Kolkata: Following the footsteps of Bollywood colleague-turned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) star candidate Hema Malini, yesteryear's glamour queen Moushumi Chatterjee today (Apr 5, 2004) took refuge in her unforgettable role in the Bengali hit 'Balika Badhu' to secure votes, as the Congress nominee from Calcutta Northeast Lok Sabha constituency.

Just as Hema Malini fell back upon Sholay's 'Basanti' when she entered active politics a few days back, Chatterjee's first press conference saw a retake when she reminded everyone of her memorable acting stints in Tarun Majumdar's 'Balika Badhu' to Salil Dutt's 'Ogo Bodhu Sundori'.

"Actors are also professionals just like doctors and engineers. No profession bars you from entering politics and work for the people," a confident Chatterjee said when asked why she had chosen the unfamiliar terrain.

Asked how it felt to be pitted against Nationalist Trinamool Congress stalwart and former Union Minister Ajit Panja who is seeking re-election to Lok Sabha for the sixth consecutive time, Chatterjee retorted, "No one is a born politician. Ajit Panja did not become what he is now in just one year."

To an observation that film stars who were fading were joining politics for money, she retorted such remarks were humiliating. "Why only actors, there are politicians also who work for money. You must understand that glamour is backed by a lot of hard work."

When a scribe pointed out that Panja had made an open confession of being a great fan of hers, Chatterjee gave a coy smile saying, "It is very nice to hear that. If only Panja gave me his vote too!"

Chatterjee, who will formally begin campaigning in her constituency from tomorrow, said being a political novice she was banking heavily on media support to sail through.

Upholding the Congress motto of honesty, unity and religious harmony, she said if elected she would focus on eradicating unemployment and removing the sense of insecurity among the masses.

Her campaign thrust, she said, would be to highlight the lack of proper civic amenities and development in the last 26 years of Left Front rule in West Bengal.

"It surprises me how people still perceive this State and its metropolis as a backward one compared to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai," she said.

Chatterjee said she had decided in a very short time, but had the moral courage to take on big challenges.

On what she thought of Bengal's firebrand Opposition leader Mamata Banerjee, Chatterjee said her hard work was an inspiration. "I admire her a lot but unfortunately, she is no longer with Congress."