Jaya Bachchan scolds ministers to their face; Rekha was not a politician, says Rajeev Shukla

Rajeev Shukla on Jaya Bachchan and Rekha's political careers

• Rajeev Shukla contrasts Jaya Bachchan's active role with Rekha's limited involvement
• Jaya Bachchan is known for discipline and regular attendance in Rajya Sabha
• Rekha and Sachin Tendulkar declined MP housing; Lata Mangeshkar accepted all.

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Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla recently offered a candid glimpse into how film stars adjust or sometimes struggle to adjust to their life in politics.

Speaking on the ANI podcast, Rajeev Shukla drew a clear contrast between Jaya Bachchan and Rekha, highlighting how differently the two actors approached their roles in Parliament.

According to Rajeev Shukla, Jaya Bachchan is anything but a passive presence in the Rajya Sabha. Known for her strict sense of discipline, she does not hesitate to speak up when something feels out of order, even if it means confronting senior figures.

Describing her no-nonsense attitude, he said, “If she feels that someone is being even a bit undisciplined, she won’t tolerate it. And she will say what she wants to their face. In the Parliament, she would get up and scold the ministers or even the chairman. If she feels something is wrong, she would fearlessly speak against it.”

Rajeev Shukla painted Jaya Bachchan as someone who commands respect simply by being present and engaged. A Samajwadi Party member of the Rajya Sabha, she is known for attending sessions regularly — something he pointed out is uncommon among celebrities who enter politics.

When it came to Rekha, Rajeev Shukla was equally frank. He made it clear that he would not describe her as a politician in the traditional sense.

Reflecting on her tenure, he said, “Rekha ji used to come only once per session. Jaya Prada, on the other hand, has become a complete politician. Only that she hasn’t received ample opportunities yet. But she’s doing the hard work. Rekha, meanwhile, wasn’t a politician. She used to come one time every session, and once the term was over, that was it.”

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Expanding the conversation, Rajeev Shukla spoke about how different public figures dealt with the privileges that come with being a Member of Parliament.

He noted that Rekha and Sachin Tendulkar chose not to take official housing, while legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar went a step further by declining all facilities meant for MPs. “While Rekha and Sachin Tendulkar did not even take a house after becoming an MP, Lata Mangeshkar did not accept any facility (earmarked for a Parliament member). Neither did she take MPLADS funds, nor did she accept any tickets or house,” he said.