Actor Balakrishna meets Naidu, may join politics

Hyderabad, Jan 28 (IANS) Telugu film actor Balakrishna, son of late thespian and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N.T. Rama Rao, Sunday met his brother-in-law, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu amid speculation of his entry into politics.

The popular actor had recently hinted that he might enter politics. The meeting was significant as it took place hours before TDP launched its statewide membership drive.

Naidu, however, denied that they discussed anything about Balakrishna's entry into politics. He said they discussed family matters and not politics. "If he wants to enter politics he will make an announcement," said Naidu.

Balakrishna had on Jan 18, the death anniversary of his father, said that he could make a surprise entry into politics, just like his father did in 1982.

NTR, as the legendary actor was popularly known, had come to power in the state within nine months of launching the TDP.

Naidu had led a revolt against NTR in 1995, a year after he returned to power with a thumping majority. NTR died of a heart attack in 1996.

Balakrishna's elder brother Harikrishna, who had sided with Naidu but later quit TDP, recently returned to the party fold.

Balayya, as Balakrishna is fondly called, had allegedly shot at and injured two filmmakers in June 2004. He was acquitted eight months later.

His supporters feel that his entry into politics could rejuvenate the TDP, which suffered its worst defeat in the 2004 assembly and Lok Sabha elections.