OTTAWA, Canada: Don’t think Donald Trump was the only person transitioning from television to politician. Canada has also found a former Bollywood actor running for Prime Minister.
According to a report published in Indian media, Ruby Dhalla, an Indian-origin leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, has recently announced her bid to participate in the party’s leadership race as Justin Trudeau’s successor.
Dhalla was born in Canada to an immigrant family from Punjab. She was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 – shortly after the release of her first and only film Kyon? Kis Liye? (2003). She starred as a police officer in the film.
According to the report, the Indian-origin politician tried to block the DVD release of Kyon? Kis Liye?, arguing that her images in the film’s promotional materials were doctored. However, Charanjit Sihra, the producer, rejected her claims and added, “She came to Hamilton and she always wanted to be a Bollywood star. I gave her a chance in the film.”
From Bollywood to parliament
Dhalla’s acting career, however, proved short-lived. The year after the release of Kyon? Kis Liye? she was elected to the House of Commons in Canada as a Member of Parliament for Brampton, Springdale. She held the position until 2011.
To date, Dhalla is among the very few women of Indian origin in the Canadian parliament. Should she succeed in her bid to succeed Trudeau as head of Canada’s Liberal Party, she will be the country’s first PM of colour.
Dhalla also modeled and worked in hotels, as well as acting and politics. According to Indian media, the potential Canadian prime minister participated in the 1993 Miss India Canada beauty pageant but finished as runner-up.
