Actor Rahul Roy on Saturday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union minister Vijay Goel at the party headquarters in New Delhi.
He said it was a significant day for him and clarified that he would continue with his acting career.
“The way [Prime Minister] Narendra Modi ji and [BJP President] Amit Shah ji have been taking the country forward and the way the perspective of the world towards India has changed in the past two years is remarkable. I am elated to have taken this decision to join the party,” Roy told reporters.
Roy, 49, made his Bollywood debut at the age of 22 in the 1990 blockbuster Aashiqui. He also acted in movies such as Junoon and Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee.
He also won the first season of the popular TV reality show Bigg Boss.
Asked about the row surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed movie Padmavati, he said as an audience member and as an artist he believes in freedom of expression, but, he believes in respecting the feelings and history of the country he belongs to.
“I do not support violence and threats but respecting the history is equally important. I believe a fine solution will come up. He [Bansali] is a sensible filmmaker and the BJP is looking at the broader picture that there should be peace and calm,” Roy said.
“I would request all those who are objecting that they watch the film and then decide,” he said.
The release of the lavishly mounted period film, which centres around the Rajput queen Padmavati, has been delayed.
Various Rajput groups have been protesting across the country against the film, alleging it distorts history and hurts the sentiments of its people.
