Misplaced Pages

Khushbu Sundar

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
(Redirected from Kushboo (actress)) "Khushbu" redirects here. For other uses, see Khushbu (disambiguation). Indian politician, actress and film producer (born 1970)

Khushbu Sundar
Khushbu in 2013
Member of the National Commission for Women
Incumbent
Assumed office
28 February 2023
National Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
7 October 2021
PresidentJ. P. Nadda
Personal details
BornNakhat Khan
(1970-09-29) 29 September 1970 (age 54)
Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party (2020–present)
Other political
affiliations
Spouse Sundar C ​(m. 2000)​
Children2
Profession
  • Politician
  • actress
  • film producer
  • television personality
NicknameKushboo

Khushbu Sundar (born Nakhat Khan; 29 September 1970) is an Indian politician, actress, film producer and television personality. She is known for her work predominantly in Tamil language films and in a few Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. She has appeared in over 185 films, and has won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, two Cinema Express Awards, a Kalaimamani Award and a Kerala State Film Award.

Early life

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

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 various Hindi films like Naseeb, Laawaris, Kaalia, Dard Ka Rishta, and Bemisal.

Her sensitive performance in the emotional 1982 Hindi movie, Dard Ka Rishta was appreciated by audiences. The fairy song "Kaun Hu Main Kya Naam Hai Mera" from the movie is still a very popular song at Annual Day School performances, children's parties and fairy themed parties in India.

She made her adult 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 opposite veteran actor Jackie Shroff. This was followed by Tan-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.

Khushbu had done close to 12 movies in Telugu and Kannada, and had bagged her first role in Tamil in the movie Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988). Then she did films like Kizhakku Vaasal (1990) and Nadigan (1990), but the movie which catapulted her to the top was the runaway hit Chinna Thambi (1991).

Prabhu and Khushbu appeared in several films together including Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), Vettri Vizhaa (1989), My Dear Marthandan (1990), Chinna Thambi (1991), Kizhakku Karai (1991), Pandithurai (1992), Naalaya Seidhi (1992), Uthama Raasa (1993), Maravan (1993) and Chinna Vathiyar (1995).

She met her future husband on the set of Sundar C's directorial debut Murai Maman (1995)

She later appeared in successful films such as Nattupura Pattu (1996), Irattai Roja (1996), Ettupatti Rasa (1997), Paththini (1997), Thulli Thirintha Kaalam (1998), Simmarasi (1998), Viralukketha Veekkam (1999), Power of Women (2005), Periyar (2007) and Pazhani (2008).

Khushbu then forayed into television, plunged into politics and also devoted time as a homemaker.

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

She also makes appearances in songs directed by her husband Sundar C such as Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (2013), Aambala (2015), Aranmanai 2 (2016) and Aranmanai 4 (2024).

Filmography

Main article: Khushbu Sundar filmography

Overseas engagements

Involvement with the Australian Football (AFL)

Khushbu and sprinter Usain Bolt are honorary members of Richmond Football Club, based in Melbourne, Australia. 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.

Khushbu was introduced to Australian Rules Football, and nominated for the role of honorary member of Richmond Tigers by former Ministerial Adviser Mr. Nitin Gupta.

Session at the RMIT University, Melbourne

On 14 August 2017, Khushbu was invited by RMIT University to speak with their Media and Communication students about the 'Representation of Women in Indian Cinema' at a session moderated by Dr. Vikrant Kishore. She also engaged in a lengthy Q&A with students and guests, sharing her own experiences of working in Indian cinema for over 37 years and appearing in around 200 films.

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

Indian Independence Day at the Deakin University, Melbourne

On 15 August 2017, Khushbu was invited as the chief guest at the Deakin University Indian Club’s (DUIC) Indian Independence Day celebrations event by DUIC Founder President Mr. Amogh Chakravarthy. Deakin University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, Professor Gary Smith, was guest of honor at the celebrations, which were hosted at the University’s Burwood Campus.

Political career

DMK

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

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 served as the National Spokesperson of the INC. Khushbu has been very critical of Narendra Modi's policies and has often taken to Twitter to criticise the ruling dispensation.

