In a surprising announcement, renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma declared his entry into politics for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections under the banner of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The announcement came as a surprise on Thursday when Varma took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal his intentions to contest from the Pithapuram constituency in Andhra Pradesh.
Varma’s tweet, which stated, “Sudden decision. Am happy to inform that I am contesting from Pithapuram,” has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms.
Varma’s announcement in the wake of a recent announcement by the coalition of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena Party (JSP), which disclosed that Tollywood actor and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan would be contesting from the same constituency.
Last year, Verma was surrounded in a controversy over his film Vyooham, which delved into the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh and the circumstances leading to the death of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. The film’s portrayal led to severe backlash from several local leaders, who even called for Varma’s expulsion from the state.
Varma, known for his candidness on social media platforms, has previously engaged in public disputes with notable political figures, including TDP supremo Nara Chandrababu Naidu, TDP leader Nara Lokesh, and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, particularly in relation to his political drama, Vyooham.
Born on April 7, 1962, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Varma’s journey from a civil engineering graduate to a celebrated filmmaker reads like a script from one of his movies. His passion for cinema led him to start a video library, which eventually paved the way for his directorial debut with Siva in 1989, a film that has since achieved cult status.
Over the years, Varma has directed a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Rangeela, Satya, Company, Bhoot, and Sarkar, among others.
Varma’s move into politics marks a significant shift in his career, promising to bring his unique perspective and voice to the Indian political landscape
As news of his shift from filmmaking to politics is doing round on social media, it remains to be seen how this multifaceted personality will navigate the complex world of politics in the run-up to the Lok Sabha 2024 elections.
