South Indian Film Stars Who Excelled In Politics – Part 6
It is a known fact that down South, film stars are considered as Demi-God hence that is the reason after the huge success of Mega Superstars like MGR, NTR and Jayalalithaa gaining huge popularity in politics many more film stars attempted politics and did emerge successful.
Telugu film star Ambareesh is a prominent actor cum politician from Karnataka state. He joined Congress in 1994 but in 1996 he quit Congress as he was declined ticket. He later joined Janata Dal and contested the 1998 general election from Mandya. He won the seat. In 1999, Ambareesh rejoined the Congress and won three elections in a row 1998–1999; 1999–2004 and 2004–2009
Tamil film superstar Vijaykanth formed a regional party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in Tamil Nadu. His party gave a tough fight to AIADMK. It is said the DMDK, led by Vijaykanth, proved to be an important player in the 2006 Tamil Nadu assembly election. DMDK recently announced its candidates for the four Lok Sabha seats allotted to it in the AIADMK-led alliance.
Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi joined politics in 2018 with the formation of his own party called Praja Rajyam party. However, his party failed to achieve seats that could make Chiranjeevi a Chief Minister hence Chiranjeevi merged the Praja Rajyam with Congress party. He did become a Rajya Sabha Member in 2012 but later his career declined and quit politics.
Like elder brother Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan popularly called Telugu film industry’s ‘Power Star’ established the Janasena Party in 2014. Contrary Chiranjeevi‘s Praja Rajyam Party, Pawan Kalyan did not contest the elections. In the 2019 elections, Jana Sena will contest together with left parties (Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist)) and Bahujan Samaj Party in both Telugu states. Likewise, for the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election 2019, Jana Sena party chief Pawan Kalyan will be contesting from two seats – Gajuwaka and Bhimavaramin.
Bollywood number 1 villain Prakash Raj who did super hit films Singham, Dabangg 2 is a popular South star and social activist. This year he announced his official entry into politics. He will contest the 2019 general elections from Bengaluru Central as an independent candidate. He is against Narendra Modi’s stance on fundamentalism.
Superstar Rajinikanth, since past many years, has been enticed by many parties to contest the election but Rajnikanth maintained silence. However, in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, Rajnikanth has confirmed that he would be contesting in the upcoming elections of Tamil Nadu with his newly launched party. Though the party name is still in pipeline people are excited at Rajnikanth’s entry into politics.
Rajnikanth’s counterpart Kamal Hassan, on the other hand, has announced his party name – Makkal Needhi Maiyam in Tamil Nadu. In addition, Kamal Hassan has also announced that he will neither contest the Lok Sabha elections nor by-polls to 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. Nevertheless, his party will contest all 39 seats in the state assembly polls. In his party’s ambitious manifesto Kamal Hassan has promised 50 lakh jobs and 50% reservation to women. The entry of both Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan has sent excitement and fervor in Tamil Nadu politics.
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