Khushbu

2021-12-16T05:25:42Z

2409:4072:6E8E:3CAE:8D75:36C1:44B0:98B5:

{{Short description|Indian politician and actress}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Khushbu
| image = KushbuLotusCropped.jpg
| image_size = 235px
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption = Khushbu during a campaign at Thousand Lights constituency amidst 2021 Tamil Nadu general elections
| birth_name = Nakhat Khan<ref name="IE Birth name">{{Cite web |date=4 December 2017 |title=Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar silences trolls for 'discovering' she is Muslim – '47 yrs late'! |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/khushbu-sundar-yes-i-am-khan-silences-trolls-calling-her-muslim-twitter-reactions-4967686/ |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401042632/https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/khushbu-sundar-yes-i-am-khan-silences-trolls-calling-her-muslim-twitter-reactions-4967686/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2018 |title='Yes, I'm Nakhat Khan': Khushbu changes name on Twitter, slays trolls |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yes-i-m-nakhat-khan-khushbu-changes-name-twitter-slays-trolls-80270 |access-date=12 October 2020 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1970|09|29}}
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] {{small|(2020–present)}}
| otherparty = [[Indian National Congress]] {{small|(2014–2020)}},<br />[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] {{small|(2010–2014)}}
| spouse = [[Sundar C]]<br>(m.2000-present)
| partner = [[Prabhu Ganesan]]<br>(1991–1994)
| children = 2
| alma_mater =
| profession = {{hlist|Actress|film producer|politician|television presenter}}
}}

'''Khushbu Sundar''' (born '''Nakhat Khan'''; 29 September 1970) is an Indian actress, politician, film producer, and television presenter. Predominantly known for her work in the [[South Indian film industry]]. She has received three [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]], <ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Highlights |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/highlights/1997/1997high.htm#awards |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501083747/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/highlights/1997/1997high.htm#awards |archive-date=1 May 2007 |access-date=11 August 2009 |publisher=[[Dinakaran]]}}</ref> one [[Kerala State Film Award – Special Mention|Kerala state Film Special Mention]] and one Kalaimamani by [[Tamil Nadu government]].

== Personal life ==
Khushbu was born as Nakhat Khan on 29 September 1970 into a [[Muslims in India|Muslim]] family in [[Mumbai]], Maharashtra, India.<ref name="29sept">{{Cite web |date=1 March 2016 |title=Andheri to Akbar Road via Madras: The many turns of Khushbu's personal life and politics |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/andheri-akbar-road-madras-many-turns-khushbu%E2%80%99s-personal-life-and-politics-39635 |website=The News Minute |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=22 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122051006/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/andheri-akbar-road-madras-many-turns-khushbu%E2%80%99s-personal-life-and-politics-39635 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IE Birth name" /> Her parents gave her the [[stage name]] Khushbu when she started her career as a child actress.<ref name="29sept" /> She has been living in [[Chennai]] for 36 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Happy Birthday Kushboo: Star's personal photos you may have missed |url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/happy-birthday-kushboo-stars-personal-photos-you-may-have-missed-1121938-8.html |website=News18 |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=4 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004142948/http://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/happy-birthday-kushboo-stars-personal-photos-you-may-have-missed-1121938-8.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 April 2018 |title='Yes, I'm Nakhat Khan': Khushbu changes name on Twitter, slays trolls |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yes-i-m-nakhat-khan-khushbu-changes-name-twitter-slays-trolls-80270 |website=The News Minute |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212957/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yes-i-m-nakhat-khan-khushbu-changes-name-twitter-slays-trolls-80270 |url-status=live }}</ref>

She dated actor [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] while filming the block buster movie ''[[Chinna Thambi]]'' (1991). They had been in a live-in relationship for four and half years.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kushboo unplugged|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/may/18/kushboo-unplugged-155443.html|access-date=2021-06-19|website=The New Indian Express|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200319/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/may/18/kushboo-unplugged-155443.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sivaji Ganesan]], father of Prabhu, strictly opposed their relationship and finally Khushbu and Prabhu decided to break up their relationship and ended it within four months.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.astroulagam.com.my/entertainment/sivaji-ganesan-reason-why-khushbu-and-prabhu-broke-171441 |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624213931/https://www.astroulagam.com.my/entertainment/sivaji-ganesan-reason-why-khushbu-and-prabhu-broke-171441 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2000, she married film actor, director and producer [[Sundar C]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/heroines-who-fell-for-their-directors/heroines-who-fell-for-their-directors/photostory/34322092.cms | title=Heroines who fell for their directors | publisher=[[The Times of India]] | accessdate=5 August 2021 | archive-date=6 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106213011/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/heroines-who-fell-for-their-directors/photostory/34322092.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> She has been using the married name Khushbu Sundar since then.<ref name=":2" /> They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita,<ref name=":1" /> after whom they named their production house, [[Avni Cinemax]].

