Bollywood Actor Prithviraj Kapoor Became First MP (Member Of Parliament) – Part 1

From Silver Screen to Red Fort

Jawaharlal Nehru paved the way for film stars in politics by nominating Prithviraj Kapoor to Rajya Sabha in 1952 (not 1960), recognizing his contributions to theatre and arts. Thus actor Prithviraj Kapoor became the First Bollywood actor to become the Member of Parliament of India from 1952 to 1960.

The Actor Who Made History

Prithviraj Kapoor: Legendary actor in Mughal-E-Azam and India’s first talkie Alam Ara, Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner.

Kapoor’s Crossover Success

After Prithviraj Kapoor, the actor who got the honor to become Member of Parliament (MP) was actor Sanjay Dutt‘s mother and Bollywood top star Nargis, who became immortal with her superlative role in the film Mother India. Besides films, Nargis was an active social worker and did entertainment stage shows at the border for the Jawans of India. She worked for The Spastic Society of India and this won her a place in Rajya Sabha. She was MP from 1980 to1986.

Legacy Beyond Cinema

After Nargis, Bollywood and South cinema dancing queen Vyjayanthimala became MP from 1993 to 1999 for contribution for flourishing Bharata Natyam, Indian classical dance. From 1997 to 2003 film star Shabana Azmi won the honor of being MP for her dedication and commitment in social work for supporting child survival and fighting AIDS and injustice to the underprivileged. Bharat Ratna winner and known as Melodious Queen of India Lata Mangeshkar too served as MP from 1999 to 2005 for immense contribution to Indian Film Music. From 2003 to 209 Dream Girl aka Hema Malini served as MP for her charitable and social achievements.

Jaya Bachchan has served four terms as MP. Jaya Bachchan: Elected to Rajya Sabha four times from Samajwadi Party, representing Uttar Pradesh.

Bollywood’s First Actor MP

Dara Singh: Legendary wrestler and actor nominated to Rajya Sabha (2003-2009), first sportsperson to hold the honor. Seven times National Film Award Winner Shyam Benegal too became MP 2006 to 2012 for making intellectual and mass awakening films like Aakrosh, Manthan, Mandi etc. Famous scriptwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar became MP from 2010 to 2016 for giving films lyrics a high standard.