Tamil Film Stars Cast Votes in Chennai as India's 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Begin

Prominent Tamil actors Vijay Sethupathi, Dhanush, Trisha, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth cast their votes in Chennai on Friday during the first phase of India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The film personalities were among the nearly 6.23 crore voters across 21 states and Union Territories who are set to determine the outcomes for 950 candidates in this initial phase.

Superstar Rajinikanth was spotted early in the morning at a polling booth, exercising his democratic right. He was followed by fellow actors Dhanush, Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Vijay Sethupathi, all of whom proudly displayed their inked fingers after casting their ballots. Actor Ajith Kumar also made an appearance, encouraging his fans to participate in the electoral process.

The first phase of voting, which includes all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, marks the beginning of the extensive seven-phase general elections. This phase is considered a vital test for the BJP's ambitions to emerge as a significant political force in the state, where the Dravidian heavyweights, including the ruling DMK and AIADMK, have traditionally dominated the political landscape.

Why this matters: The participation of influential Tamil film stars in the electoral process highlights the intersection of celebrity and politics in India. Their involvement not only draws attention to the ongoing elections but also has the potential to influence voter turnout and political engagement among their massive fan bases.

Other notable figures from the Tamil film industry, such as director Vetrimaaran, actors Yogi Babu, Sivakumar, Suriya, Karthik, and Sivakarthikeyan, were also seen casting their votes. Vijay Sethupathi, known for his down-to-earth persona, was captured interacting with fans and assisting an elderly woman in a wheelchair at the polling station. Kamal Haasan, whose party Makkal Needhi Maiam has joined the DMK-led alliance, expressed his confidence in the democratic process after casting his vote.

The voting, which commenced at 7 AM, will continue until 6 PM across nearly 68,000 polling stations in the 21 states and Union Territories. The first phase covers 102 parliamentary constituencies, including those in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/actors-kamal-haasan-trisha-cast-their-votes-in-lok-sabha-elections-2024-from-tamil-nadu-article

Key Takeaways

• Prominent Tamil actors cast votes in 2024 Lok Sabha elections' first phase.
• Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Kamal Haasan, Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi among those who voted.
• First phase covers 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, a key battleground.
• Actors' participation highlights intersection of celebrity and politics in India.
• Vijay Sethupathi assisted an elderly woman at the polling station.