In spite of commanding mass popularity, we haven’t seen our stars utilising their star power to sensitise people about the importance of casting their vote and inspiring change.

“It’s probably got something to do with two reasons. One is because a huge matinee idol like the late Dr Rajkumar stayed away from politics. He felt that social change can also be motivated through socially responsible films

. And many in the industry and his fans share a similar sentiment,” says film-maker Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar.

“The other reason is that senior actors like Ambarish and Shashi Kumar, who did enter politics, haven’t done much for the people and have treated politics as a retirement scheme. After having gained popularity in films, they have used the same to enter politics,” explains Nagathi. And people are also stuck between these two extreme beliefs, and need to get out of it, observes Nagathihalli.

Actress Aindrita Ray points out that nobody’s taking up the initiative for Sandalwood to actively participate in the electoral activities. “If we all have to come together and launch a movement, somebody has to take up the responsibility to do so, right?” asks Aindrita. On a personal level though, she has been talking about the importance of voting to her friends, she says.