Great expectations from MP Sachin

 As a newly appointed Rajya Sabha MP from the city, Sachin Tendulkar has a great task ahead of him. He joins a decent list of celebrities from Mumbai who have been nominated to Parliament, and can learn from what they have done for the city and better their record--like he does in cricket. 

    "I too was nominated to the Rajya Sabha for my association with sports," said actor-wrestler Dara Singh, who utilized MP funds for road repairs in Juhu--his area. "I am sure Sachin Tendulkar will work for the city, especially for sports, which I feel is something that needs to be developed right from the school level, something not done properly." 

    Shyam Benegal, whose Rajya Sabha tenure ended last December, focused on health and education projects, and not only in the city, but also in other parts of the country. "We are here in the role of cultural ambassadors. One need not necessarily utilize funds for city roads, which is actually the BMC's job," he said. Benegal feels Sachin need not attend Parliament regularly but should help promote sports across the country. 

    According to lyricist Javed Akhtar, another nominated MP to the Rajya Sabha, the term 'celebrity MP' is articulated with a bit of cynicism. "I believe that people who are prominent in their profession, anybody whose contribution is appreciated in society, will be able to voice concerns about that vocation in the Rajya Sabha. People in arts have a broad vision. Be it any vocation, a nominated MP should have a connect with people, a certain sensitivity," said Akhtar, who is planning to utilize Rs 28 crore of MPLAD funds for his 'Vision Juhu' project, which aims at opening 10 km of open space starting from one end of Juhu beach. 

    Shabana Azmi, who was a Rajya Sabha nominated MP from 1997 to 2003, utilized MPLAD funds for development work in slums, setting up balwadis and improving the city's coastline. She also took help from various citizens' groups in Bandra for the Bandstand seafront restoration and redevelopment project, the Carter Road promenade development project and for the beautification of Lands' End and Juhu beach. 

    "At Juhu beach, access was blocked and the sea was invisible because of food stalls. The beach was made inaccessible for (proceedings regarding) important festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Chaat Puja. Again, with active participation from citizens, we fought in the Supreme Court to pursue development of the beach. We were even attacked by political parties, but we did not give up." 

STAR TENURES Sachin Tendulkar 

2012-Rekha 

2012-Javed Akhtar 

2012-Shyam Benegal 

2006-11 

Dara Singh 

2003-09 

Hema Malini 

2003-09 

Lata Mangeshkar 

1999-2005 

Shabana Azmi 

1997-2003 CELEB PARLIAMENTARIANS SHOW THE WAY FOR LITTLE MASTER

START OF A NEW INNING: Sachin Tendulkar outside Parliament House after taking oath as a Rajya Sabha MP

Juhu Beach Redevelopment Funding | Shabana Azmi and Hema Malini (MPLAD scheme) Cost | 3 crore (split equally between the two MPs) Period of construction | 2007-08

Lands' End Funding | Shabana Azmi (MPLAD scheme) and others Area | 18,000 sq mt Cost | 90 lakh Period of construction | 2002-03

Carter Road Promenade Funding | Shabana Azmi (MPLAD scheme) and others 

Waterfront length | 

1.25km Cost | 150 lakh Period of construction | 

2001-02

Bandra Bandstand Seafront Restoration and Redevelopment Funding | Shabana Azmi (MPLAD 

scheme) 

Waterfront length | 

1.25km 

Cost | 140 lakh Period of construction | 

2001-02