Bollywood celebrities often believe their fame can translate into political power. Yet, politics isn’t just about fan followings, it’s a tough game of strategies, policies, and people. Many of India’s most beloved actors have discovered this the hard way. Here’s a look at 10 Bollywood stars who entered the political arena, only to crash and burn:
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, India’s ultimate superstar, dipped his toes into politics in 1984 under Congress. Winning in Allahabad seemed like a walk in the park for Big B, but unfotunatelythe political storm that followed, including his alleged involvement in the Bofors scandal, saw him exit the game in just three years. Even mega-stardom couldn’t protect him from the cutthroat world of politics.
Govinda
Govinda ventured into politics in 2004 and won the Mumbai North seat. His victory was short-lived, as his political career had plenty of absenteeism and unkept promises. He soon vanished from the scene, leaving behind a disgruntled voter base and a failed political legacy.
Mithun Chakraborty
Mithun Chakraborty, the ‘Disco Dancer’ of the 80s, joined the Rajya Sabha in 2014 with the Trinamool Congress. His political career, though, crashed when his name was linked to the Saradha Chit Fund scam. Faced with controversy, Mithun resigned, marking the end of his brief and troubled foray into politics.
Rajesh Khanna
Bollywood’s original superstar, Rajesh Khanna, tried to recreate his magic in politics in the 1990s. Though he managed to win a Lok Sabha seat, he failed to adapt to the political world. His charm in the entertainment industry did not help him in politics, and his career ended as quickly as it began.
Dharmendra
Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra joined politics in 2004, contesting under the BJP banner from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Although he won the seat, his political involvement was minimal, with complaints of absenteeism and lack of action. Dharmendra eventually faded away from the political spotlight.
Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Dutt, no stranger to controversy, announced his political entry in 2009 with the Samajwadi Party. However, his criminal record stood in the way, preventing him from contesting elections. His political career was over before it even began, making him one of the shortest-lived political entrants from Bollywood.
Jaya Prada
Jaya Prada’s political journey was filled with party switching and controversy. Frequent clashes, particularly with Azam Khan, hurt her career. After multiple defeats, including the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, her political influence waned, leaving her with more failures than successes.
Vinod Khanna
Vinod Khanna enjoyed some early political success with the BJP, representing Gurdaspur. However, his later years were marked by absenteeism and a declining connection with his voters. Despite his initial stronghold, his political career faded away as his health and popularity declined.
Hema Malini
Hema Malini remains an active BJP MP from Mathura, but her political career has been bumpy. She faced multiple accusations of neglecting her constituency and making out-of-touch comments, but Hema still struggled to maintain a strong political reputation. Her connection with the public has often been questioned especially her posts before elections.
Raj Babbar
Raj Babbar started with promise in politics, holding positions in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Yet, his career faced repeated electoral losses. His once-strong influence in politics gradually weakened, turning his political journey into a series of disappointments.
When Fame Is Not Enough
Bollywood stardom does not guarantee political success. These actors learned that politics requires much more than just charm and a loyal fanbase. It demands real engagement, hard work, and a clear connection with the people. For these stars, their political careers are now just a brief chapter in their otherwise remarkable lives.
