Khushbu Sundar
Member of the National Commission for Women
Assumed office
28 February 2023
ChairpersonRekha Sharma
National Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party
Assumed office
7 October 2021
PresidentJ. P. Nadda
Personal details
Born
Nakhat Khan[1][2]

(1970-09-29) 29 September 1970
Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party (2020–present)
Other political
affiliations		Indian National Congress (2014–2020),
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (2010–2014)
Spouse
​
(m. 2000)​
Children2
Profession
  • Politician
  • film producer
  • Actress
  • television presenter

Khushbu Sundar (born Nakhat Khan; 29 September 1970) is an Indian politician, actress, film producer and television presenter. She is known for her works predominantly in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi films. [3]

Early life

Khushbu was born as Nakhat Khan on 29 September 1970 into a Muslim family in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.[1][4] Her parents gave her the stage name Khushbu when she started her career as a child actress.[4] She has been living in Chennai for nearly 40 years now.[5][6]

Film career

Khushbu started her career as a child artist in the Hindi film The Burning Train (1980) in the song "Teri Hai Zameen Tera Aasman". Between 1980 and 1985 she performed as a child actor in the Hindi films Naseeb, Laawaris, Kaalia, Dard Ka Rishta, and Bemisal.[7]

Her sensitive performance in the emotional film 1982-Hindi movie, Dard Ka Rishta was appreciated by audiences. The Fairy song "Main Pariyon Ki Shehzaadi" from the movie is still a very popular song at Annual Day School performances, children's parties and Fairy themed parties in India.[8]

She made her adult role acting debut in the much acclaimed 1985 Hindi film Meri Jung in a supporting role as Anil Kapoor's younger sister. In the same year, she got her first lead role in the film Jaanoo cast opposite veteran actor Jackie Shroff. This was followed byTan-Badan (1986) paired with Govinda. Khushbu played a significant supporting role in Deewana Mujh Sa Nahin (1990), alongside Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit.

Khushbu was introduced to South Indian screens by D Ramanaidu and K Raghavendra Rao through the Telugu film Kaliyuga Pandavulu (1986). Khushbu moved her base to Chennai and started focussing on Tamil and other South Indian film industries.

Prabhu and Khushbu appeared in serveral films together including Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), Vettri Vizhaa (1989), My Dear Marthandan (1990), Chinna Thambi (1991), Pandithurai (1992), Uthama Raasa (1993), Maravan (1993) and Chinna Vathiyar (1995).[9] Khushbu then forayed into television, plunged into politics and also devoted time as a homemaker.[10]

In 2021, she made a comeback with Rajinikanth in Annaatthe.[11]

Overseas engagements

Involvement with the Australian Football (AFL)

Khushbu and sprinter Usain Bolt are honorary members of Richmond Football Club, based in Melbourne, Australia.[12] Khushbu was made the number-one ticket holder of Richmond Football Club in March 2017. She became the first Indian, and is the only Indian female to be bestowed with such an honour in the AFL.[13][14]

Khushbu was introduced to Australian Rules Football, and nominated for the role of honoray member of Richmond Tigers by former Ministerial Adviser Mr. Nitin Gupta. [15][16] [17]

Session at the RMIT University, Melbourne

On 14th Aug 2017, Khushbu was invited by the RMIT University to speak with their Media and Coms Students, about the 'Representation of women in Indian Cinema', at a session moderated by Dr. Vikrant Kishore. She also did a lengthy Q and A with students and guests, and spoke about her own experiences of working in Indian cinema for over 37 years, and 200 films.

Around 200 plus students and guests had turned up to listen and interact with Khushbu. She was given a standing ovation by the audiences, both at the beginning and the end of session.[18]

Indian Independence Day at the Deakin University, Melbourne

On 15th Aug 2017, Khushbu was invited as chief guest at the Deakin University Indian Club’s (DUIC) Indian Independence Day celebrations event. Deakin University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement Professor Gary Smith and former ministerial adviser Mr Nitin Gupta were the guests of honour at the celebrations, which were hosted at the University’s Burwood Campus. [19]

Political career

BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)

On 12 October 2020,[20] Khushbu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. [21] She is currently a National Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Congress

