NEW DELHI: Popular Tamil movie actor Thalapathy Vijay has launched a political party, becoming another south Indian celebrity to enter politics.
The 49-year-old's party, called Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (meaning Tamil Nadu Victory Party), will not participate in this year's parliamentary elections but aims to contest in the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu state.
Vijay is promising a change in the state's politics dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
"I have decided to complete the film I have already committed to, without affecting the party work and completely involve myself in the politics of public service," he said.
Celebrities leveraging their fame to enter politics is nothing new among South Indians.
Film star Rajinikanth also floated a forum to support his political ambitions but dissolved it in 2021.
Jayalalithaa, the late Tamil Nadu chief minister, was a famous movie star before joining politics. --BERNAMA