Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has spoken candidly about his experience in politics, revealing that the demanding lifestyle, mounting health issues, and fear of making false promises convinced him to step away from public office. In a recent conversation on Vicky Lalwani’s podcast, the acclaimed actor admitted that his time as a Member of Parliament was far more challenging than he had ever imagined.
Rawal, who represented Ahmedabad East as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP after winning the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, said the experience changed his perspective on politics forever. While many assume politicians enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, he insisted the reality is exactly the opposite.
‘I Started Taking Three BP Tablets’
Opening up about the physical strain of public service, Rawal revealed that his blood pressure worsened significantly after entering politics.
“When I entered politics in 2014, that’s when things really changed. I already had blood pressure, but I started taking three tablets after that because you have to work so much,” he said.
The Hera Pheri actor confessed that he once believed politicians spent their days relaxing in air-conditioned offices with little to worry about. However, his own experience completely shattered that perception.
“We had this notion that politicians sit comfortably with cushions behind them in air-conditioned rooms, with people serving them while they eat cashews and raisins. But when I got there, I realized how much work they actually do. They keep you running around until you’re exhausted,” Rawal added.
Why He Walked Away from Politics
Despite serving a full term as an MP, Rawal said he never intended to build a lifelong political career. According to the actor, politics is a noble profession that demands complete dedication something he felt he couldn’t offer while continuing his acting career.
“I left because it wasn’t my calling, and I had entered politics only for a limited purpose. I never wanted to build a political career. You have to be fully involved in it and devote all your time to it,” he explained.
Another major reason behind his decision was his unwillingness to make promises he wasn’t certain he could fulfill. Rawal admitted he didn’t fully understand the complexities of the government system and feared unintentionally misleading people who approached him with their problems.
“If I tell someone, ‘I’ll get your work done,’ but I don’t fully understand how the system works, then every time they ask, ‘Paresh bhai, what happened?’, I will keep saying, ‘I’m doing it, I’m doing it.’ After doing that two or three times, I would be lying. I would be turning into a dishonest person,” he said.
He added that compromising his honesty would eventually affect his identity as an actor and as an individual.
Choosing Acting Over Politics
Having spent decades establishing himself as one of Indian cinema’s finest performers, Rawal said he ultimately chose to return to what he truly loves acting. The veteran actor explained that after years of hard work, he had finally reached a stage where he felt creatively fulfilled and wanted to continue exploring challenging roles instead of dedicating himself entirely to politics.
“After all these years, I have finally gained some control over my craft. Instead of enjoying that and taking on different roles, if I were to move completely into politics…” he reflected.
His candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the realities of public life and the personal sacrifices that often come with it. For Paresh Rawal, the decision to leave politics wasn’t driven by disappointment or controversy, but by a desire to safeguard his health, remain honest with the people who trusted him, and continue pursuing the craft that has defined his remarkable career.