Entertainment

Rajnikanth might not be joining politics now, but here are 20 other actors who did

When superstar Rajnikanth hinted at the possibility of him joining the politics, fan all over the country went into a frenzy. But he has now clairied he will not be joining as of now. The film industry and politics are two spheres in which the most powerful people, in terms of their standing among the masses, can be found. That is likely the reason why many people from the former field have gravitate to the latter. Many successful actors have joined politics; some have remained while few have quit. Here we recall some of the popular actors who joined politics.
When superstar Rajnikanth hinted at the possibility of him joining the politics, fan all over the country went into a frenzy. But he has now clairied he will not be joining as of now. The film industry and politics are two spheres in which the most powerf
When superstar Rajnikanth hinted at the possibility of him joining the politics, fan all over the country went into a frenzy. But he has now clairied he will not be joining as of now. The film industry and politics are two spheres in which the most powerf
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MGR: Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran, or MGR as he is known popularly, is the one of the most successful actors turned politicians. He joined politics as a member of the DMK and later launched his own party, AIADMK. He had three successful terms as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and was honoured posthumously with the Bharat Ratna in 1988. (Photo | wiki commons)
MGR: Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran, or MGR as he is known popularly, is the one of the most successful actors turned politicians. He joined politics as a member of the DMK and later launched his own party, AIADMK. He had three successful terms as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and was honoured posthumously with the Bharat Ratna in 1988. (Photo | wiki commons)
Jayalalithaa Jayaram: Once a top south-Indian superstar, she won over audiences with her outstanding performances. She joined politics and went through tough times but once she attained power, there was no looking back. A protege of the founder of AIADMK, M G Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa has been the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for six times. Even after her death on December 5, 2016, she is still honoured as the general secretary of the AIADMK. Jayalalithaa was one of the most powerful women politicians of India. Her performance in elections has left critics stumped. (Photo | EPS)
Jayalalithaa Jayaram: Once a top south-Indian superstar, she won over audiences with her outstanding performances. She joined politics and went through tough times but once she attained power, there was no looking back. A protege of the founder of AIADMK, M G Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa has been the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for six times. Even after her death on December 5, 2016, she is still honoured as the general secretary of the AIADMK. Jayalalithaa was one of the most powerful women politicians of India. Her performance in elections has left critics stumped. (Photo | EPS)
NTR: Who can forget the most charismatic figure of the Telugu film industry? Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao or NTR, as he popularly known, shifted from theatre to the silver screen. He is most popular for his roles as Hindu gods in the Telugu cinema. After attaining popularity in the world of films, he migrated to politics and began the Telugu Desam Party. He incited Telugu pride and served his state as Chief Minister three times. He was to Andhra Pradesh what MGR was to Tamil Nadu. (Photo | wiki commons)
NTR: Who can forget the most charismatic figure of the Telugu film industry? Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao or NTR, as he popularly known, shifted from theatre to the silver screen. He is most popular for his roles as Hindu gods in the Telugu cinema. After attaining popularity in the world of films, he migrated to politics and began the Telugu Desam Party. He incited Telugu pride and served his state as Chief Minister three times. He was to Andhra Pradesh what MGR was to Tamil Nadu. (Photo | wiki commons)
Angoorlata Deka: One of the popular actors in Assam, Angoorlata is known for her performances in movies such as Jonda Iman Gunda and Bakor Putek. She has worked in many Assamese as well as Bengali movies. She joined the BJP in December 2015 and defeated her congress rival. (Photo | EPS)
Angoorlata Deka: One of the popular actors in Assam, Angoorlata is known for her performances in movies such as Jonda Iman Gunda and Bakor Putek. She has worked in many Assamese as well as Bengali movies. She joined the BJP in December 2015 and defeated her congress rival. (Photo | EPS)
Shatrughan Sinha: After giving remarkable performances in movies such as Paras, Dost, and Kala pathar he entered politics and defeated Shekhar Suman, a fellow actor from Bihar. The BJP member later became the Health and Family Welfare minister in Vajpayee's government. (Photo | AP)
Shatrughan Sinha: After giving remarkable performances in movies such as Paras, Dost, and Kala pathar he entered politics and defeated Shekhar Suman, a fellow actor from Bihar. The BJP member later became the Health and Family Welfare minister in Vajpayee's government. (Photo | AP)
