When you meet Tassaduq Mufti, you instantly know he isn't quite the prodigal son. Forty-four year old Tassaduq, the youngest of the four siblings, and the only son of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is more like the dark horse of the family.
Tassaduq, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's brother is contesting the Anantnag bypoll on 12 April. This may finally be a start to his political career, but the acclaimed cinematographer isn't giving up on Bollywood yet.
Tassaduq had left Jammu and Kashmir in 1989 as a teenager and went on to become a cinematographer. Earlier this year, he was introduced to the PDP top brass by his elder sister.
In his maiden public speech, Tasadduq had told party supporters:
All my life I remained aloof from politics. But today I officially joined the PDP. I will walk with you and take your aspirations along.
It was well known in the political circles of the Valley that Tassaduq wasn't quite fond of politics. Until he returned to Kashmir, he was largely known for his work in Bollywood movies like Omkara and Kaminey.
In the first interview after his return to Kashmir, he was asked whether he is joining politics. His response was:
The issues I am interested in are primarily apolitical, like environment, preservation of heritage, culture, save our rivers and mountains.
Nothing much has changed since then. He still remains the politician who keeps evading questions.
While the reluctant politican hasn't carried out a full blown campaign, he has instead relied on meeting small groups of people. While on the campaign trail, Tassaduq talks about how he plans to engage the youth in dialogue.
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
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