When Bollywood Meets Politics

Bollywood and politics always go hand in hand. These are one of the most impactful topics and hence, each and every one of us in a way or the other have an opinion about or have argued upon these two topics. No one can truly isolate themselves from these. Here I am not talking about the portrayal of politics in Indian cinema. Like how every other movie portrays Indian politics and politicians. Rather I am talking about some of the proclaimed movie stars who have also made their appearance in the field of politics. From legends of Bollywood to successful TV stars everyone has contributed towards Indian politics by contesting elections or by campaigning for a political party.

Here are some of the renowned actor-politician of India,

1. Jayaram Jayalalitha

Former CM of Tamil Nadu. She may have not enjoyed a great filmy career but have definitely enjoyed a greater political career of his own. She sat on the chair of Tamil Nadu for as many as six times in which her longest-serving period was from 25-06-1991 to 13-05-1996.

2. Sunil Dutt

A successful Bollywood artist known for his roles in movies like mother India, padosan, and many others has enjoyed a really successful political career. He was a minister of sports and youth affairs in Manmohan Singh Government of 2004.

3. Smriti Irani

Former TV actress and producer, famous for her role in Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is presently handling the Ministry Of Women And Child Development in Narendra Modi' Government. She was also appointed as HRD and Education Minister in Narendra Modi's Government of 2014.

4. Shatrughan Sinha

Considered as a legend in Bollywood has also enjoyed a successful political career. A former member of parliament from Patna Sahib constituency was a strong leader during the 2014 elections.

5. Kamal Hassan

He is an Indian film actor, director, screenwriter, producer who is one of the legends in the south Indian film industry. He has recently founded a new political party Makkal Needhi Maiam in 2018. He is quite a renowned political leader in Tamil Nadu and all over India.

These are only a few examples of Bollywood celebrity who have enjoyed or are enjoying successful careers in both cinema and politics.

In the recent election Bollywood artists like Sunny Deol, Manoj Tiwary, Ravi Kishan, Hema Malini, and many others have won the election and now are a member of parliament in the present government.

It is obvious why political parties are keen to take celebrities as their candidates, the actors are popular and have a fan following, they can easily influence the audience and get them to vote for the party. The celebrities also stand a chance to get special privileges if their endorsements prove lucky for the party.

Further, in India, personality cult and charisma is a major plus point in politics. Political parties constantly bring celebrities to increase their influence. The participation of film stars helps because public judges them by the role played by them in movies.