Several Bollywood and regional stars shine in the political arena
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have not only reshaped the country’s political landscape but also highlighted the growing influence of film celebrities in politics. Several top-notch to mediocre show biz personalities will now be seen in parliament, continuing the trend of film personalities transitioning to politics.
As these newly elected MPs assume their new roles, their transition from the silver screen to the political stage will be closely watched, with their star power and public appeal expected to play a significant role in their political careers. Their victories reflect the changing dynamics of Indian politics, where charisma and popular appeal are becoming increasingly important. As the nation looks forward to their contributions, the blend of entertainment and politics continues to captivate the public imagination.
Prominent personalities from the cinema world who would be seen in parliament are:
Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut, known for her bold and outspoken persona in Bollywood, made a remarkable political debut by contesting from her hometown Mandi in Himachal Pradesh on a BJP ticket. She defeated Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh by a substantial margin of 74,755 votes. “This victory is not just mine but a win for all my supporters who believed in me,” Kangana stated in her victory speech.
Arun Govil
Arun Govil, revered for his iconic portrayal of Lord Rama in the TV series Ramayana, contested from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh on a BJP ticket. Despite stiff competition, he managed to secure victory over Samajwadi Party’s Sunita Verma by a margin of 10,585 votes. “I am humbled by the trust and support shown by the people of Meerut,” said Govil.
Hema Malini
Veteran actress Hema Malini, often referred to as the ‘dream girl’ of Indian cinema, won the Mathura constituency for the third consecutive time. Her overwhelming victory by a margin of 2,93,407 votes underscores her enduring popularity. “Mathura is my family, and I am grateful for their continued faith in me,” Hema Malini said after her victory.
Shatrughan Sinha
Shatrughan Sinha, a veteran actor and politician, won the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency on a Trinamool Congress (TMC) ticket by a margin of 59,564 votes. “This win is a reflection of the people’s desire for change,” Sinha said, dedicating his victory to the voters.
Manoj Tiwari
Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari clinched victory in the Northeast Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, defeating Congress candidate Kanhaiya Kumar by an impressive margin of 1,37,066 votes. This marks Tiwari’s third consecutive win. “I am honoured by the overwhelming support from my constituents,” Tiwari stated.
Ravi Kishan
Ravi Kishan, another Bhojpuri film star, won the Gorakhpur seat by a margin of 1,03,526 votes. His victory adds another chapter to his successful political career. “Gorakhpur has always been close to my heart, and I will continue to work tirelessly for its development,” Kishan affirmed.
Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopi made history by winning the first Lok Sabha seat for the BJP in the southern state of Kerala. He defeated CPM’s Sunil Kumar by a margin of 74,686 votes. Gopi, who previously served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2016 to 2022, received 4,12,338 votes against Kumar’s 3,37,652. “This victory is a new dawn for BJP in Kerala,” Gopi declared.
Bengali Film Stars
The Bengali film industry also saw significant representation in the Lok Sabha elections, with actors like Dev Adhikari, Hiran Chatterjee, Locket Chatterjee, Rachna Banerjee, Jon Mallya, and Satabdi Roy participating. Their presence added to the diverse array of film personalities making a mark in the country’s politics.
