 "Actor-turned-politicians facing identity crisis")
"What's in a name?" Shakespeare wondered, but two Bengali filmstars contesting the Lok Sabha election in West Bengal have found to their dismay that voters are getting confused between their real names and screen names.
Legendary screen goddess Suchitra Sen's daughter Moon Moon Sen's real name is Srimati Dev Varma while reigning Bengali film superstar Dev's real name is Dipak Adhikary. The real names of both will appear in the EVM along with party symbols.
Both are contesting on Trinamool Congress tickets.
"In films, TV serials and 'jatras' (folk theatres), I am better known as Moon Moon Sen. But my mother had named me Srimati and Moon Moon both. My voter card bears the name Srimati Dev Varma," the 60-year-old actress told voters in Bankura from where she is contesting.
Even her daughters Raima and Riya, both actresses, have emphasised on her mother's real name as they joined her in campaigning.
When asked by PTI, Sen admits that it is an issue but says that right from the beginning of her campaign, party workers have been informing voters about her real name.
Legendary screen goddess Suchitra Sen's daughter Moon Moon Sen's real name is Srimati Dev Varma while reigning Bengali film superstar Dev's real name is Dipak Adhikary. The real names of both will appear in the EVM along with party symbols.
Both are contesting on Trinamool Congress tickets.
Also Read
Local party leaders say they fear that since the EVMs will only have the candidate's real name along with the party symbol, some voters may get confused during casting votes.
"In films, TV serials and 'jatras' (folk theatres), I am better known as Moon Moon Sen. But my mother had named me Srimati and Moon Moon both. My voter card bears the name Srimati Dev Varma," the 60-year-old actress told voters in Bankura from where she is contesting.
Even her daughters Raima and Riya, both actresses, have emphasised on her mother's real name as they joined her in campaigning.
When asked by PTI, Sen admits that it is an issue but says that right from the beginning of her campaign, party workers have been informing voters about her real name.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%