Earlier this month, Tamil Actor 'Thalapathy' Vijay left his fans in shock and suspense as rumours of the actor taking a break from acting arose. The popular speculation is that this decision is to aid the actor’s official political entry through his organization 'Vijay Makkal Iyakkam'.
While the decision sparks curiosity among fans and others alike, this is not the first time an established actor from the Tamil industry has stepped into the shoes of a politician. From MGR to Kamal Haasan, the list is long. Here is a look at some of them who created an impact.
MGR
The celebrated superstar of 50s and 70s, M.G. Ramachandran, popularly called MGR or 'Vathiyar', was equally successful in politics. The Founder of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), he was elected the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for three terms - from 1977, till his death in 1987. Initially a member of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), he later founded his own party in 1972. MGR was also the first actor from the industry to become the chief minister of the state. His popularity rose further with his political entry and his legacy still remains.
J. Jayalalithaa
Boasting of a successful film career, Jayalalithaa’s political career was just as eventful. She joined AIADMK in 1982 and soon become a Rajya Sabha member in 1984. She went on to become the Chief Minister of the state in 1991 and served in the position six times, until her death in 2016. Dubbed as ‘Amma’ by her supporters, she was criticized for cultivating a personality cult by others. Controversies were an integral part of Jayalalithaa’s political life which continued even after her death. Nevertheless, her political journey is a prominent era in the political history of the state.
Kamal Haasan
A multi-talented personality, Kamal Haasan entered politics by forming his party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018. He contested to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Coimbatore South constituency in 2021 and he lost. He is still active in the industry while also serving as the President of MNM.
Khushbu Sundar
South Indian movie actress Khushbu is a popular figure in Tamil cinema. The popular actor has been involved in politics for years through various political parties. She joined the DMK in 2010 and later joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2014. She was back in the news when she resigned from Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020. She contested the Tamil Nadu Assembly election in 2021 as a BJP candidate but she lost.
Udhayanidhi Stalin
The actor-producer hails from a political family. His grandfather and screenwriter M. Karunanidhi was a former Chief Minister while his father M. K. Stalin is the current chief minister of Tamil Nadu. A member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, he was appointed as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development in 2022.
Vijayakanth
The Tamil actor known as 'Captain' formed his political party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005. He had a successful political start and went on to become the Leader of the Opposition in 2011. He got elected to Tamil Nadu Assembly twice, in 2006 and 2011.
