Politics and celluloid are inseparable in Tamil Nadu, and political parties are in a mad rush to rope in popular actors to add glamour and colour to the campaign for the May 8 assembly elections.

• Pix: Thalaivar on a sticky wicket

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, floated by darling of the masses and actor-turned politician late M G Ramachandran -- who is still considered a demi-god by the rural folks -- this time has brought in Simran, who was the dream girl of Tamil cinema till a few years back, to the centre-stage of politics.

• Pix: Simran campaigns for Amma

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, in a knee-jerk reaction, roped in actor-director K Bhagyaraj, who had campaigned for the AIADMK in the past. Bhagyaraj, known for his punchy campaign style of reeling out stories, was once described by M G Ramachandran as his heir in the film world.

He replaces Sarathkumar, who was the star campaigner for the party in the 2001 assembly and 2004 Lok Sabha polls. Sarathkumar quit the DMK on Monday, alleging humiliation by a section of the leadership.

• Dynasties hold sway in Tamil Nadu

Reports suggest that the DMK was working overtime to assuage the ruffled feelings of Sarathkumar while the AIADMK was trying to woo him, considering his backward Nadar community vote bank.

The AIADMK has stolen a march over its arch rival DMK in netting more popular actors. Besides Simran, the AIADMK has got Vindhya, an upcoming artiste, comedians Senthil and Kovai Sarala, Vijayakumar, hero of yesteryear, and Murali.

• Be a citizen reporter

Radha Ravi and S S Chandran, regular campaigners for the AIADMK, are already undertaking extensive tour of the state. DMK has paraded its regulars D Napoleon (who himself is locked in a fight with S Ve Sekar, a comedian and AIADMK nominee for the Mylapore seat), Chandrasekar, Thiyagu and Kumari Muthu.

Actor Vijayakant, founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam, is ploughing a lone furrow for his party.

• Mylapore: Lessons in history

The leftist All India Forward Bloc has for the first time got a film personality on its side in M Karthick, the state unit chief of the party, who has plunged into campaign fully. Actor-director T Rajendhar of All India Latchya DMK is doing his best for his party. Superstar Rajnikant, who raises his 'voice' during elections in the state, has this time told his fans to vote according to their choice.

Also Read: 
Complete Coverage: Assembly Elections 2006
Rediff's Assembly Elections blog