Manoj Tiwary: I still love my ex-wife

After completing six months in office as a member of parliament, Manoj Tiwary was in Ranchi recently to attend a public function.The actor-politician talked about his experiences so far in politics, state of affairs in the country and how he still longs for his ex wife. Excerpts:
Congratulations on you completing six months as an MP. How is has the journey been so far?
I���������m feeling great but the challenges remain.It���������s not easy to understand the workings of bureaucracy. Hence, I���������m still trying to settle into the culture. What I have figured out so far is that sometimes, its important to be a little tough as well.
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There is a general impression that PM Narendra Modi is a taskmaster. Has he motivated the team as well?
He is a taskmaster for sure and I feel its important as well, given the current state of affairs in the country. He conducts meetings regularlyvia PMO. As far as the bureaucracy is concerned, they are an apprehensive lot and while there is a lot of surface activity, a lot needs to be done to really motivate them. Sirf sir sir karne se aap phool zarur jayenge par kaam kuch nahi hoga.
Given the emphasis being laid on inducting fresh blood in the ministries, are you eyeing a ministerial berth in the upcoming government expansion?
Currently I���������m on the committee of six ministries namely culture, I&B, civil aviation, tourism, shipping and transportation. Normally, an MP is appointed to only three committees but the government deemed me capable enough to be on six committees. I have been authorised to generate new and innovative ideas and report them directly to the minister.
A popular media website recently declared you the biggest crowd-puller for BJP after PM Modi���������
I campaigned in 19 constituencies in Haryana out of which we bagged 17 and 14 constituencies in Maharashtra. We won 11 of those seats. Obviously I feel good about it.
Since you���������re a member of standing committee on culture, are you looking forward to doing something for the Bhojpuri and Nagpuri languages of the region?
As far as I have seen during my interactions and studies, there is nothing worthwhile that has been done for Bhojpuri and Nagpuri culture from the union government's front. For example, there is no center for regional cultural committee either in Bihar or Jharkhand. Both the states are covered under North-central Zone Cultural Center (NCZCC) in Allahabad, which is ridiculous since there is vast difference between what people think and do in Uttar Pradesh and these two states. Then there are various facilities available for artistes which have not been popularised by the ministry. For example an artiste is eligible for a pension from Union ministry of culture but the problem is that the ministry doesn't have a proper definition of an artiste. They decide on giving pensions through a committee. How can a committee decide someone is an artiste or not. I���������m working on setting a parameter for the same so that more and more people take up arts for as a profession.
Even after 14 years of formation of Jharkhand, there is no arts college or state art gallery in the state. Are you planning to do something about it?
This topic came up in the last meeting. We are working on opening branches of NSD in both Bihar and Jharkhand. Apart from that, we are also working to open an Eastern zone Center for culture in Jharkhand so that some concrete steps can be taken to preserve the traditions in the area.
What in in store for your fans?
Aurat Khilona Nahi, based on the issue of women empowerment, has been wrapped up recently. It���������s doesn���������t seem possible for me to do four movies a year now but will continue doing movies for sure.
Will you lead the Bhojpuri Dabangg team in CCL next year?
I���������m looking forward to it but the team may be shifted from Ranchi as it���������s becoming difficult for us to find sponsors based in Jharkhand. It may be shifted to Uttar Pradesh. Giving up the team is also a distinct possibility and a new team from Punjab may come up.
You���������re the most eligible bachelor in the Bhojpuri industry at the moment. Any plans to get married again?
Yes, I���������m planning to get hitched again. It���������s becoming increasingly difficult for me to live alone. Given a choice, I'd never have divorced my wife. I was coerced into it. I still love her and want her back in my life for our little daughter. Sab kuch hote huye bhi zindagi tanha ho to thodi takleef to deti hai. Let���������s see what happens.
Watch: I still love my ex-wife: Manoj Tiwary-TOI