Actor-politicians face many pitfalls
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icernet-admin at listserv.cddc.vt.edu
Thu Oct 9 15:37:44 EDT 2003
In Bollywood, India's Bombay-based movie mecca, which churns out 800 films a
year, many actors have crossed from film to politics -- but the going can be
tough. India's most popular star, Amitabh Bachchan, won a seat in Parliament
in the 1980s, but did not finish his five-year term, resigning in the wake
of corruption allegations. Nandamoori Taraka Ramarao, known for his
portrayals of Hindu gods, was twice elected by huge margins as chief
minister of Andhra Pradesh state in the 1960s. Actress Jayalithaa, who
frequently plays goddesses in Tamil-language films, is serving her second
term as the top elected official in Tamil Nadu state -- winning re-election
even while appealing a corruption conviction stemming from her first term.
Action star Shatrughan "Shotgun" Sinha is one of two Bollywood actors in
India's federal Cabinet. He was demoted from the Health Ministry this year
after prolonged criticism that he didn't show up for work and was seldom
seen in Parliament. Around the globe, actors and actresses have traded one
form of limelight for another, with mixed success.
Source:
http://edition.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/10/08/world.recall.ap/
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