When actress Hema Malini was campaigning in Lucknow,  HT caught up with her. Excerpts from the interview.

Do Bollywood celebrities make a difference in election time?
Very much! I am not just a crowd puller. People love me, and when I say something with conviction people listen to it. They believe in my belief and that transforms into votes.

Why should people vote for the BJP?
Look at Gujarat and the development in the BJP-run states. I don’t see any development in Uttar Pradesh and if the state has to
move ahead then people will have to bring our party into power and we will replicate the growth story.

How do you connect yourself to Uttar Pradesh?
I keep coming to the state for performances. I have been to Lucknow and Kanpur couple of time for dance ballets.