From Rupali Ganguly to Arun Govil: TV actors who have joined politics

Nitish Bhardwaj

Back in 1988, at the age of 23, Nitish became one of the most successful and popular actors on television for his potrayal of lord Krishna. He joined politics in 1996 and became member of parliament from Jamshedpur.

Smriti Irani

Smriti Irani is a former model, telesvision actress, producer. She is known for her Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She joined BJP in 2003 and has been one of the most successful actors turned politicians in India.

Rakhi Sawant

The item girl turned actress turned reality show aspirant turned politician made her TV debut with the first season of the reality show Bigg Boss and was among the top four finalists. In March 2014, Rakhi announced her plans to contest 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North-West as an Independent Candidate.

Navjot Singh Sidhu

We know him for his sparkling smile, uncontrollable laughters, iconic commentary and one-liners, better known as ‘Sidhuisms.’ After this, he joined BJP and Sidhu won on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket from the Amritsar seat in the Indian general elections, 2004.

Shekhar Suman

This actor-politician started his career with television in the serial ‘Wah Janab.’ Shekhar moved on to films but did not enjoy much success as an actor. Shekhar Suman formally joined the Congress in 2009. In the general elections that year, the party fielded him from Patna Sahib parliamentary constituency against Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Javed Jaffrey

Son of legendary actor and comedian Jagdeep, Javed Jaffrey is best is known for his elite voiceovers and hilarious acts in various Indian television shows and Bollywood films. Javed has been fielded in 2014 Lok Sabha Elections from Lucknow on the ticket of Aam Aadmi Party which he lost to BJPs national president Rajnath Singh.

Rupali Ganguly

The Anupamaa star joined BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Arun Govil

Ramayan actor joined the BJP in 2017 and he rose to fame with Ramayana.