In a rare moment of political candour, Pawan Kalyan, the actor-turned-politician currently serving as Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, has expressed admiration tinged with envy for actor Vijay's stunning electoral performance in Tamil Nadu through his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party.
Speaking at a public engagement, Kalyan acknowledged feeling 'a little jealous' of the campaign methods employed by Vijay's political outfit. 'They won using cutouts and traditional grassroots mobilisation,' he remarked, referring to the massive cardboard displays of the Tamil actor that became synonymous with TVK's campaign imagery across the state. The comment underscores the effectiveness of old-school political messaging in an era dominated by digital outreach.
The admission comes as both actors navigate the complex terrain of South Indian politics, where film stardom has historically translated into electoral success. From MGR to Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu, and NTR in Andhra Pradesh, the cinema-politics nexus remains a powerful force in the region. Bihar, too, has witnessed similar phenomena with personalities bridging entertainment and governance, though the dynamic differs from the southern states.
Kalyan's Jana Sena Party has been a significant player in Andhra politics, currently part of the ruling coalition. His acknowledgment of Vijay's tactics suggests a recognition of diverse campaigning strategies in India's evolving political landscape.