Khushbu joined the Indian National Congress on 26 November 2014 after meeting with then Congress President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, and then Vice-president Mr. Rahul Gandhi. She was the National Spokesperson of the INC.[22] Khushbu was very critical of Narendra Modi's policies and has often taken to Twitter to criticise the ruling dispensation.[23]

Khushbu resigned from Congress on 12 October 2020[24] [25] ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2021.[26] The congress secretary of Media said that Khushbu was being pressurized by her husband Sundar C to join the BJP.[27] Khushbu claimed that her previous party "does not want an intelligent woman" and there is no freedom to speak the truth within the party and called the Congress as "mentally retarded".[28] The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) filed 30 complaints at different police stations in the state over her statements for allegedly making derogatory remarks against people with disabilities.[29]

DMK

Khushbu joined the DMK on 14 May 2010. She was welcomed by DMK Leader Karunanidhi at the party headquarters in Chennai.[30][31] Khushbu quit DMK on 16 June 2014.[32]

2021 Tamil Nadu assembly election

The Bharatiya Janata Party fielded Khushbu for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai.[33][34] She lost the election by a margin of 32,200 votes to Ezhilan N of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.[35]

Elections Constituency Party Result Vote percentage Opposition Candidate Opposition Party Opposition vote percentage
2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly electionThousand LightsBJPLost28.99Ezhilan NDMK52.87

Social issues

Support for Jallikattu

Khushbu has been a very vocal supporter of the bull-taming sport jallikattu, and has voiced her opinion at various national and international platforms. In Aug 2017, she even visited a cattle station in Warrnambool, Australia along with former Ministerial Adviser Mr. Nitin Gupta, to get a better understanding of how cattle is treated, and raised on farms outside India. [36]

Popularity

Temple built for Khushbu

During her peak, Khushbu was the leading actress of Tamil cinema. She became the first Indian actress for whom her fans built a dedicated temple.[7][37]

Food dishes, products named after Khushbu

During her peak in Tamil cinema, many dishes in Tamil Nadu were named after Khushbu. Kushboo Idli, a rice cake, was the most popular food item named after the actress.[38] Kushboo Jhumki, Kushboo Sarees, Kushboo Sharbet, Kushboo Coffee, Kushboo Cocktails and various other food items were named after her. Many items still retain those names.[39] [40]

Personal life

There was a rumour that she dated actor Prabhu while filming Chinna Thambi (1991), which became publicized via a News Magazine. However, Khushbu and Prabhu did neither confirm nor deny about this.

In 2000, she married film actor, director and producer Sundar C.[41] She has been using the married name Khushbu Sundar since then.[2] They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita,[8] after whom they named their production house, Avni Cinemax.

Khushbu added her husband's name Sundar to her name after marriage. In 2018, she was accused by BJP of hiding her name Nakhat Khan.[42][43]

Although she married a Hindu, she still follows Islam and said she hasn't converted to Hinduism and neither has she been asked to convert by her Husband.[44]

Controversies

Opposition by Hindutva groups

Kushbu stirred controversy in December 2012 when she wore a saree that had images of the Hindu gods Rama, Krishna and Hanuman. The Hindu Makkal Katchi demanded an apology from her and threatened to start agitations. She responded by saying that "I am not going to answer every Tom, Dick and Harry. Why should I? There is no need at all. Why are they worried about what a woman sports. Don't they have any other worthwhile work?".[45]

The Hindu Munnani and the Hindu Makkal Katchi filed several cases against Khushbu, accusing the actress that she had disrespected Hindu gods by sitting cross-legged with her slippers in front of the idols of the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati during a puja for the muhurta at Chennai on 22 November 2007.[46]

Maxim morphed photo case

In January 2006, in their first Indian edition,[47] Maxim magazine featured a full-page composite photograph with her head pasted onto the body of a model wearing a bikini. Khushbu filed two complaints: defamation and the indecent representation of women against the editor and four others involved with the magazine.[48][49][50] The proceedings were later stayed by the Madras High Court in December 2007 based on a plea filed by one of those charged.[51]

Comments on pre-marital sex

In 2005, she said in an interview it was fine for girls to indulge in pre-marital sex if they safeguard themselves and take precautions to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Later, she justified her statement by saying no educated man could expect his partner to be a virgin. Dalit Panthers of India stormed the office of the South India Film Artistes' Association in Chennai demanding an apology from her. The Pattali Makkal Katchi said it will protest outside her house.[52] 22 complaints that she was "defaming Tamil womanhood and chastity" were brought against her, but in 2010 the Supreme Court dismissed all cases.[53][54]

Accusations against IFFM, Melbourne

In August 2017, Khushbu accused Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the tender provider and director of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) of discriminating against non-Hindi films and film stars.

