A jampacked Prof Ramkrishna More auditoruim in Chinchwad had waited in anticipation of her arrival for over two hours. Arriving straight from Mumbai by road, Smriti wasted no time in taking to the stage.

As the curtains were lifted, a huge round of applause resonated the air. Taking off in chaste Marathi, Smriti quickly switched over to Hindi. But not before telling the audience. “Mere ragon main bhi Maharashtrain khoon duadta hain...Mere maa ka naam Shantatai Bhosale hai.”

Smriti stressed on the need to harness youth energy for the good of the society. “If youngsters come forward and contribute their best, the progress of the society will be ensured.” She said youngsters should not wait for the government or the politician to bring about change in the social set up. “The youth should take initiative for a new society.” She advised Eknath Pawar, the architect of the foundation, to organise a contest for find out the best politician. Calling for change in attitude towards youngsters, she said this will help rid the perverse tendencies prevailing in the society. Smriti said she was “impressed” by the way MLA Girish Bapat turned up and addressed the gathering. “Her function main unko kurta pyjama main dekha hain...lekin aaj woh pant shirt main aye hain,” drawing cheers from the crowd. She told Bapat,”You can become a good actor.” Bapat, who spoke before Smriti, had the audience in splits as he narrated anecdotes and experiences of his life. “Maharashtrian youth should change and change for the better. Rise about the ordinary,” he told them.

Later, when asked whether she will again contest from Delhi’s Chandani Chowk, Smriti said, “It is for the party to decide.” Pawar in his addressed highlighted the objective behind organising the contest. “We are providing artistes from different field to showcase their talent,” he said. BJP leaders Uma Khapre, Ramkrishna Rane, Ashok Sonawane, Sharad Barhate, Asha Landge and activist-corporator Maruti Bhapkar were present on the occasion.