Thalapathy Vijay has put an end to speculation about his political aspirations by revealing the name of his political organization, Tamilaka Vetri Kazhagam. While this is a huge step for the actor, he joins a long list of South indian stars who have moved into politics after establishing their name in the film business. Vijay is not the first Southern actor attempting to enter politics. Several actors have turned to politics following their careers in the film business, and the list is as follows:

1. NTR


Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, often known as ntr, began his acting career, becoming famous for playing Hindu deities like as krishna and Rama. Aside from movies, ntr made a notable political debut in 1982, when he founded the telugu desam party (TDP). He went on to become the chief minister of andhra pradesh three times, making an unmistakable impact in both fields. His achievements won him the padma shri in 1968. NTR's legacy lives on as a successful actor and politician.


2. MGR

M.G. Ramachandran, also known as MGR, easily went from acclaimed actor to beloved politician. MGR, who served as tamil Nadu's chief minister for a decade, was dubbed "Makkal Thilagam" (People's King), underlining his impact in both the film and political world.


3. Jayalalithaa

Jayalalithaa, a well-known actress who has appeared in over 140 films, entered politics in 1982 when she joined the AIADMK. Her flexibility on film transferred into political success, as she became tamil Nadu's chief minister in 1991. She served as tamil Nadu's chief minister for 14 years, spanning six terms. Jayalalithaa's untimely death in 2016 marked the end of an era, leaving a legacy as a renowned performer and politician.


4. Chiranjeevi

After a successful playing career, chiranjeevi took a break from films in 2007 to focus on politics. In 2008, he created the praja rajyam party in andhra pradesh, which ultimately merged with the Congress. Despite a brief comeback to performing, Chiranjeevi's entrance into politics highlights the long-standing relationship between the entertainment sector and the political scene.


5. Khushbu Sundar

Khushbu Sundar, a well-known South indian actress, first entered politics with the DMK in 2010, before joining the indian national congress in 2014. Her political affiliations changed in 2020 when she joined the bharatiya janata party (BJP). Despite her impressive political career, the actress was defeated in the 2021 tamil Nadu assembly election.


6. Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan, a multifaceted man, entered politics in 2018 by forming his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM). Despite his unsuccessful effort to run for the coimbatore South constituency in the 2021 tamil Nadu assembly elections, kamal haasan continues to work in the film business and as President of MNM.

7. Udhayanidhi Stalin

Udhayanidhi Stalin, who comes from a political family, left the film industry to pursue politics. His family includes his grandfather, M. Karunanidhi, a previous chief minister, and his father, M.K. Stalin, the current chief minister of tamil Nadu. Udhayanidhi's nomination as minister of youth Welfare and sports Development in 2022 strengthens his position in both areas.

8. Pawan Kalyan

Pawan Kalyan, an actor, director, and writer, joined politics in 2014 by creating the Jana Sena Party. Kalyan, Chiranjeevi's younger brother, has far-reaching popularity beyond the film business, making him one of the most searched indian celebrity politicians on google in 2014.

9. Vijayakanth

Vijayakanth, an actor turned politician, led the opposition in the tamil Nadu Legislative assembly from 2011 until 2016. He founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam in 2005 and received criticism for his electoral speech in 2016. His sudden death signalled the end of an era in tamil Nadu politics.

10. Ramya
Divya Spandana, who goes by the stage name Ramya, is well-known for her work in kannada cinema. The actress entered politics in 2013 after winning a by-election to become an INC Member of Parliament. Despite her defeat in the following general elections, her dual status as an actress and politician exemplifies the continued relationship between the entertainment sector and politics.

Thalapathy Vijay's foray into politics today continues a long history established by his predecessors, illustrating the lasting relationship between the South indian cinema industry and the political scene.



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