Yogesh Mishra | yogesh@bollywoodtown.in
From legendary film star to dedicated parliamentarian, Hema Malini continues to inspire across generations. As Bollywood Town celebrates a decade in print, we sat down with the graceful Member of Parliament from Mathura for a candid conversation on politics, cinema, family, and life.
Despite all odds—age, expectations, political chatter—you’ve been elected to the Lok Sabha from Mathura for the third consecutive time. What do you think truly worked in your favour this time around?
Because I worked selflessly for the people of Mathura. I fulfilled their basic needs—roads, water, development. These were not provided by previous governments. I ensured proper roads were built, water facilities installed, and many flyovers constructed across the Braj region. Mathura is vast—it includes Gokul, Barsana, Chhata, Baldev, even stretches close to Agra and Haryana. I never distanced myself from the people. Just because I was a film star didn’t mean I stayed aloof. I met everyone—whether I was living in a hotel in the early days or later, once I built my home in Vrindavan. People could walk in and speak to me. That connection mattered.
When it came to choosing a constituency, you didn’t opt for your Janmabhoomi (Tamil Nadu) or your Karmabhoomi (Mumbai). Why Mathura?
I never imagined I’d spend 15 years in this region as an MP. Initially, I just wanted a home in Vrindavan. I built one, and coincidentally that same year I got another five-year term. That gave me 10 years. And now the third term—this too was unexpected, even for me. People have voted for me—not because of who I am in films, but because they saw the work I did. And I’m grateful for the support and guidance of our Chief Minister Yogi ji. He once told me, “Being a film star, I didn’t expect you to take up this work so seriously.” Many MPs rarely visit distant constituencies. But I’m a devotee of Lord Krishna. I wanted to be in Mathura. Serving this land is my joy.
What are some dream projects or key plans you hope to implement in Mathura?
As an artist, I’ve always wanted to enhance Mathura culturally. I built a beautiful theatre and encouraged mini-theatres in places like Gokul. We also restored the Samadhi of Ras Khan, a revered Muslim poet who wrote deeply devotional verses about Krishna. His legacy deserved to be preserved. Through the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, an initiative entrusted to me by Yogi ji, we’ve been working on several major projects. For instance, many people visit only Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, unaware of the Sapta Devalayas—seven ancient temples like Radha Vallabh, Radha Madan Mohan, Radha Shyam. These are our treasures. With lakhs of devotees coming daily, crowd management has become a major challenge. Residents find it hard to move around. So, we’re building a Vrindavan Bypass, connecting major expressways and allowing smoother access to temples without clogging the city. It’s a ₹4,000–5,000 crore project. We’re also planning facilities for the Chaurasi Kos Parikrama, a sacred 84-mile pilgrimage route through Braj. It spans parts of UP, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Devotees take 40 days to complete it, but they lack shelter and basic amenities. Creating rest facilities along this route is one of my biggest dreams. If that happens, even 50 years later, people will remember this contribution. Another major initiative is the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor, modelled after the temple corridors in Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ujjain. It’s meant to ease crowd flow and improve the pilgrim experience. Some people are protesting it, perhaps due to misinformation, but if it’s delayed now, the situation will worsen in the future. Vrindavan is growing rapidly—we must be ready for it.
From your family Dharmendra ji and Sunny ji have stepped away from active politics. Yet your journey continues strong. What keeps you going?
I’m an artist at heart—I love dancing, acting—but I truly believe this role in politics is a form of seva (service) that the Lord himself chose for me. Otherwise, why would I, someone from Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, be working in Mathura? It’s his will. I enjoy doing it. I want Lord Krishna’s birthplace to be preserved for the next hundred years. When people visit with devotion, they should experience something divine, not just buildings and crowds.
There’s been buzz about your daughter Esha Deol entering politics. Is that likely?
You never know! I never expected to enter politics either. Initially, I refused the offer. But here I am—actively serving Mathura for over a decade. As for Esha, right now her children are small and she’s busy with so many things here. But maybe someday… if she feels the calling, she might consider it.
Any new film projects in the pipeline? Can we expect to see you on screen again?
Not at the moment. But if something really beautiful comes along—something like Baghban—I would absolutely love to do it. I still have a large and loyal fanbase, and if a meaningful role comes my way, I’m ready.
The film industry has seen ups and downs recently. What do you think is missing?
To be honest, I don’t watch today’s films much, so I can’t comment deeply. But I feel the industry should go back to making truly heartfelt cinema—like we used to. Films today are often too harsh, too realistic in a way that’s unpleasant. We all deal with stress in daily life. When we watch a movie, we want to feel happy. I recently saw someone watching Padosan on a flight—laughing heartily by himself. That’s what cinema should do—uplift the spirit. In my time, films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Satte Pe Satta, and many more brought joy. I don’t see that kind of storytelling anymore. In the name of realism, we’re losing warmth.
Any message for your fans?
Just pray that I get a beautiful role soon—something that touches hearts. I’d love to return to the screen with a film like Baghban. I’m always grateful for your love.
Bollywood Town Magazine is celebrating its 10th anniversary. You’ve been part of our journey before—any memories you’d like to share?
Absolutely. I was on your cover for the 7th anniversary, and for my 75th birthday in 2023, you did a beautiful feature. You, Yogesh Mishra have always been thoughtful and efficient journalist—I enjoy our interviews. Congratulations to the Bollywood Town team for completing 10 years. My warmest wishes and heartfelt blessings. Keep rocking!
