Shatrughan Sinha Critiques Celebrity Politics: “Parties Use Actors to Win, Then Leave Them Unguided” — A Pattern Repeated Across Indian Politics
In a candid and emotionally charged reflection, veteran actor–politician Shatrughan Sinha has highlighted what he calls a long-standing pattern in Indian politics.
Political parties eagerly recruit film celebrities for their star power during elections, but fail to prepare them for the realities of public office, leaving many disillusioned and directionless after their first term.
Sinha’s remarks were prompted by questions about why iconic actor Dharmendra exited politics after serving a single term as Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009.
According to Sinha, the fault lies not with Dharmendra, but with those who brought him into politics “only to win elections” without offering support or training afterwards.
“They Bring Celebrities, Use Them for Elections, and Don’t Train Them”
Sinha said bluntly, “Those who recruited him into the party used him to contest elections.
They bring celebrities from films, but they don’t brief them correctly. When you bring in celebrities, you only use them when you want to win the elections.”
Drawing a contrast, Sinha recalled how his own political journey was shaped through structured mentorship.
“I was taught everything. LK Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee asked me to train under Madan Lal Khurana, and in Bihar I trained under Kailashpati Mishra,” he explained.
But today, he suggests, parties are more eager for celebrity mileage than political grooming.
A Sharp Reminder: “At Least Teach Them When India Got Independence”
Without taking names directly, Sinha referenced Kangana Ranaut, who controversially claimed India got “real freedom” only in 2014.
He remarked,
“If you have brought in people, teach them something. Tell them when the country gained independence. At least tell them that independence did not come in 2014.”
This comment drew applause from the audience.
Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Govinda, Jayaprada: A Recurring Pattern
Sinha’s criticism fits a broader trend seen repeatedly in Indian politics:
- Sunny Deol, another film star elected on a BJP ticket, also left politics after a single term, reportedly frustrated by the demands and complexities of parliamentary work.
- Govinda, who won a sweeping victory on a Congress ticket in 2004, quit politics after one term amid criticism that he was absent from his constituency and struggled to navigate political responsibilities.
- Jayaprada, despite initially being projected as a rising political face, faced infighting, lack of support, and shifting alliances that eventually drove her out of mainstream politics.
- Chirag Paswan, though not an actor, famously noted how political parties often prefer “faces” over “training,” especially during elections.
- Even legendary actress Rekha, nominated to the Rajya Sabha, remained largely disengaged — a sign that celebrity presence is often symbolic rather than substantive.
“The Deols Left Because They Were So Upset”
Sinha added that both Dharmendra and Sunny Deol became deeply disappointed. He noted the contrast with Hema Malini, who entered politics in 2004 and has stayed committed, though he believes she has not received the stature she deserves.
“Hema ji is so senior and so dignified. The position she should have had — she has not been given. The party, society, all of us are at fault,” he said.
“They Should Have Sat With Dharmendra Once a Week”
Sinha concluded with a touch of regret:
“Dharmendra won by a huge margin in Bikaner. After that, it was the party’s responsibility to guide him.
They should have sat down with him at least once a week. I had so much in my heart — you gave me a chance to say it today.”
His remarks reopen a long-running debate about whether political parties genuinely want celebrity leaders — or merely their star value.
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