Khushbu has been very vocal about getting more recognition for South Indian cinema, and the non-Hindi cinema from India on global platforms and film festivals. She has always maintained that Indian cinema is not just about Bollywood movies.[55]

Sheba Nandkeolyar, and Rashi Kapoor (Saxena) of the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) had conspired along with Mitu Bhowmick Lange of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) to deny, and block the invitation for Khushbu. This was done without even putting the resolution for any sort of voting from either of the AIBC Boards, or discussions with broader AIBC members. Sheba had unethically hidden her clear 'Conflict of Interest' of being the sponsor provider for the IFFM, when blocking the invite for Khushbu. [56]

Filmography

References

  1. 1 2 "Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar silences trolls for 'discovering' she is Muslim – '47 yrs late'!". 4 December 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 "'Yes, I'm Nakhat Khan': Khushbu changes name on Twitter, slays trolls". The News Minute. 26 April 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  3. ↑ "1997 Highlights". Dinakaran. Archived from the original on 1 May 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  4. 1 2 "Andheri to Akbar Road via Madras: The many turns of Khushbu's personal life and politics". The News Minute. 1 March 2016. Archived from the original on 22 November 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  5. ↑ "Happy Birthday Kushboo: Star's personal photos you may have missed". News18. Archived from the original on 4 October 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  6. ↑ "'Yes, I'm Nakhat Khan': Khushbu changes name on Twitter, slays trolls". The News Minute. 26 April 2018. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  7. 1 2 "Who is Khushboo?". NDTV.com. 28 April 2010. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  8. 1 2 S, Ramathan (1 March 2016). "Andheri to Akbar Road via Madras: The many turns of Khushbu's personal life and politics". The Newsminute. Archived from the original on 19 July 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  9. ↑ Prabhu and Khushbu rocked as the most loved pair in Tamil cinema during the nineties and almost all their films together were blockbuster hits including 'Dharmathin Thalaivan', 'Vettri Vizha', 'Chinna Thambi', 'Maravan', 'Chinna Vaathiyaar', 'Paandi Durai', 'Uttama Raasa' and 'My Dear Marthandan'.
  10. ↑ Sudevan, Praveen (16 October 2021). "Khushbu on 'Annaatthe': Rajinikanth sir still remains like a kid on his first day to school". The Hindu.
  11. ↑ "Khushbu, Meena, and Keerthy Suresh's characters from 'Annaatthe' revealed". The Times of India.
  12. ↑ "Bolt and Khushboo back the Richmond Tigers". The Indian Sun. 1 March 2017. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  13. ↑ "What do Khushbu and Usain Bolt have in common? Footy!". thenewsminute.com. 4 March 2017. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  14. ↑ "Alex Rance named All-Australian AFL Captain". The Indian Sun. 7 September 2017. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  15. ↑ "Damien Hardwick wins Coach of the Season". The Indian Sun. 27 September 2017. Archived from the original on 21 April 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  16. ↑ "Kushboo finds film inspiration on the Great Ocean Road". standard.net.au. 16 August 2017. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  17. ↑ "Baillieu, Khushbu join 43rd Janmasthmi Celebrations at Albert Park". The Indian Sun. 21 August 2017. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  18. ↑ "Khushbu interacts with RMIT Students". The Indian Sun. 21 August 2017.
  19. ↑ "Khushbu joins Indian Independence Day celebrations at Deakin". The Indian Sun. 21 August 2017.
  20. ↑ "Khushbu Sundar Joins BJP, Says Congress Leaders Out Of Touch With Reality". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  21. ↑ "Kushboo quits Congress, joins BJP". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  22. ↑ "Actor Kushboo joins Congress". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  23. ↑ TK, Smitha (12 October 2020). "'Jumla Govt': How Khushbu Scoffed at the BJP Before Joining It". TheQuint. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  24. ↑ "Khushbu Sundar Joins BJP, Says Congress Leaders Out Of Touch With Reality". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  25. ↑ "Kushboo quits Congress, joins BJP". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  26. ↑ Stalin, J Sam Daniel. "Khushbu Sundar Joins BJP, Says Congress Leaders Out of Touch with Reality". NDTV.com. NDTV. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  27. ↑ ""சுந்தர் சி கொடுத்த அழுத்தத்தாலேயே குஷ்பு பாஜகவில் இணையலாம்"-கோபண்ணா".
