It is not just the blockbuster films that we remember Vinod Khanna for. The veteran actor who died on April 27, 2016 after suffering from cancer, also had a successful stint in politics. He was one of the first actors to have tried his hand in politics and was associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1997.
He fought and even won the elections from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab in the 1998 Lok Sabha polls. It wasn’t just a one-off affair, in 1999, he won the same seat again.
In 2002, Khanna was made the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism and six months later, he was made the Minister of State for the Ministry of External Affairs in January 2003. In 2004 again, he was re-elected from Gurdaspur constituency.
During his tenure as the MoS External Affairs, Khanna worked on bettering India-Pakistan ties. He focused on doing the same through the film industry. He also led delegation level talks with the then Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Sha’ath.
Though Khanna lost the 2009 Lok Sabha poll, he was reelected in 2014 general election for the 16th Lok Sabha from Gurdaspur constituency.
He has not had a very good record as a member of Parliament. In the current Lok Sabha, his attendance is just 50 per cent. Here is a look at his attendance record in the present Lok Sabha.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, HRD Minister Smriti Irani are among those who have condoled the death of the veteran actor and politician.
Heartfelt condolences on. the passing away of Shri Vinod Khanna, a highly talented and acclaimed actor & MP
# PresidentMukherjee— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) April 27, 2017
With the demise of Vinod Khannaji the people of India have lost a fabulous actor and sensitive politician. May his soul rest in peace. 2/2
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 27, 2017
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