==Career==
=== Child artist ===
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 the [[Hindi]] films ''[[Naseeb (1981 film)|Naseeb]]'', ''[[Laawaris (1981 film)|Laawaris]]'', ''[[Kaalia]]'',<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=28 April 2010 |title=Who is Khushboo? |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/who-is-khushboo-416592 |access-date=24 August 2019 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=24 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824092350/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/who-is-khushboo-416592 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Dard Ka Rishta]]'', and ''[[Bemisal]].''

Her Pari/[[Fairy]] song "Main Pariyon Ki Shehzaadi" from ''Dard Ka Rishta'', a 1982 Hindi movie, was very successful and is still a highly popular song at annual Day School performances, children's parties and Pari/[[Fairy]] themed parties in India.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=S |first=Ramathan |date=1 March 2016 |title=Andheri to Akbar Road via Madras: The many turns of Khushbu's personal life and politics |url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/andheri-akbar-road-madras-many-turns-khushbu%E2%80%99s-personal-life-and-politics-39635 |access-date=24 August 2019 |website=The Newsminute |archive-date=19 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719173259/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/andheri-akbar-road-madras-many-turns-khushbu%E2%80%99s-personal-life-and-politics-39635 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Bollywood ===
Khushbu, in the film ''[[Meri Jung]]'' (1985), danced with [[Javed Jaffrey]] in his first dancing role on screen in the super-hit song "Bol Baby Bol, Rock'n Roll".

Khushbu played her first main lead in ''[[Jaanoo]]'' (1985), opposite [[Jackie Shroff]]. She also starred in ''[[Tan-Badan]]'' (1986), opposite [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]], which was the first lead role for Govinda.

Khushbu played a significant supporting role in ''[[Deewana Mujh Sa Nahin]]'' (1990), which also starred [[Aamir Khan]] and [[Madhuri Dixit]].

=== South Indian movies ===
[[File:Kushboo (cropped).JPG|thumb|Khushbu at a [[magazine]] launch event.|228x228px|left]]

Khushbu was introduced to [[South India]]n screens through the [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] film ''[[Kaliyuga Pandavulu]]'' (1986), opposite [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]]. She then moved her base to [[Chennai]] and started focusing on [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and other [[South India]]n film industries. She has acted in more than 150 films after moving to the South.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harikumar |first=Subramanian |date=29 September 2014 |title=Happy Birthday, Khushbu! |url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/happy-birthday-khushbu/ |access-date=21 August 2019 |website=Bollywood Life |archive-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405211007/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/happy-birthday-khushbu/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Popularity ==
=== Temple built for Khushbu ===
During her peak, Khushbu was the leading actress of [[Tamil cinema]]. She became the first and only Indian actress for whom her fans built a dedicated temple.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 February 2011 |title=Khushboo: I was scared when fans erected my temple |url=http://www.kollytalk.com/interview/khushboo-i-was-scared-when-fans-erected-my-temple-22702.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724204513/http://www.kollytalk.com/interview/khushboo-i-was-scared-when-fans-erected-my-temple-22702.html |archive-date=24 July 2015 |access-date=24 August 2019 |website=Kolly Talk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2001 |title=Khushboo: She's mother goddess now |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Khushboo-Shes-mother-goddess-now/articleshow/39146293.cms |access-date=24 August 2019 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915115545/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Khushboo-Shes-mother-goddess-now/articleshow/39146293.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0" />

