Popular actor Ayaz Khan stepped out to vote in the Maharashtra local body elections on Thursday. He shared his thoughts with IANS after casting his ballot, speaking about his hopes for Mumbai's future.
Voting Out of Habit and Hope
Ayaz Khan, known for his roles in 'Dill Mill Gaye' and 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na', said he continues to vote regularly. He does this out of both habit and a strong sense of hope. The actor expressed a clear desire for a better quality of life for all residents of Mumbai.
The Burden of Income Tax and Public Expectations
"We are all direct income tax payers," Ayaz Khan stated. He pointed out that citizens carry this financial burden. Therefore, they naturally hope for improvements in their daily lives. "You just hope that things get better as regards the quality of life," he explained.
The actor acknowledged that authorities are doing a decent job. "They're doing a good job. I'm not saying they don't do a good job," he noted. However, he firmly believes that people deserve more. "We want more, we deserve more. And that's why every time we come with the hope that things will get better."
Key Demands for Mumbai's Development
Ayaz Khan highlighted several critical areas needing immediate attention. His wish list for the city is straightforward and practical.
- Better Roads: Smoother and well-maintained infrastructure for daily commutes.
- Clean Air: A healthier environment with reduced pollution levels.
- Accessible Education and Healthcare: Affordable public services for those who cannot pay for private facilities.
"That's why we wake up and come to vote, because we hope things will change, things will improve," he said. He emphasized that these basic amenities should be the starting point. "Let's start with this, and then the rest can be done."
A Call to Action for All Voters
The actor, recently seen in 'Jewel Thief' starring Saif Ali Khan, urged every eligible citizen to vote. He understands the common frustration. "I know it's frustrating. Everyone thinks, what's the point? Nothing changes..." he admitted.
Yet, he stressed the importance of persistence. "You still have to vote and assert your right, because you never know - the next politician or leader who comes in for the municipality might actually make a difference."
The Power of Hope in Democracy
For Ayaz Khan, voting is fundamentally an act of hope. He compared it to everyday aspirations. "It's about hope - the way you pray to God and hope, 'Please let me pass the exam' or 'Increase my salary'. I think it's something like that. You just hope."
This hope, he believes, is what brings citizens back to the polling booth every election cycle. It is the driving force behind democratic participation, even when results seem slow to materialize.
