I don't have any plans to join politics: Ponniyin Selvan actor Trisha

Trisha categorically stated that she will not enter politics either “directly or indirectly” and appealed to her fans not to associate her with politics in any manner.

Over the last few days, rumours were doing rounds that Trisha has finally decided to take a political plunge by joining the Congress party. In an exclusive interview with Ananda Vikatan, the Ponniyin Selvan actor revealed that the recent speculation is completely false. She stated, "I'm not sure how or where such information came to be. I have no plans to enter politics."

Politics and cinema go hand in hand in Tamil Nadu, thanks to the Dravidian movement. Unlike any other Indian state, Tamil Nadu has produced Chief Ministers such as Annadurai, MG Ramachandran, M Karunanidhi, and J Jayalalithaa, who benefited from the popularity of cinema.

Tamil Nadu effectively and efficiently mobilised political concerns through various media, particularly cinema. Theatre and cinema were pivotal in promoting Dravidian politics based on Tamil identity and language.

While Kamal Haasan is the president of Makkal Needhi Maiam, his peer, Superstar Rajinikanth said he will not take a plunge into politics, citing his frail health. He, however, said he will serve people in whatever ways he can without entering electoral politics.

Let's dig a bit into the past. Annadurai and Karunanidhi were both scriptwriters who wrote powerful dialogues and went on to become chief ministers, Kannadasan and Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram wrote compelling lyrics, and M.G. Ramachandran (another chief minister) was known for his strong screen presence, and a slew of others, including SS Rajendran, all played important roles in transforming political communication in Tamil politics.

Jayalalithaa's friendship with MGR earned her a Rajya Sabha nomination, and she never looked back. Her candour and charisma earned her the opportunity to observe national politics as well. Jayalalithaa carefully stage-managed herself, gradually establishing an image of herself as MGR's chosen successor, aided by her reel image. Following MGR's death in 1987 and the party's defeat in the 1989 election, Jayalalithaa took control of the party from MGR's widow, V.N. Janaki, and became his political heir.

Other renowned actors who tried their luck in politics include Mu Ka Muthu, Sivaji Ganesan, Navarasa Nayagan Karthik, Vijayakanth, Roja, Napoleon, Vadivelu, Vijayashanti, Vindhya, Bhagyaraj, Vijayakumar, Radha Ravi, S. Ve. Shekher, Khushbu, Ramarajan, Gangai Amaran, T Rajendar, Jayaprada, Udhayanidhi Stalin and so on.

On the film front, Trisha awaits the release of Ponniyin Selvan, Sathuranga Vettai 2, Mohanlal's Ram and The Road.