=== Involvement with Australian Football ===
Khushbu and sprinter [[Usain Bolt]] are honorary members of [[Richmond Football Club]], based in [[Melbourne]], Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sun |first=The Indian |date=1 March 2017 |title=Bolt and Khushboo back the Richmond Tigers – The Indian Sun |url=http://www.theindiansun.com.au/bolt-khushbu-back-richmond-tigers |access-date=4 March 2017 |archive-date=4 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304114953/http://www.theindiansun.com.au/bolt-khushbu-back-richmond-tigers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Khushbu was made the [[number-one ticket holder]] of Richmond Football Club in 2016, and was the number-one female ticket holder in 2017. She is the first Indian celebrity, and the only Indian female to be bestowed with such an honour in the [[Australian Football League|AFL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=What do Khushbu and Usain Bolt have in common? Footy! |url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/what-do-khushbu-and-usain-bolt-have-common-footy-58064 |access-date=4 March 2017 |website=thenewsminute.com |date=4 March 2017 |archive-date=4 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304043713/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/what-do-khushbu-and-usain-bolt-have-common-footy-58064 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2017 |title=Alex Rance named All-Australian AFL Captain |url=http://www.theindiansun.com.au/alex-rance-named-australian-afl-captain |publisher=The Indian Sun |access-date=11 September 2017 |archive-date=12 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912012351/http://www.theindiansun.com.au/alex-rance-named-australian-afl-captain/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Khushbu was introduced to [[Australian Rules Football]] by former Ministerial Adviser Nitin Gupta. She had agreed to help promote AFL Football in India after taking a guided tour of the Richmond Football Club.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 September 2017 |title=Damien Hardwick wins Coach of the Season |url=http://www.theindiansun.com.au/2017/09/27/tigers-damien-hardwick-wins-coach-season |publisher=The Indian Sun |access-date=21 April 2018 |archive-date=21 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421233433/http://www.theindiansun.com.au/2017/09/27/tigers-damien-hardwick-wins-coach-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kushboo finds film inspiration on the Great Ocean Road |url=http://www.standard.net.au/story/4859948/warrnambool-welcomes-film-star/?cs=72 |access-date=16 August 2017 |website=standard.net.au |date=16 August 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816232923/http://www.standard.net.au/story/4859948/warrnambool-welcomes-film-star/?cs=72 |url-status=live }}</ref> This offer was a goodwill gesture to further strengthen [[Australia–India relations]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 August 2017 |title=Baillieu, Khushbu join 43rd Janmasthmi Celebrations at Albert Park |url=http://www.theindiansun.com.au/baillieu-khushbu-join-43rd-janmasthmi-celebrations-albert-park |publisher=The Indian Sun |access-date=22 August 2017 |archive-date=22 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822223735/http://www.theindiansun.com.au/baillieu-khushbu-join-43rd-janmasthmi-celebrations-albert-park/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Food dishes, products named after Khushbu ===
During her peak in Tamil cinema, many dishes in [[Tamil Nadu]] were named after Khushbu. Kushboo [[Idli]], a rice cake, was the most popular food item named after the actress.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2017 |title=WOW Jacquelien meets Khushbu |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/wow-jacqueline-fernandez-meets-south-superstar-kushboo/ |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121906/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/wow-jacqueline-fernandez-meets-south-superstar-kushboo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kushboo Jhumki, Kushboo Sarees, Kushboo Sharbet, Kushboo Coffee, Kushboo Cocktails and various other food items were named after her. Many items still retain those names.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 November 2017 |title=Khushbu and her love for South Indian Cuisine |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-and-politician-khushboo-on-her-food-preferences/article19997150.ece |website=[[The Hindu]] |last1=Anantharam |first1=Chitra Deepa |access-date=22 May 2018 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125202354/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-and-politician-khushboo-on-her-food-preferences/article19997150.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Offer to promote Little Indias in Melbourne ===
Khushbu has offered to help in the promotion of [[Little India (location)|Little India]] cultural precincts in [[Melbourne]] by becoming its Brand Ambassador.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2017 |title=Khushbu offers to be "Ambassador" for Victoria's Little India precincts |url=http://www.theindiansun.com.au/khushbu-offers-ambassador-victorias-little-india-precincts |publisher=The Indian Sun |access-date=29 August 2017 |archive-date=29 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829170454/http://www.theindiansun.com.au/khushbu-offers-ambassador-victorias-little-india-precincts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Politics ==
Khushbu joined the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] on 14 May 2010. She was welcomed by DMK Leader [[Karunanidhi]] at the party headquarters in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kushboo jumps on the DMK bandwagon |work=Decan Herald |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/69600/kushboo-jumps-dmk-bandwagon.html |access-date=15 May 2010 |archive-date=12 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612125953/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/69600/kushboo-jumps-dmk-bandwagon.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 2010 |title=Kushboo joins DMK |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Kushboo-joins-DMK/article16035579.ece |via=www.thehindu.com |access-date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613172151/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Kushboo-joins-DMK/article16035579.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Khushbu quit DMK on 16 June 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yamunan |first=Sruthisagar |title=Actor Kushboo quits DMK |newspaper=The Hindu |date=16 June 2014 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/actor-kushboo-quits-dmk/article6120171.ece |access-date=16 June 2014 |archive-date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620040910/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/actor-kushboo-quits-dmk/article6120171.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
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 was the National Spokesperson of the INC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Actor Kushboo joins Congress |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Actor-Kushboo-joins-Congress/articleshow/45285690.cms |website=Times of India |access-date=26 November 2014 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024210/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Actor-Kushboo-joins-Congress/articleshow/45285690.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
She resigned from Congress on 12 October 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khushbu Sundar Joins BJP, Says Congress Leaders Out Of Touch With Reality |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/khushbu-sundar-resigns-from-congress-in-letter-to-sonia-gandhi-may-join-bjp-say-sources-2308725 |website=NDTV.com |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012045213/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/khushbu-sundar-resigns-from-congress-in-letter-to-sonia-gandhi-may-join-bjp-say-sources-2308725 |url-status=live }}</ref> and joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] same day<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kushboo quits Congress, joins BJP |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-removes-khushboo-from-panel-of-spokespersons-actor-likely-to-join-bjp-today/article32831344.ece |access-date=13 October 2020 |archive-date=13 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013025322/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-removes-khushboo-from-panel-of-spokespersons-actor-likely-to-join-bjp-today/article32831344.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> ahead of the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2021]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stalin |first=J Sam Daniel |title=Khushbu Sundar Joins BJP, Says Congress Leaders Out of Touch with Reality |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/khushbu-sundar-resigns-from-congress-in-letter-to-sonia-gandhi-may-join-bjp-say-sources-2308725?pfrom=home-bigstory |website=NDTV.com |publisher=NDTV |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018054231/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/khushbu-sundar-resigns-from-congress-in-letter-to-sonia-gandhi-may-join-bjp-say-sources-2308725?pfrom=home-bigstory |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly election ===
[[File:KushbuLotusCropped.jpg|thumb|Khushbu at the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]] campaign at Thousand Lights constituency.|228x228px|left]]
The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Khushbu for the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]] from [[Thousand Lights (constituency)|Thousand Lights constituency]] in Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=P |first1=Tanushree |last2=ChennaiMarch 14 |first2=ey |last3=March 14 |first3=2021UPDATED |last4=Ist |first4=2021 15:47 |title=BJP announces candidates for Tamil Nadu election, Khushbu Sundar to contest from Chennai |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly-polls-2021/story/bjp-candidates-list-for-tamil-nadu-election-khushboo-sundar-vanathi-srinavasan-1779180-2021-03-14 |website=India Today |access-date=6 November 2021 |archive-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829172823/https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly-polls-2021/story/bjp-candidates-list-for-tamil-nadu-election-khushboo-sundar-vanathi-srinavasan-1779180-2021-03-14 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 April 2021 |title=Tamil Nadu: Home Minister Amit Shah campaigns for Khushbu in Chennai |newspaper=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/elections/tamil-nadu-home-minister-amit-shah-campaigns-for-khushbu-in-chennai-121040300323_1.html |via=Business Standard |access-date=6 November 2021 |archive-date=3 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403092533/https://www.business-standard.com/article/elections/tamil-nadu-home-minister-amit-shah-campaigns-for-khushbu-in-chennai-121040300323_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She lost the election by a margin of 32200 votes to Ezhilan N of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kushboo Sundar Election Results 2021: News, Votes, Results of Tamil-nadu Assembly |url=https://www.ndtv.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-candidates-list-2021/kushboo-sundar-22020-20 |access-date=3 May 2021 |website=NDTV.com |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503144217/https://www.ndtv.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-candidates-list-2021/kushboo-sundar-22020-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{|
|- style="background:#adc;"
! width="140" |Elections
! width="70" |Constituency
! width="70" |Party
! width="70" |Result
! width="70" |Vote percentage
! width="100" |Opposition Candidate
! width="70" |Opposition Party
! width="70" |Opposition vote percentage
|- style="background:#ffc;"
| bgcolor="FFA07A" |[[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]]||[[Thousand Lights (state assembly constituency)|Thousand Lights]]||[[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]||Lost||28.99||Ezhilan N||[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]||52.87
|}

