Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi is also the Minister of State for Tourism.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has reiterated that acting is his true passion and that he would not survive if he stopped making films. Actor-turned-politician Gopi, who made history as the first BJP MP from Kerala, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Thrissur. He also holds the position of Minister of State for Tourism.
Speaking at an event at the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, Gopi stated: “Film is my passion. If I can’t act in films, I will die. I’ve sought permission to act in the movie Ottakkomban. I haven’t received permission yet, but I’ll start filming Ottakkomban on September 6.”
“I have agreed to act in around 20 to 22 films. When I was asked how many films are pending, I told (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah that I have agreed to act in around 20 to 22 films, he (Shah) threw away that paper… I will always obey my leaders. But film is my passion, otherwise I will die,’’ he said, per Indian Express.
“All this I want to do. So, if they remove me for it, I would consider myself saved. That is all I can say,” he added.
Gopi also mentioned that he never aspired to be a minister and still doesn’t.
“I accepted the ministerial role because my leaders said it was for the people of Thrissur who elected me, not for my own benefit. I bowed to their decision,” he explained.
“To do the minister’s job, I will take three or four persons from the ministry (during filming). I will give them a caravan… If they send me back on account of it, I will feel like I have escaped. Then I will get more time for the people of Thrissur… The cabinet berth was not given to me personally. My chair is a gift for the people who have elected the BJP…” he said.
Gopi, who campaigned with the slogan, “Union minister for Thrissur, Modi’s guarantee,” had earlier embarrassed his party over the issue. In June, shortly after joining the Union ministry, Gopi told the media, “I want to work as an MP. My stand was that I didn’t want it (Cabinet berth). I had told (the party) that I was not interested in it (Cabinet berth). I think I will be relieved soon. The people of Thrissur know very well. I will perform very well as an MP. I want to act in films. Let the party decide.”
However, he later reversed his position, stating, “It is an honour to be part of the Modi Government’s council of ministers and to represent the people of Kerala.”
