows for a glimpse of the actor-politician; others shout his name.

“I feel like the Pied Piper of Hamlyn” beams Chiranjit, turning around to point at a group of children running after the car.

The campaign: It’s 9.15am. The narrow lane of Malir Bagan is lined with women blowing conch shells. Trays laden with flower petals are kept on the side and a brass band is playing a few feet away. Chiranjit takes his place in the open-top jeep under a tricolour umbrella fixed to its frame. The campaign caravan is ready to move.

The smile and the wave come as easily to Chiranjit the politician as to Chiranjit the actor. He greets the milling crowd of starry-eyed residents and shopkeepers rushing out of their stores, some with daab and others with bottles of soft drink. The trail grows longer as the van with loyalists hanging from the back of the vehicle cuts through the cramped bylanes.

The pro-Trinamul chants are drowned out by the sound of drums. Gyrating men and women lead the way. Mothers hold up their babies for a touch of affection from the actor. A group of middle-aged women burst into laughter after demanding: “Nemey ashun (get off the van)!”

The men seem to be more election-focused. “Chinta korben na… aamra shobai ready achhi (don’t worry…. we are all ready),” says one, stretching his hand for a handshake.

Chiranjit’s eyes suddenly catch a rather serious-looking face in the ground. It’s a young man who, for some unknown reason, seems detached from his surroundings.

“Achha, amake nomoshkar kortey hobe na. Amra toh bondhu, haath naralei hobey (ok, you don’t have to greet me with folded hands; we are friends, just a wave will do),” the actor says, tongue firmly in cheek.

In the heat and dust of electioneering, humour often helps break the ice.

The lull: Two hours into the frenzy, Chiranjit takes a moment’s break to put things in perspective.

“So many of these people who I don’t even know have contributed to my success and my earnings as an actor. They are the ones who buy tickets and enjoy our movies and make us stars. It’s time for me to give back something,” he says.

As the van trundles towards Shitalatala for the second leg of the day’s campaign, Chiranjit wears the confidence of a man who knows that he is on firm ground.

RAPID FIRE

How is your campaign going?

It’s been just over 10 days since I began (Metro spoke to him last Monday). I haven’t interacted with voters yet as I am mostly on a van and we can’t use loudspeakers (because of the exam-related ban that was lifted later in the week).

Going door to door on foot is proving to be a little difficult because of the way people, mostly women and kids, surround me for a touch. Some even grab my hand and refuse to let go!

I am flattered that people from eight to 80 know me and identify with the characters they have seen me play in films like Kecho Khurtey Keutey, Pratik and Shedin Chaitra Maash . Some fans insist on mouthing dialogues from my films.

Amid this frenzy, I am trying to show people the person I really am.

How familiar are you with Barasat?

I have done many stage shows here. I had performed at the Barasat stadium in an event to support those affected by the tsunami in India a few years ago. This place has also been a stopover for me on my way to other parts of the North 24-Parganas.

Was it the party or Mamata Banerjee who was keen that you contest this seat?

I said yes to Mamata Banerjee after much persuasion because I am not a person made for politics. Kintu uni feel korechhen je aami parbo aar amake dorkaar (but she felt that I could do it and I was needed). But I still maintain that temperament-wise, I am not a politician. I have never followed politics and politicians. I am interested in films, actors, writers and painters, which is why I can talk about anything related to these fields.

Why Trinamul Congress?

Trinamul is just a name. Basically, it’s Mamata Banerjee who started this movement to bring in change. I want to be a part of that now.

Are you feeling more confident as you go along?

It might be a different trade but the basic process is the same. I just need to be a little more informed. I am not used to walking so much, so that is a bit tiring at times.

How much do you rely on Mamata’s counsel?

She has put me under the guidance of Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the MP of this area. So she is my teacher and I am her student. She is making the plans and I am following them. I follow Mamata Banerjee’s interviews on television and newspapers to know what she’s thinking and how she’s going about doing different things.

Don’t you have a personal strategy?

I have been given a copy of the party’s guidelines, which I try to follow. The best dialogues are hers (Mamata). They are the truth, not manufactured lines. I want to stay within that framework.

How do you rate your main rival (Sanjib Chattopadhyay of the Forward Bloc)?

I am told he has earned a reputation for corruption. A funny coincidence that someone reminded me of was that a few years ago, he had invited me to be the chief guest at a fair in Barasat and launch a tsunami relief fund. He himself came to pick me up!

What has been your family’s reaction to your joining politics?

They are a bit surprised and happy at the same time. My daughter, who is studying at Houston in the US, called me to say: “This is very exciting. You do it!”

What are your friends in Tollywood saying?

I was working on Uro Choti Super and 10 July when my nomination was declared and everyone on the floor was very happy. The general feeling is that if I win, I will do something for Tollywood.

What do you intend doing for your constituency if you win?

Barasat is still a town, I want to turn Barasat into a city. That’s my dream. The sewage disposal system is very poor, the deep tube wells have dried up. Recently some money was sanctioned by our MP; if I win I will be in a position to negotiate with the government for more funds to make development possible. My profession as an actor is my source of earning. I would never abuse the money that comes from the government and utilise it solely for the cause of the constituency.

RESIDENTSPEAK

Dipu Chowdhury, 70-year-old decorator: Chiranjit is an outsider, but his strength is his star power. On the other hand, Sanjib Chattopadhyay is a local boy. The Forward Bloc has been dominant in this area except for one or two elections when a Trinamul or a Congress candidate has won.

Bachchu Dutta, 54-year-old trader: Chiranjit’s chances of winning seem high. More than the candidate it will be a vote for Mamata because people want change. I hope that once they come to power, they will complete constructing the subway connecting the two sides of Barasat.

Mohua Das