When Kanhaiya Kumar files his nomination papers for the Begusarai Lok Sabha seat today, the CPI candidate will find an ally in Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker. Belonging to the rare breed of actors who are vocal about political and social issues, Bhasker will campaign for the CPI candidate.

Asserting that their shared roots in Jawaharlal Nehru University have little to do with her political stance, she says, "I feel aligned with Kanhaiya's views as a rational and patriotic citizen. He raises issues that concern all Indians - like the threat to the constitutional values, unemployment, rise of mob violence and the need for social justice."