From MGR and Kamal Haasan to Thalapathy Vijay, list of southern stars who started political parties

Tamil star Thalapathy Vijay on Friday (February 2) announced his official entry into Tamil Nadu politics by launching his party named Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Vijay is not the first actor from South cinema to enter active politics and launch a party. Before him, there have been many other popular names from the South Film Industry, who have also tried their luck in local and national politics.

Here is the list of political parties started by South stars:-

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK): The political party was founded on 17 October 1972 by Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran (MGR). In 1988, popular actress Jayalalitha became the party chief and remained so until 2016. MGR was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 to 1987 while Jayalalitha was the Chief Minister from 1991 to 1996, 2001, 2002 to 2006, 2011 to 2014, 2015 to 2016 and again in 2016.

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK): It was founded in 2005 by Vijaykant, who passed away recently in December 2023. After his demise, the party has been completely led by his wife Premlata as the General Secretary. Vijayakanth became the leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2011.

Makkal Needhi Mayyam (MNM): Kamal Haasan founded MNM almost six years ago on February 21, 2018. The party is active in politics in the state of Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry.

All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK): R Sarathkumar founded the party in 2007. In the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the party won two seats as part of the AIADMK’s coalition partner.

Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani (TMM): The short-lived political party was founded in 1988 by veteran Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan.

Ahila India Nadalum Makkal Katchi (AINMK): The party was started by Karthik in 2009. The actor’s fans are a major contributor to the party’s voting share.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP): The political party was launched by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). The party is one of the most successful political organizations in the state of Andhra Pradesh. NTR became Chief Minister three times in 1983, 1984 and 1994.

Praja Rajyam Party (PRP): Chiranjeevi founded the Praja Rajyam Party in 2008. However, it later merged with the Indian National Congress in 2011. He was a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Tirupati (2009 to 2012). He won the Rajya Sabha election in 2012 and became the Minister of Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) in the Manmohan Singh government.

Jana Sena Party (JSP): Nine years ago Pawan Kalyan launched the Jana Sena Party, which is active in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.