== Social issues ==
=== Opposition by Hindutva groups ===
Kushbu created a controversy in December 2012 when she wore a saree which had images of Hindu gods of [[Rama|Ram]], [[Krishna]] and [[Hanuman]]. The [[Hindu Makkal Katchi]] demanded her for an apology and threatened to start agitations. She responded by saying that "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?".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajan |first=MC |title=Kushboo courts controversy for wearing saree with images of Hindu gods |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/dmk-politico-kushboo-controversy-for-wearing-saree-with-images-of-hindu-gods-124034-2012-12-11 |access-date=12 October 2020 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012132529/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/dmk-politico-kushboo-controversy-for-wearing-saree-with-images-of-hindu-gods-124034-2012-12-11 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Hindu Munnani]] and the Hindu Makkal Katchi filed several cases against kushbu for accusing the actress that she had disrespected Hindu gods by sitting cross-legged with her slippers in front of the idols of Goddesses [[Lakshmi]], [[Saraswati|Sarswathy]] and [[Parvati|Parvathy]] during 'pooja' for the muhurat at Chennai on 22 November 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2007 |title=Third case of religious offence filed against Kushboo |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-third-case-of-religious-offence-filed-against-kushboo-1136394 |website=DNA India |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012144730/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-third-case-of-religious-offence-filed-against-kushboo-1136394 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2008 |title=Reprieve for Kushboo in Hindu deity disrespect case |url=https://www.oneindia.com/2008/02/11/reprieve-for-kushboo-in-hindu-deity-disrespect-case-1202801280.html |website=www.oneindia.com |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106213008/https://www.oneindia.com/2008/02/11/reprieve-for-kushboo-in-hindu-deity-disrespect-case-1202801280.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2017 |title=Jalikattu |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/220117/jallikattu-to-ban-or-not-to-ban.html |website=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=11 April 2019 |archive-date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411210130/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/220117/jallikattu-to-ban-or-not-to-ban.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She even visited a cattle station in [[Warrnambool]], Australia to get a better understanding of how cattle is treated and raised on farms outside India.

