'Thalapathy' Vijay, Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan: 10 actors who joined politics
Tamil actor Joseph Vijay, popularly called 'Thalapathy' (the commander), confirmed that he will enter politics. He also announced the name of the party, which is 'Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam' (Victorious Tamil Association).
Photo Credits: Instagram/actorvijay
While some Indian actors entered politics by joining top political parties in India, a few actors like Rajnikanth, Joseph Vijay and Kamal Haasan launched their own political parties. Let's take a look at 10 popular actors who turned into politicians.
Photo Credits: HT File Photo
Kamal Haasan
Actor, filmmaker, playback singer Kamal Haasan entered politics in 2018 by launching his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (People's Justice Centre) in Tamil Nadu.
Photo Credits: ANI
Hema Malini
Actor Hema Malini joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004. She is currently a Member of Parliament from the Mathura constituency.
Photo Credits: ANI
Prakash Raj
Actor, filmmaker Prakash Raj is actively serving as a member of Telangana's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
Photo Credits: Instagram/joinprakashraj
Smriti Irani
Actor Smriti Irani joined the BJP in 2003 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat in 2011. She is currently serving as the Minister of Women and Child Development of India.
Photo Credits: Bloomberg
Jaya Bachchan
Actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan entered politics by joining the Samajwadi Party in 2004. She was elected to the Rajya Sabha and has since been a Member of Parliament.
Photo Credits: AFP
Shatrughan Sinha
Shatrughan Sinha became a cabinet minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ministry in 2003 and held two portfolios as a Union minister. He is currently a member of the All India Trinamool Congress party (TMC).
Photo Credits: ANI
Rajnikanth
Superstar Rajnikanth joined politics in 2017 with his party Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM). However, he had a short stint with the party as he dissolved the party in 2021.
Video Credits: Instagram/jailer_moviee
Amitabh Bachchan
Actor Amitabh Bachchan joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1984 from the Allahabad constituency. However, he left politics in the late 80s.
Photo Credits: HT Photo
Govinda
Bollywood actor Govinda joined INC in 2004 and was elected to Lok Sabha from Mumbai. He quit politics in 2008 and decided to focus on his film career.
Photo Credits: Instagram/govinda_herono1
Jayalalithaa
Former actor and late politician Jayalalithaa left a remarkable imprint on Indian politics. She served as chief minister of Tamil Nadu for more than a decade. Jayalalithaa was a member of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.