Lookalikes of political leaders bring amusement in Tamil Nadu poll campaigns

In Tamil Nadu elections, there are star campaigners and then there are campaigners who resemble the stars. Lookalikes of popular political leaders are bringing a new element of amusement in the election season often filled with aggression and vitriol.

The lookalike artists, unlike their political originals, often campaign across the political spectrum. These poll campaigns also provide a livelihood for the artists, many of who have been practising for decades.

Kamal Senthil is one such artist. In a video by India Today, he is seen applying make-up and setting his hair to resemble DMK's, M K Stalin. Senthil not only has to transform himself with aid from cosmetics, but also in terms of costume and body language.

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According to the report, Senthil is booked for four days where he will campaign across several areas with DMK workers and candidates.

Senthil, however, is not a DMK loyalist. He has been a lookalike for Kamal Haasan for the past 32 years and is also a member of MNM, Haasan's party.

“It is a very difficult profession. When on stage, we can’t share our troubles. We can be in any party and can be in any character. We play the role we get. It is like how people are going on a religious trip to Sabarimala. Though they are supposed to not eat meat, meat sellers who are taking the pilgrimage continue to touch meat and sell them as it is their profession,” he told the publication.

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Lookalike artists of other leaders like MGR, Karunanidhi, and Jayalalithaa can be seen at election rallies.

Another artist Rajani Mani has been impersonating superstar Rajinikanth for over 25 years. He is involved in stage shows, acting and mimicking the actor. He and other such artists had high hopes but the superstar not contesting elections dampened them.

“Around 50 to 60 artists like me are actively involved in acting like Rajini but his announcement of not entering politics has caused a huge dent for us,” Mani told the publication.

Many stage artists were hit after the coronavirus lockdowns shut all kinds of events and people-gathering. Thus, the election season in Tamil Nadu cushions the troubles of artists. The lookalikes make up to Rs 5,000 depending on the hours. They often move locations and campaign for political parties without any exceptions of ideologies and beliefs.