Khushbu resigned from Congress on 12 October 2020 ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2021. The Congress Secretary of Media said that Khushbu was being pressured by her husband, Sundar C, to join the BJP. Khushbu claimed that her previous party "does not want an intelligent woman" and there is no freedom to speak the truth within the party. She referred to the Congress as "mentally retarded". The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) filed 30 complaints at different police stations in the state over her statements, alleging that she made derogatory remarks against people with disabilities.

BJP

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

Khushbu said during a meeting with journalists in November 2023 that she wouldn't apologize for using the term "cheri language". She used the term to highlight the use of foul language against women in a post on social media platform X while responding to a supporter of the DMK who accused her of staying silent during the Manipur ethnic violence on social media. In Tamil, the term refers to Dalit colonies that are separated from the rest of a village or town, and it is frequently used in a derogatory manner in reference to anything crude or crass. Her use of the term 'cheri' was condemned by activists for its caste-based connotations. The Neelam Foundation, an organization fighting for Dalit rights, demanded an unconditional apology. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi lodged a police complaint about her remarks. The Chennai city police increased security for Khushbu's house after the SC/ST wing of the Congress party announced a protest in front of her house. In her defence, she claimed that she had utilized the French term 'chéri', which translates to 'beloved', and not the Tamil word 'cheri'.

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. She lost the election by a margin of 32,200 votes to Ezhilan Naganathan of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Elections Constituency Party Result Vote % Opposition candidate Opposition party Opposition vote %
2021 Thousand Lights BJP Lost 28.99 Ezhilan Naganathan DMK 52.87

Popularity

Temple built for Khushbu

During her prime, Khushbu was a prominent actress in Tamil cinema. She became the first Indian actress for whom her fans built a dedicated temple.

Food dishes, products named after Khushbu

During her prominence in Tamil cinema, several dishes in Tamil Nadu were named after Khushbu. Kushboo Idli, a rice cake, stood out as the most popular food item named after the actress. Other items such as Kushboo Jhumki, Kushboo Sarees, Kushboo Sharbet, Kushboo Coffee, Kushboo Cocktails, and various other food items were also named after her, with many still retaining those names.

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, to get a better understanding of how cattle are treated and raised on farms outside India.

Fighting for more recognition of South Indian Cinema on global platforms

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

In Aug 2017, Khushbu had visited the Victorian Parliament, and had meetings with former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu, and Ministerial Adviser Mr. Nitin Gupta to request for more recognition for South Indian cinema in the Victorian government created and funded Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.

Awards

Personal life

In 2000, Khushbu married actor, director, and producer Sundar C. Following their union, she adopted her husband's name, Sundar, and has since been known as Khushbu Sundar. They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita, after whom they named their production house, Avni Cinemax.

Although she married a Hindu, she has stated that she has not converted to Hinduism, nor has she been asked to do so by her husband. Though born into a Muslim family, Khushbu stated in 2006 that she was an atheist.

Controversies

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.

Sheba Nandkeolyar, and Rashi Kapoor Sharma (formerly known as Rashi Saxena/Pinka during her school days) of the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), 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. Rashi and Sheba also denied AIBC membership and voting rights to dozens of applicants, including women and those from backward castes and tribes.

Sheba had unethically hidden her clear 'Conflict of Interest' by being the sponsor provider for the IFFM when blocking the invite for Khushbu. Meanwhile Rashi Kapoor Sharma (nee Saxena/Pinka/Motto) was later found accused in a real estate fraud in Melbourne along with her boyfriend Amit Miglani.

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, "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?".

The Hindu Munnani and the Hindu Makkal Katchi filed several cases against Khushbu, accusing the actress of disrespecting 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 in Chennai on 22 November 2007.

Maxim morphed photo case

In January 2006, in its first Indian edition, 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. The proceedings were later stayed by the Madras High Court in December 2007 based on a plea filed by one of those charged.

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 took 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. The 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. 22 complaints alleging that she was "defaming Tamil womanhood and chastity" were brought against her, but in 2010, the Supreme Court dismissed all cases.

