Smriti Irani To Navjot Singh Sidhu: TV Actors Who Turned Into Politicians

Smriti Irani, who recently returned as Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, continues to remain active in politics. A BJP leader since 2003, she served as Union Minister in key portfolios like Education and Women & Child Development, and famously defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019. Though she lost her seat in 2024, she has taken up advisory roles and insists she is a full‑time politician and part‑time actor.

Rupali Ganguly, best known for Anupamaa and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, entered politics by joining the BJP in May 2024. She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda and asked for public support in her new journey. While she hasn’t contested elections yet, she remains an active voice in political and social discussions.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, former cricketer and popular TV personality, entered politics in 2004 with the BJP before joining Congress in 2017. He served as Punjab’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister and Congress state president. Known for his witty TV persona, Sidhu remains a prominent public figure despite being less active in politics recently.

Nitish Bharadwaj, famed for playing Lord Krishna in Mahabharat, entered politics with the BJP and became a Lok Sabha MP from Jamshedpur in 1996. After stepping back from active politics post-1999, he focused on directing, writing, and theatre, while still being fondly remembered as television’s iconic Krishna.

Shilpa Shinde, best known for her iconic role as Angoori in Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain and as the winner of Bigg Boss 11, officially entered politics by joining the Indian National Congress on February 5, 2019, in Mumbai. She stated she wanted to work for change and admired Congress leadership, while emphasizing that her political move was about service not promotion.

Rakhi Sawant entered politics in 2014 with her own Rashtriya Aam Party, later joining the Republican Party of India (Athawale) as state vice-president. Though she hasn’t had electoral success, she remains active with bold political views and public commentary.