Related Post
Mumbai: Under Section 80 of Constitution of India, 12 out of the 250 members of Upper Parliament or Rajya Sabha is allotted to people who represent India with expertise in their respective field like literature, art, science or social service. While there have been many noted actors who have had the privilege of being nominated as Rajya Sabha members, a very few from the music fraternity were lucky to grab one. Below are the five artistes and dignitaries, who have been nominated as the member of Parliament as Rajya Sabha members.
Pandit Ravi Shankar
Bharat Ratna and legendary Sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar, was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member in The Rajiv Gandhi Government in the late 80’s. He became the first musician to have been honoured with this nomination. Pandit Ravi Shankar is known as the first musician to take Indian Classical Music on a grand international level. Soon, the legend was known as the soft ambassador of Indian classical music in the west.
Lata Mangeshkar
Nightingale of India and Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar is truly the pride of India. She was nominated as the Rajya Sabha member in 1999. Though, Lata much later confided that she was misfit in the parliament and thus had requested them to let go off her. She also said that she has immense respect for Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, but isn’t affiliated with any political party.
Javed Akhtar
A noted lyricist, Javed Akhtar is known for his clear opinions. He was nominated as a Member of Parliament in 2004. He has been one of the active members in the August house, who has voiced his opinions and thoughts about various issues.
Babul Supriyo
A well known playback singer, Babul Supriyo wasn’t nominated as a Member of Parliament but entered politics to contest. He contested elections in 2014 from the Asansol constituency in the state of West Bengal and won it for Bharitya Janata Party. He is currently handling the portfolio of Heavy industries and Public Enterprises.
B Jayashree
Noted singer and actor B Jayashree, from Bengaluru, has been nominated as a Rajya Sabha member in 2010.