Notes

  1. In this Tamil name, the person is referred to by her given name, Khushbu, and not by her surname, Sundar.

References

  1. "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.
  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.
  3. "'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.
  4. "Happy Birthday Kushboo: Star's personal photos you may have missed". News18. Archived from the original on 4 October 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  5. ^ "Who is Khushboo?". NDTV.com. 28 April 2010. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  6. 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.
  7. Sudevan, Praveen (16 October 2021). "Khushbu on 'Annaatthe': Rajinikanth sir still remains like a kid on his first day to school". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  8. "Khushbu, Meena, and Keerthy Suresh's characters from 'Annaatthe' revealed". The Times of India. 11 October 2021. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  9. "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.
  10. "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.
  11. "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.
  12. "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.
  13. "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.
  14. "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.
  15. "Khushbu interacts with RMIT Students". The Indian Sun. 21 August 2017. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  16. "Khushbu joins Indian Independence Day celebrations at Deakin". The Indian Sun. 21 August 2017. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  17. "Kushboo jumps on the DMK bandwagon". Decan Herald. Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  18. "Kushboo joins DMK". The Hindu. 15 May 2010. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  19. Yamunan, Sruthisagar (16 June 2014). "Actor Kushboo quits DMK". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  20. "Actor Kushboo joins Congress". The Times of India. 26 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  21. TK, Smitha (12 October 2020). "'Jumla Govt': How Khushbu Scoffed at the BJP Before Joining It". TheQuint. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  22. "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.
  23. "Kushboo quits Congress, joins BJP". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  24. 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.
  25. ""சுந்தர் சி கொடுத்த அழுத்தத்தாலேயே குஷ்பு பாஜகவில் இணையலாம்"-கோபண்ணா". Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  26. ""Mentally Retarded": Khushbu Sundar Slams Congress After Joining BJP". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  27. "Rights group files multiple police complaints against Khushbu Sundar for calling Cong leaders 'mentally-retarded'". The Indian Express. 14 October 2020. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  28. "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.
  29. "Kushboo quits Congress, joins BJP". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  30. "Khushbu nominated as member of National Commission for Women". dtnext.in. 27 February 2023. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  31. ^ "'Cheri' remark: BJP's Khushbu refuses to take down post, reiterates word was French". The News Minute. 25 November 2023. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  32. ^ "Khushbu offers bizarre explanation for her faux pas". The Hindu. 22 November 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  33. ^ "VCK lodges police complaint against Khushbu Sundar for 'cheri' remark". The News Minute. 24 November 2023. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  34. "Addl security for Khushbu's residence". The Times of India. 25 November 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  35. 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.
  36. "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.
  37. "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.
  38. "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.
  39. "WOW Jacquelien meets Khushbu". Bollywood Hungama. 30 September 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  40. 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.
  41. "Jalikattu". Deccan Chronicle. 22 January 2017. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  42. ^ "WITT Panellist Gallery Day 1: Khushbu Sundar". 23 February 2024. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  43. "'Chinnathambi' Bags Cinema Express Award". The Indian Express. 25 February 1992. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  44. "More Indian Beauties". jayaramanganesh.tripod.com. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  45. "Recipients of Kalaimamani Awards for the year 1994–95" (PDF). TamilArasu. December 1995. pp. 18–19. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  46. "Tamilnadu Government Cinema Awards For 1997". Dinakaran. Archived from the original on 1 January 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  47. "Heroines who fell for their directors". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  48. "Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar silences trolls for 'discovering' she is Muslim – '47 yrs late'!". The Indian Express. 4 December 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  49. "'Neither Converted Nor Asked To': Khushbu Sundar Responds To Trolls". News18. 11 May 2023. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  50. "I AM: Khushboo". The Times of India. 26 February 2006. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2 May 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  51. Manish, Salvi (19 August 2017). "IFFM discriminating against non-Hindi films, accuses South Indian star Kushboo". Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  52. "AIBC's Rashi Kapoor Sharma (nee Saxena), Amit Miglani (Kabadi) in a Real Estate fraud in Melbourne". The Age. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  53. 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.
  54. "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.
  55. "Chargesheet filed against Maxim editor". Hindustan Times. 23 August 2006. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  56. "SC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of Maxim editor". Daily News and Analysis. 22 May 2006. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  57. "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.
  58. "Indian star to sue Maxim over photo". BBC. 31 January 2006. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  59. "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.
  60. "Khushboo's comments stir controversy". Rediff. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  61. "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.
  62. "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.

External links

Khushbu Sundar at Misplaced Pages's sister projects:
Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress
1967–1980
1981–2000
2001–present
Categories: