In a surprising yet anticipated crossover from reels to real politics, veteran Bengali actress Koel Mallick submitted her Rajya Sabha nomination on behalf of the ruling Trinamool Congress in Kolkata. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s choice of four contenders for the five seats up for grabs on March 16 includes the popular star, alongside Babul Supriyo, Menaka Guruswamy, and Rajeev Kumar.
Dressed elegantly, Mallick addressed the media post-filing: ‘This journey excites me immensely. I seek public affection to contribute sincerely to India and Bengal.’ Her long-standing TMC affiliation since 2003 and social initiatives for vulnerable women and children add depth to her candidacy.
Born into filmdom as Ranjit Mallick’s daughter, Koel has been a box-office magnet for 20 years. Active in both traditional cinema and digital streaming, she recently clinched the G24 Hours Best Actress honor. Her 2024 release ‘Mitin: Ekti Khunir Sandhaney’ struck a chord with audiences across the region.
Observers view this as TMC’s masterstroke to infuse Parliament with artistic flair and public connect. Will the actress who captivates hearts on screen do the same in the Rajya Sabha? The electoral battle promises intrigue.
As Bengal eyes its parliamentary footprint, Mallick’s entry could symbolize a new era where entertainment meets governance, drawing younger voters into the fray.