=== 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 take 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. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khushboo's comments stir controversy |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/sep/26khushboo.htm |website=Rediff |access-date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613172157/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/sep/26khushboo.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> 22 complaints that she was "defaming Tamil womanhood and chastity" were brought against her, but in 2010 the Supreme Court dismissed all cases.<ref name="hindu.com">{{Cite news |date=17 November 2005 |title=Front Page: Kushboo enlarged on bail |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/17/stories/2005111720110100.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124191812/http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/17/stories/2005111720110100.htm |archive-date=24 November 2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2010 |title=Supreme Court dismisses charges against actress Khusboo Sundar |url=http://www.indiavision.com/news/article/entertainment/49548/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125030153/http://www.indiavision.com/news/article/entertainment/49548/ |archive-date=25 November 2011 |access-date=23 August 2019 |website=IndiaVision.com}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manish |first=Salvi |date=19 August 2017 |title=IFFM discriminating against non-Hindi films, accuses South Indian star Kushboo |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/node/1108899?language=tr |access-date=24 August 2019 |website=SBS |archive-date=28 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628154505/https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/node/1108899?language=tr |url-status=live }}</ref>

Khushbu has been very vocal about getting more recognition for [[South India]]n 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.

=== Maxim morphed photo case ===
In January 2006, in their first Indian edition,<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2006 |title=Chargesheet filed against Maxim editor |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/chargesheet-filed-against-maxim-editor/story-yK4F9nHihV84f0hmJkkqLK.html |access-date=24 August 2019 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=24 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824102611/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/chargesheet-filed-against-maxim-editor/story-yK4F9nHihV84f0hmJkkqLK.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Maxim (India)|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 4 others involved with the magazine.<ref name="dnaindia1">{{Cite web |date=22 May 2006 |title=SC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of Maxim editor |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_sc-dismisses-anticipatory-bail-plea-of-maxim-editor_1030636 |access-date=13 March 2013 |website=Daily News and Analysis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=22 May 2006 |title=Maxim editor denied bail |work=[[The Times of India]] |agency=Press Trust of India |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-05-22/india/27806710_1_morphed-editor-publishing |url-status=dead |access-date=13 March 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411033752/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-05-22/india/27806710_1_morphed-editor-publishing |archive-date=11 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 January 2006 |title=Indian star to sue Maxim over photo |language=en-GB |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4666278.stm |access-date=24 August 2019 |archive-date=24 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824081350/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4666278.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The proceedings were later stayed by the Madras High Court in December 2007 based on a plea filed by one of those charged.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 December 2007 |title=Khushboo case: HC stays proceedings against Maxim |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/khushboo-case-hc-stays-proceedings-against/247181 |access-date=24 August 2019 |website=The Indian Express |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613171508/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/khushboo-case-hc-stays-proceedings-against/247181 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Filmography ==
{{main|Khushbu filmography}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1001243|name=Kushboo}}

{{Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Actress}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Khushbu}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Malayalam cinema]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Actresses in Kannada cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses from Mumbai]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:Indian atheists]]
[[Category:Indian Muslims]]
[[Category:Indian feminists]]
[[Category:Indian television actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil television]]
[[Category:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Tamil Nadu]]

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