By Mohammed Siddique, TwoCircles.net,
Hyderabad : In a bid to further strengthen his secular credentials vis-à-vis the Muslim minority community, the Telugu film star turned politician and president of Praja Rajyam party Chiranjeevi today recalled the days of his childhood when he used to observe fast during the month of Ramadan along with his Muslim friends.
Surrounded by a large number of Muslim supporters, sporting a traditional skull cap and a green cloth around his shoulders Chiranjeevi said, “While my father was serving as a constable at Ponnur and I was in 6th standard, I had many Muslim friends in the neighborhood. I used to go in to the mosque and pray with them. I still remember I had observed fast during holy Ramadan. The sounds of Azan still echoe in my ears”, he said.
The actor even repeated some of the verses of Azan like La ilaha illallah and Mohammed ur Rasoolullah much to the enjoyment of the crowd of Muslim supporters. “I had learnt them and used to repeat those lines”, said Chiranjeevi.
The occasion was the joining of former TDP MLA from Kadapah Khaleel Basha along with a large number of supporters today at Praja Rajyam party office. Welcoming them in to the party, Chiranjeevi extended a warm greeting of Ramadan, which started today.
“My heartfelt greetings and good wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters”, the actor said.
Chiranjeevi’s gesture towards the minority community was a throw back to the 1980s and 1990s when another film star turned politician NT Rama Rao also used to appear in the traditional Muslim outfit. He even joined Muslims in offering evening prayers when ever he organized an official Iftar party during Ramadan.