Dharmendra: The legendary Bollywood actor who has given cult status to characters like Veeru in Sholay has had a very successful career in films. His zeal and enthusiasm carried him through in his political journey too. He joined the BJP and became an MP from Bikaner constituency. (Image Courtesy Twitter @aapkadharam)
Dharmendra: The legendary Bollywood actor who has given cult status to characters like Veeru in Sholay has had a very successful career in films. His zeal and enthusiasm carried him through in his political journey too. He joined the BJP and became an MP from Bikaner constituency. (Image Courtesy Twitter @aapkadharam)
Hema Malini: The 'Dream Girl' of Bollywood has been one of the most successful actors the industry has ever had. Hema made her entry in politics after she did an election campaign for actor Vinod Khanna in the Lok Sabha Elections of 1999. The BJP-led NDA government nominated her to the Rajya Sabha in 2003 and in 2004 she formally joined the BJP. She has been an active and prominent member of the party and has campaigned rigorously for the party in various elections. (Image Courtesy Twitter @dreamgirlhema)
Hema Malini: The 'Dream Girl' of Bollywood has been one of the most successful actors the industry has ever had. Hema made her entry in politics after she did an election campaign for actor Vinod Khanna in the Lok Sabha Elections of 1999. The BJP-led NDA government nominated her to the Rajya Sabha in 2003 and in 2004 she formally joined the BJP. She has been an active and prominent member of the party and has campaigned rigorously for the party in various elections. (Image Courtesy Twitter @dreamgirlhema)
Govinda: One of the successful actors in the 90s, Govinda was known for his comic performances in movies like Hero No.1 and Coolie No.1. He joined Indian National Congress to give a start to his career. He served as an MP for five years, 2004-2009. (File Photo)
Govinda: One of the successful actors in the 90s, Govinda was known for his comic performances in movies like Hero No.1 and Coolie No.1. He joined Indian National Congress to give a start to his career. He served as an MP for five years, 2004-2009. (File Photo)
Jaya Bachchan: Her performances have been outstanding and she has been a part of some timeless films like Kabhi Kabhi, Uphaar and Abhimaan. She spent a good amount of time with the Samajwadi Party and later made her way to the Rajya Sabha. She has been active on social issues. (Photo | PTI)
Jaya Bachchan: Her performances have been outstanding and she has been a part of some timeless films like Kabhi Kabhi, Uphaar and Abhimaan. She spent a good amount of time with the Samajwadi Party and later made her way to the Rajya Sabha. She has been active on social issues. (Photo | PTI)
Kirron Kher: The most dramatic 'maa' in Bollywood, Kirron has time and again proved that there is no 'maa' better than her. She joined the Bhartiya Janata Party in 2009 and campaigned for the party across the country during the elections, including in Chandigarh for the 2011 municipal corporation elections. (Photo | PTI)
Kirron Kher: The most dramatic 'maa' in Bollywood, Kirron has time and again proved that there is no 'maa' better than her. She joined the Bhartiya Janata Party in 2009 and campaigned for the party across the country during the elections, including in Chandigarh for the 2011 municipal corporation elections. (Photo | PTI)
Upendra: After much speculation on whether Upendra was joining politics or not, he finally did. The Kannada actor christened his party Uttama Praja Party, UPP for short. (Image Courtesy Twitter @nimmaupendra)
Upendra: After much speculation on whether Upendra was joining politics or not, he finally did. The Kannada actor christened his party Uttama Praja Party, UPP for short. (Image Courtesy Twitter @nimmaupendra)
Chiranjeevi: One of the most popular actors in Telugu films, Chiranjeevi entered politics in 2008 and formed the Praja Rajyam Party. He became a Union Minister of State in 2012. The actor, whose career spanned 30 years, received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour in India in the year 2006. Later, the actor merged his PRP with the Congress. (Youtube Grab)
Chiranjeevi: One of the most popular actors in Telugu films, Chiranjeevi entered politics in 2008 and formed the Praja Rajyam Party. He became a Union Minister of State in 2012. The actor, whose career spanned 30 years, received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour in India in the year 2006. Later, the actor merged his PRP with the Congress. (Youtube Grab)
Pawan Kalyan: After delivering superhit movies such as, Atharintiki Daaredi, Gabbar Singh, Badri etc. Pawan Kalyan launched his own party called 'Jena Sena' in 2014. He has been very active in politics since. (Youtube Grab)
Pawan Kalyan: After delivering superhit movies such as, Atharintiki Daaredi, Gabbar Singh, Badri etc. Pawan Kalyan launched his own party called 'Jena Sena' in 2014. He has been very active in politics since. (Youtube Grab)
Mukesh: The veteran actor is known for his work in the Malayalam film industry. In 2016, Mukesh is a member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). He was elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly representing the Kollam constituency of Kerala state.
