What Bollywood celebrities expect from Arvind Kejriwal's AAP

What Bollywood celebrities expect from Arvind Kejriwal's AAP

(Top) Flanked by policemen, Arvind Kejriwal waves after casting his vote for the assembly polls in New Delhi on Saturday. His party, Aam Aadmi Party, scored a historic victory in the elections as the results were declared on Tuesday. Pic/ PTI

Also read: Bollywood hails Aam Aadmi Party's landslide win in Delhi

Anubhav Sinha, filmmaker

"This victory has been possible because it's a new brand of politics that seemed real and plausible. I suspect people didn't see any difference even during the new governance during the past eight months. Besides, Arvind (Kejriwal)'s humility about candidly accepting mistakes also helped AAP. I expect it to now set an inspiring example of good inclusive governance."

Hansal Mehta, filmmaker

"I am shooting for my film right now and jumping with joy. I am happy that my party has won. I am not able to concentrate on the shoot. The smug superiority of the right wing will definitely be shaken. I am hoping that the party will get down to the job. Arvind (Kejriwal) is a responsible man. They will take some time to set up and execute, but their heart is in the right place. Delhi is fortunate."

Mahesh Bhatt, filmmaker

"It is a watershed event in the history of our nation. Those who believed that the socialist/ secular politics was dead in our country have been jolted by the verdict of the people."

Raghu Ram, TV personality

"There's not just one reason behind the victory. The brand of campaigning of leadership really struck a chord with the public. AAP didn't focus on putting down the other parties, but on issues faced by the people and ways to resolve them. The bigger reason were the volunteers. Every time we faced obstacles, we pushed harder. And, of course, it wouldn't have been possible without the support of the youth. There will be a revolution very soon. The belief that the people of Delhi have shown is amazing and you will soon see the results."

Suparn Verma, director

"People were tired of fake promises. Both the parties (BJP and Congress) were corrupt and communal and we needed a change. AAP is the new hope, it has educated non-corrupt people. After the massive campaign against them, they lost a lot of supporters. But at least they are humble enough to accept their mistake. They are not god and will also make mistakes, but learn and improve as well."

Ranvir Shorey, actor

"I didn't campaign this time though I was supporting AAP. It's only AAP that wields the torch of truth. I don't think it was any strategic thing which BJP lost out on. AAP is the only party which is truthful to the people. And whatever they are doing by that virtue has led them to win. I expect them to fulfil their manifesto for Delhi over the next four years, and then win nationally in 2019."

Gul Panag, actress

"I am very happy about the win, more so because we won with a positive campaign. It is all due to the effort of our volunteers who could drive home the message of alternate politics. They gave it their all. But this result comes with a huge responsibility. The party is cognisant of that challenge."

Vidya Malvade, actress

"Eleven lakh new voters! The youths know what they want. BJP at the Centre, Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi - it doesn't get better than this. It has taken us 60 years to finally wake up but I like the fact that it will be the people who will hold the reins of governance now. The desire to have a new political alternative in India is now more palpable than ever."

Sugandha Garg, actress

"AAP won this time for the same reason it did the last time. People are ready to rub shoulders with their leaders and not treat them like demi gods. My expectation from AAP is to stay humble and for Arvind to lead by example. Places of power are no longer strongholds of the seasoned. It's time for the new and improved."

Tejaswini Kolhapure, actress

"People took back home the promises of a clean government, free water, reduced electricity, development without corruption - that's the mandate! Young volunteers taking time off and distributing flyers also made AAP look good. I personally feel Kiran Bedi may not have worked as BJP's face for chief ministerial position which could have led to a landslide victory. I am watching Arvind Kejriwal very closely now. I hope he doesn't make the same mistakes that he did in the past. Hope there are no more dharnas and AAP leads Delhi in an exemplary manner."

Shruti Seth, actress

"We were confident that we will win, but never expected a clean sweep. What worked for them in the previous election and this time is that they were connected to the common man. Candidates contesting elections were always available to hear everyone's grievances and willing to solve their problems. Arvind Kejriwal time and again apologised for his mistake of resigning last year which also made a difference. However, the opposition party BJP refused to do that. If you have such arrogance, then people are going to show their power. I think they got overconfident due to the mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, but they should remember they are here to serve the people. I hope AAP remains a humble servant to the public."

Saleem Arif, theatre writer-director

"People have seen the real intention of the ruling party in Delhi and the bluff and euphoria and the pasting of money on walls for advertisements - it's a wake up call. They need to understand that people will not tolerate false promises. No significant change has come in the past months after the Lok Sabha elections. AAP's victory is an overwhelming response."

Compiled by Asira Tarannum and Sanat Mehra