Kolkata: A cricketer, a legendary football player and plenty of people from the Tollywood film industry — this is how the candidate list of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the upcoming Lok Sabha election looks like. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday during a rally announced the names of the candidates from all the 42 seats of West Bengal.
Here’s a quick look at the candidates who have earned much fame in their respective fields before trying their hands at politics.
Yusuf Pathan
The former right-arm off-break bowler of the Indian cricket team had debuted in first-class cricket in 2001-02. He was also a part of the Indian cricket team which had won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup. Yusuf Pathan retired from all forms of cricket in 2021.
It is believed that Yusuf Pathan is close to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee.
Partha Bhowmick
While Partha Bhowmick is a three-time MLA from the Naihati seat, he has also tried his hands in acting. Most recently, he featured in Abar Proloy (2023) in the role of an inspector. His acting prowess was also commended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Saayoni Ghosh
A film and TV actor, Saayoni Ghosh has donned lead roles in movies like Kanamaachi, Ekla Cholo, Antaraal, Bitnoon and scores of other films. She joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021 and unsuccessfully contested the Assembly election. While Ghosh has courted controversy a few times, her inclusion in the list has come as a surprise for even party insiders.
Prasun Banerjee
Prasun Banerjee, a former professional footballer, has received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1979. Notably, he has served as the captain of the Indian national football team in various international competitions. He also served as the vice-captain of the India Under-20 team, which secured the 1974 AFC Youth Championship title in Thailand.
Also Read: Mamata Banerjee announces TMC candidates from all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal
Rachana Banerjee
Rachna Banerjee, originally named Jhumjhum Banerjee and born on October 2, 1974, is a prominent Indian actress, entrepreneur, and television presenter. She has garnered acclaim for her performances in Bengali and Odia cinema, with notable contributions to Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films as well. Crowned Miss Kolkata in 1994, she boasts a remarkable record of winning five beauty contests in India, including the prestigious title of Miss Beautiful Smile at the Miss India pageant.
June Maliah
June Malia (also known as June Malliah) is an Indian actress renowned for her contributions to Bengali cinema and television. Beyond her acting career, she is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors and serves as a member of the West Bengal Women’s Commission. Notably, in 2021, she was elected as a Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, representing the Medinipur constituency. Additionally, her daughter, Shivangini Maliah, is a well-known model. Malia has worked in several movies and still continues to feature in the silver screen.
Shatrughan Sinha
Shatrughan Sinha, born on July 15, 1946, is a prominent Indian actor and politician. He currently serves as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, representing the Asansol constituency under the banner of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Previously, he held the position of Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from the Patna Sahib constituency during the periods of 2009–2014 and 2014–2019.
Additionally, Sinha has served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha during the years 1996–2002 and 2002–2008. He also held significant ministerial roles, having been a Union Cabinet Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Shipping in the government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In 2016, his biography titled “Anything but Khamosh” was published, shedding light on his eventful life and career.
Shatabdi Roy
Satabdi Roy, born on October 5, 1969, is a versatile Indian personality known for her roles as an actress, film director, and politician. Renowned primarily for her contributions to Bengali cinema, she has earned accolades such as the BFJA Awards on two occasions.
During the late 1980s and 1990s, Roy dominated the commercial Bengali cinema scene with her stellar performances. However, her directorial ventures have faced criticism for the incorporation of superfluous themes. In politics, she has been a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha representing the TMC since 2009.
Deepak Adhikari (Dev)
Deepak Adhikari, born on December 25, 1982, and widely recognized by his stage name Dev, is a multifaceted Indian talent encompassing roles as an actor, producer, singer, and screenwriter, with a notable presence in Bengali cinema. Additionally, he has ventured into politics in recent times.
He is the proprietor of Dev Entertainment Ventures, a production house that underscores his commitment to various facets of the entertainment industry.
Originally hailing from Keshpur, Dev embarked on his acting journey with the 2006 film “Agnishapath,” starring opposite Rachna Banerjee. While the film faced criticism and failed to make an impact commercially, Dev’s breakthrough came with his lead role in “I Love You” (2007) alongside Payal Sarkar, which catapulted him to prominence.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