  28. ↑ ""Mentally Retarded": Khushbu Sundar Slams Congress After Joining BJP". NDTV.com. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  29. ↑ "Rights group files multiple police complaints against Khushbu Sundar for calling Cong leaders 'mentally-retarded'". The Indian Express. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  30. ↑ "Kushboo jumps on the DMK bandwagon". Decan Herald. Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  31. ↑ "Kushboo joins DMK". The Hindu. 15 May 2010. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  32. ↑ Yamunan, Sruthisagar (16 June 2014). "Actor Kushboo quits DMK". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  33. ↑ Pandey, Tanushree (14 March 2021). "BJP announces candidates for Tamil Nadu election, Khushbu Sundar to contest from Chennai". India Today. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  34. ↑ "Tamil Nadu: Home Minister Amit Shah campaigns for Khushbu in Chennai". Business Standard India. 3 April 2021. Archived from the original on 3 April 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  35. ↑ "Kushboo Sundar Election Results 2021: News, Votes, Results of Tamil-nadu Assembly". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  36. ↑ "Jalikattu". Deccan Chronicle. 22 January 2017. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  37. ↑ "Khushboo: She's mother goddess now". The Times of India. 23 April 2001. Archived from the original on 15 September 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  38. ↑ "WOW Jacquelien meets Khushbu". Bollywood Hungama. 30 September 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  39. ↑ Anantharam, Chitra Deepa (7 November 2017). "Khushbu and her love for South Indian Cuisine". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  40. ↑ "Khushbu offers to be "Ambassador" for Victoria's Little India precincts". The Indian Sun. 11 August 2017. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  41. ↑ "Heroines who fell for their directors". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  42. ↑ "'Yes, I'm Nakhat Khan': Khushbu changes name on Twitter, slays trolls". The News Minute. 26 April 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  43. ↑ "Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar silences trolls for 'discovering' she is Muslim – '47 yrs late'!". 4 December 2017.
  44. ↑ https://www.indiaglitz.com/did-khushbu-convert-from-islam-to-hinduism-clarification-sundar-c-anandita-avantika-modi-bjp-tamil-news-336584
  45. ↑ Rajan, MC. "Kushboo courts controversy for wearing saree with images of Hindu gods". India Today. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  46. ↑ "Third case of religious offence filed against Kushboo". DNA India. 30 November 2007. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  47. ↑ "Chargesheet filed against Maxim editor". Hindustan Times. 23 August 2006. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  48. ↑ "SC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of Maxim editor". Daily News and Analysis. 22 May 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  49. ↑ "Maxim editor denied bail". The Times of India. Press Trust of India. 22 May 2006. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  50. ↑ "Indian star to sue Maxim over photo". BBC. 31 January 2006. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  51. ↑ "Khushboo case: HC stays proceedings against Maxim". The Indian Express. 6 December 2007. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  52. ↑ "Khushboo's comments stir controversy". Rediff. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  53. ↑ "Front Page: Kushboo enlarged on bail". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 17 November 2005. Archived from the original on 24 November 2005. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  54. ↑ "Supreme Court dismisses charges against actress Khusboo Sundar". IndiaVision.com. 28 April 2010. Archived from the original on 25 November 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  55. ↑ Manish, Salvi (19 August 2017). "IFFM discriminating against non-Hindi films, accuses South Indian star Kushboo". SBS. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  56. ↑ "Rashi Kapoor (Saxena), Amit Miglani in a Real Estate fraud in Melbourne". The Age.
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