Mukesh: The veteran actor is known for his work in the Malayalam film industry. In 2016, Mukesh is a member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). He was elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly representing the Kollam constituency of Kerala state.
Divya Spandana: She is an Indian film actress and politician. She is popularly known as Ramya. The actress earned huge fan following after she acted in Tamil and Kannada movies. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress-Kannada twice. The actress joined Indian Youth Congress in 2012. She became the Indian National Congress Member of Parliament from Mandya constituency in Karnataka by winning the 2013 by-election. (Photo | PTI)
Divya Spandana: She is an Indian film actress and politician. She is popularly known as Ramya. The actress earned huge fan following after she acted in Tamil and Kannada movies. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress-Kannada twice. The actress joined Indian Youth Congress in 2012. She became the Indian National Congress Member of Parliament from Mandya constituency in Karnataka by winning the 2013 by-election. (Photo | PTI)
Innocent Vareed Thekkethala: He is best known with the name Innocent. He is one of the most successful comedian in the Malayalam cinema. In 1979 he contested in the Irinjalakkuda municipal council elections as Revolutionary Socialist Party-backed candidate. He won the election. He last won the 2014, Lok Sabha elections from Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency in Thrissur district of Kerala as an independent candidate. (Photo | PTI)
Innocent Vareed Thekkethala: He is best known with the name Innocent. He is one of the most successful comedian in the Malayalam cinema. In 1979 he contested in the Irinjalakkuda municipal council elections as Revolutionary Socialist Party-backed candidate. He won the election. He last won the 2014, Lok Sabha elections from Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency in Thrissur district of Kerala as an independent candidate. (Photo | PTI)
Nakhat Khan aka Kushboo: She began her acting career as a child actor in Bollywood film The Burning Train. In 2007 Kushboo joined the DMK however seven years later in 2014 she quit DMK amidst speculation of differences with MK Stalin and the DMK's first family. The same year she joined congress and is now the national spokesperson of the party. (Photo | EPS)
Nakhat Khan aka Kushboo: She began her acting career as a child actor in Bollywood film The Burning Train. In 2007 Kushboo joined the DMK however seven years later in 2014 she quit DMK amidst speculation of differences with MK Stalin and the DMK's first family. The same year she joined congress and is now the national spokesperson of the party. (Photo | EPS)
Ramanathan Sarathkumar: He has acted in more than 130 Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films. He has won two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards South. He entered politics in 1996 joining DMK. In 2007 Sarathkumar launched his own party the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi. In 2011 Assembly elections his party contested as part of the AIADMK alliance and won from Tenkasi constituency. In 2016 Assembly elections, Sarath Kumar lost in Tiruchendur Constituency to DMK. (Photo | EPS)
Ramanathan Sarathkumar: He has acted in more than 130 Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films. He has won two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards South. He entered politics in 1996 joining DMK. In 2007 Sarathkumar launched his own party the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi. In 2011 Assembly elections his party contested as part of the AIADMK alliance and won from Tenkasi constituency. In 2016 Assembly elections, Sarath Kumar lost in Tiruchendur Constituency to DMK. (Photo | EPS)
Nandita Arvind Morarji aka Nagma: The actress has shared the screen with Salman Khan, Karishma Kapoor, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar and many more. She has also acted in many Telugu and Tamil movies. She showed her political inclination towards Congress in 2006. She became a member of the Congress Party in India.
Nandita Arvind Morarji aka Nagma: The actress has shared the screen with Salman Khan, Karishma Kapoor, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar and many more. She has also acted in many Telugu and Tamil movies. She showed her political inclination towards Congress in 2006. She became a member of the Congress Party in India.
Kumaresan Duraisamy: He is better known by his stage name Napoleon. He is a Tamil film actor and politician. He was the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet. He joined DMK and also contested in 2001 State Assembly elections. He won the Villivakkam constituency contest and became a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. In 2014, the politician joined BJP and was made the party's state Vice-President on 26 November 2015. (Photo | YouTube)
Kumaresan Duraisamy: He is better known by his stage name Napoleon. He is a Tamil film actor and politician. He was the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet. He joined DMK and also contested in 2001 State Assembly elections. He won the Villivakkam constituency contest and became a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. In 2014, the politician joined BJP and was made the party's state Vice-President on 26 November 2015. (Photo | YouTube)
Jayalalitha
Rajnikanth
Hema Malini
Dharmendra
Shatrughan Sinha
Shabana Azmi
Angoorlata Deka

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