(Incorporating addl quotes) - Bollywood stars take to polling booths to make vote count

Mumbai, Apr 30 (PTI) Bollywood stars came out in force
and stood in queues at polling booths in India's entertainment
capital Thursday to cast their ballot in the Lok Sabha
elections and sent a strong message to people -- exercise your
democratic right and vote "clean" candidates.

Forgoing airconditioned comforts on a blistering hot day
and sporting trendy sunglasses, the common refrain of a host
of film figures after they cast their votes was that the
citizens should make their voices heard.

Bollywood's first family -- Amitabh Bachchan, wife Jaya,
son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai -- headed to
the Jamnabai Narsee polling booth in suburban Juhu to exercise
their franchise.

Filmmakers Yash Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, Karan Johar,
Farhan Akhtar, Subhash Ghai also cast their ballots besides
Lyricist Gulzaar and yesteryear's 'bad man' Prem Chopra,
Sanjay Dutt, whose maiden bid to contest elections from
Lucknow on a Samajwadi ticket failed following a Supreme Court
order, also voted. His sister and sitting MP Priya Dutt is
contesting from Mumbai North-Central.

Salman Khan who actively campaigned for several parties
did not turn up. He is said to be in London.

Actor Aamir Khan, who reached here last night from the
US, went to a polling booth in Bandra to vote.

"Every citizen should come out and vote and that is why I
am here," said Aamir, who has been prominently featured in TV
campaigns asking people to exercise their franchise.

"We should elect good people... who don't divide the
country. We should elect clean and honest people in politics."

Shahrukh Khan said voters should choose the
best-qualified candidate.

"People expect politicians to solve problems immediately.
But it's not that easy. It takes time. That's why we should
vote and give a chance to better people," Sharukh Khan said.

"Dostana" star John Abraham after casting his
ballot echoed Aamir Khan calling for stable government and
reminding voters in that they can make a difference.

"After 26/11 you saw the power of democracy. People were
very angry against the government. The chief minister (of
Maharashtra state) had to resign," he said.

"That's the power of democracy," he said urging as many
young people as possible to vote.

Actress Vidya Balan, who cast her vote at Subhash Nagar
in suburban Chembur, said, "everyone should vote to ensure a
government capable of giving us peace and security."

Actress Amrita Rao, who was one of the early voters, said
people should remember to vote first and enjoy their holiday
later. "Don't vote for candidates with criminal background,"
she said.

Actress and TV show judge Sonali Bendre also voted this
morning. Recalling the first time she voted, Bendre said, "at
that time, I really felt like an adult" adding "voting is
one thing which keeps our democracy alive."

Actor Paresh Rawal and classical singer Padmaja Phenani
Joglekar also cast their votes. Rahul Bose was an early voter
at a polling booth in Peddar Road area. PTI