Mysuru: Popularly known as 24X7 politician, when former Prime Minister and JD (S) leader H.D. Deve Gowda takes time off to watch a movie, everyone has to sit up and take notice.

After attending a party meeting at Chamarajanagar yesterday, Deve Gowda offered puja at the Nanjangud temple and then reached Mysuru along with party leaders and drove to DRC Cinemas in Jayalakshmipuram to watch “Bangara S/o Bangarada Manushya.”

Rarely does a man of his stature find time to relax. Hence, it was a rare sight to see him watching a movie. A smiling Deve Gowda entered the multiplex and was welcomed by the owners Vaishali and C.R. Hanumanth with a bouquet.

The media persons, who got scent of his visit, gathered around him. Addressing them, he said, “I was influenced watching Raj Kumar-starrer Bangarada Manushya (released in 1972). In the light of this, I have come to watch his son Shivarajkumar act. In another two days, I will also watch ‘Rajakumaara,’ in which Puneeth Rajkumar  has acted.”

Viewers co-operate: Nearly 40 people had accompanied Deve Gowda to watch the Kannada movie in Screen 2 and the seats were reserved for them. As the former PM came late, the show that was to start at 7.10 pm began 40 minutes late. Even then the other movie-goers were not upset. They all agreed to co-operate once they came to know that Deve Gowda was on his way to watch the movie. “Only when the viewers agreed to co-operate did we start the movie late,” said Hanumanth.

Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, ex- Mayor R. Lingappa, JD(S) City President Harish Gowda, District President Narasimhaswamy, MLC K.T. Srikantegowda, former VC Prof. K.S. Rangappa’s son Shobit Rangappa and others accompanied the former PM.

It may be recalled that Chief Minister Siddharamaiah had watched Rajakumaara on April 9, after the polling in Nanjangud and Gundlupet by-elections, with his close aides at DRC.