Amid Row Over Remarks Against Smriti Irani, A Look At Actor-Turned Politicians Who Faced Sexist Slurs. IN PICS

A row has erupted over a Congress leader's remark that Smriti Irani comes to her constituency to show 'latkas and jhatkas'. The passing of such sexist slurs isn't a new phenomenon in Indian politics.

Actor-Turned Politicians Who Faced Sexist Remarks

It is becoming increasingly clear that women politicians, whether or not they are actresses, are the easiest targets of the inherently patriarchal and sexist political system in light of the recent controversy over "derogatory, sexist, and misogynistic" remarks made by Congress leader Ajay Rai about Smriti Irani. (Image Source: PTI)

Jayaram Jayalalithaa: Words like "temptress," "vixen playing tricks," and "woman with loose morals" were frequently used to describe the late J. Jayalalithaa during the start of her political career, mostly because of her strong friendship with MG Ramachandran, the founder of the AIADMK and a cultural icon. (Image Source: Getty)

Hema Malini: Despite her huge star power, BJP's Hema Malini has been the victim of numerous sexist jibes as a Lok Sabha MP from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh since 2014. The actress, who was at the pinnacle of her fame in the 1970s and 1980s, has also been chastised for not doing enough for her constituency, with many accusing her of only visiting Mathura around elections. (Image Source: PTI)

Jaya Prada: During election season, the sexism and misogyny directed at female politicians is amplified. Jaya Prada, an influential actress in the south at the time, was targeted by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan during a public rally alongside party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other top politicians. Khan had commented on her relationship with the RSS, claiming she wore "khaki underwear" when she joined the BJP in 2019 and ran for Lok Sabha from Rampur. (Image Source: PTI)

Khushbu Sundar: Recently, BJP politician and actress Khusbu Sundar criticised DMK functionary Saidai Sadiq for making rude and disrespectful remarks towards Tamil Nadu BJP unit women activists. In a video widely circulated on social media, he is heard criticising Khushbu and three other BJP leaders — actors Namitha, Gayathri Raghuram, and Gowthami — as "items" and stating the BJP relied on "actresses" to make advances into Tamil Nadu. (Image Source: PTI)

Mimi Chakraborty: Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan, actors-turned-politicians, wore western clothes for their maiden visit to Parliament, which sparked outrage on social media. The two actresses ran for Trinamool Congress legislators and won by large percentages. (Image Source: PTI)

Nusrat Jahan: Nusrat, a Basirhat Trinamool Congress MP, wore a wine-colored fitting suit to Parliament, consisting of a pair of slacks and a peplum zipped top. Their attire was different from the saris and salwar suits that many women MPs have been seen wearing to Parliament. (Image Source: PTI)