Many actors have played influential politicians in their reel lives, but there are few who made it big in politics in real. With their charm and public appeal, they are easily able to connect with the common man. Their fame and publicity that rises with their involvement, has been a changing factor in the political scenario. Let’s have a quick glance at these actors.
Jaya Bachchan
Political Party : Samajwadi party
Position: Member of Parliament
Jaya Bachchan recently filed her nomination papers for Rajya Sabha elections as a Samajwadi Party nominee, after 2 years break. With the inclusion of Jaya Bachchan in Samajwadi Party, leader Mulayam Singh is looking forward to a glittering political image as well as an association with common man.
Dharmendra
Political Party: Bhartiya Janta Party
Position: Member of Parliament
The 76 year old actor, born in Punjab has been active in politics since long. He was elected as member of Parliament in 2004 after winning election from Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan, where he received great support from the Jat community.
J. Jayalalitha
Political Party: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Khazagham (AIADMK)
Position: Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu
A prominent actress who acted in several Tamil and Telugu films, she joined AIADMK in 1982, which was then found by Ramachandran. After that, she received huge public support for her public speeches and connection. She is currently serving her third term as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. She is also the first elected female Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
M. Karunanidhi
Political Party: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Position: Party Head, Ex-Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Karunanidhi began his career as a screenwriter in Tamil film industry and soon rose to be a popular politician because of his wit and oratory skills. He entered into politics at an early age of 14 and since then there is no looking back. He was elected as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for 5 times, and holds the record of wining his seat in every election he has fought in his political career.
M.G. Ramachandran
Political Party: Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran, a leading actor, producer and director of Tamil cinema, was deeply influenced by Gandhian principles and joined Indian National Congress. His popularity and huge fan following gave him a strong political base, which helped him to form AIADMK, his own political party. He served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for three consecutive terms, and has been the first actor to hold this position there.
N.T.R. Rama Rao
Political Party: Telugu Desam party
Position: Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao debuted in Telugu cinema as an actor and was well known for portraying mythical roles of Hindu deities. After his career in cinema, he became a political activist and a party leader. He founded Telugu Desam party in 1982 and served three times as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Along with the prestigious Padma Shri, he is also felicitated by awards like Dada Sahab Phalke award for his contribution in the film industry.
Vinod Khanna
Political Party: Bhartiya Janta Party
Position: Member of Parliament
Vinod Khanna made his debut in 1968 in Hindi cinema. His contribution to Hindi cinema has been widely appreciated and critically acclaimed. In 1997, he joined politics as a member of Bhartiya Janta Party and was elected from Gurdaspur Constituency for Lok Sabha. Later, He has also served as the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Shatrugan Sinha
Political Party: Bhartiya Janta Party
Position: Former Union Cabinet Minister of Health and Family welfare
Voted as the most unconventional actor of Indian cinema, he has been a prominent political figure as well. After winning general elections from Patna Sahib in Bihar, he became the cabinet minister with Government of India and held two important portfolios: Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Shipping.
Jayaprada
Political Party: Telugu Desam Party, Lok Manch Party
Position: Member of Parliament
Jayaprada has been a prominent actress in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Marathi cinemas. Widely appreciated for her dancing skills and acting, she made a grand entry into Telugu Desam Party. In 2004, she contested elections from Rampur constituency in UP with Samajwadi Party and was elected as a Member of Parliament.
Govinda
Political Party: Indian National Congress
Position: Member of Parliament
The popular actor known for his impeccable comedy timing and dance moves, was elected as the seventh Member of Parliament from Mumbai North constituency. However in 2009, he opted out of politics to concentrate more in films. He is still known to favor Indian National Congress.
