Khushbu Sundar

{{Short description|Indian politician, actress and film producer (born 1970)}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| image = Kushboo BH (cropped).jpg

| caption = Khushbu in 2013

| office = Member of the National Commission for Women

| term_start = 28 February 2023

| term_end =

| office1 = National Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party

| term_start1 = 7 October 2021

| term_end1 =

| 1blankname1 = President

| 1namedata1 = J. P. Nadda

| birth_name = Nakhat Khan

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1970|9|29}}

| birth_place = Bombay, Maharashtra, India

| party = Bharatiya Janata Party {{small|(2020–present)}}

| otherparty = {{ubl|Indian National Congress {{small|(2014–2020)}},|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam {{small|(2010–2014)}}}}

| spouse = {{marriage|Sundar C|2000}}

| children = 2

| profession = {{hlist|Politician|actress|film producer|television personality}}

| nickname = Kushboo

}}

Khushbu Sundar{{gnf|Khushbu|Sundar|her|Tamil}} (born Nakhat Khan; 29 September 1970) is an Indian politician, actress, film producer and television personality. She is known for her work predominantly in Tamil language films and in a few Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. She has appeared in over 185 films, and has won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, two Cinema Express Awards, a Kalaimamani Award and a Kerala State Film Award.

Early life

Khushbu was born as Nakhat Khan on 29 September 1970 into a Muslim family in Bombay, Maharashtra, India.{{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}}{{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}} Her parents gave her the stage name Khushbu when she started her career as a child actress.{{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}} She has been living in Chennai for nearly 40 years now.{{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}}

Film career

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 various Hindi films like Naseeb, Laawaris, Kaalia, Dard Ka Rishta, and Bemisal.{{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}}

Her sensitive performance in the emotional 1982 Hindi movie, Dard Ka Rishta was appreciated by audiences. The fairy song "Kaun Hu Main Kya Naam Hai Mera" from the movie is still a very popular song at Annual Day School performances, children's parties and fairy themed parties in India.{{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}}

She made her adult acting debut in the much-acclaimed 1985 Hindi film Meri Jung in a supporting role as Anil Kapoor's younger sister. In the same year, she got her first lead role in the film Jaanoo opposite veteran actor Jackie Shroff. This was followed by Tan-Badan (1986) paired with Govinda. Khushbu played a significant supporting role in Deewana Mujh Sa Nahin (1990), alongside Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit.

Khushbu was introduced to South Indian screens by D. Ramanaidu and K. Raghavendra Rao through the Telugu film Kaliyuga Pandavulu (1986). Khushbu moved her base to Chennai and started focussing on Tamil and other South Indian film industries.

Khushbu had done close to 12 movies in Telugu and Kannada, and had bagged her first role in Tamil in the movie Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988). Then she did films like Varusham 16 (1989), Kizhakku Vaasal (1990) and Nadigan (1990), but the movie which catapulted her to the top was the runaway hit Chinna Thambi (1991).

Khushbu appeared in several films including Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), Vettri Vizhaa (1989), My Dear Marthandan (1990), Chinna Thambi (1991), Kizhakku Karai (1991), Pandithurai (1992), Naalaya Seidhi (1992), Uthama Raasa (1993), Maravan (1993) and Chinna Vathiyar (1995).

She met her future husband on the set of Sundar C's directorial debut Murai Maman (1995).

She later appeared in successful films such as Nattupura Pattu (1996), Irattai Roja (1996), Ettupatti Rasa (1997), Paththini (1997), Thulli Thirintha Kaalam (1998), Simmarasi (1998), Viralukketha Veekkam (1999), Power of Women (2005), Periyar (2007) and Pazhani (2008).

Khushbu then forayed into television, plunged into politics and also devoted time as a homemaker.{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/khushbu-sundar-on-annaatthe-rajinikanth-sir-still-remains-like-a-kid-on-his-first-day-to-school/article37018593.ece |title=Khushbu on 'Annaatthe': Rajinikanth sir still remains like a kid on his first day to school |newspaper=The Hindu |date=16 October 2021 |last1=Sudevan |first1=Praveen |access-date=9 September 2022 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909151817/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/khushbu-sundar-on-annaatthe-rajinikanth-sir-still-remains-like-a-kid-on-his-first-day-to-school/article37018593.ece |url-status=live}}

In 2021, she made a comeback with Rajinikanth in Annaatthe.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/khushbu-meena-and-keerthy-sureshs-characters-from-annaatthe-revealed/articleshow/86933528.cms |title=Khushbu, Meena, and Keerthy Suresh's characters from 'Annaatthe' revealed |website=The Times of India |date=11 October 2021 |access-date=9 September 2022 |archive-date=12 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612045449/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/khushbu-meena-and-keerthy-sureshs-characters-from-annaatthe-revealed/articleshow/86933528.cms |url-status=live}}

She also makes appearances in songs directed by her husband Sundar C such as Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (2013), Aambala (2015), Aranmanai 2 (2016) and Aranmanai 4 (2024).

Filmography

Overseas engagements

= Involvement with the Australian Football (AFL) =

Khushbu and sprinter Usain Bolt are honorary members of Richmond Football Club, based in Melbourne, Australia.{{Cite web |date=1 March 2017 |title=Bolt and Khushboo back the Richmond Tigers |website=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}} Khushbu was made the number-one ticket holder of Richmond Football Club in March 2017. She became the first Indian, and is the only Indian female, to be bestowed with such an honour in the AFL.{{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}}{{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}}

Khushbu was introduced to Australian Rules Football, and nominated for the role of honorary member of Richmond Tigers by former Ministerial Adviser Mr. Nitin Gupta.{{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}}{{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}}

= Session at the RMIT University, Melbourne =

On 14 August 2017, Khushbu was invited by RMIT University to speak with their Media and Communication students about the 'Representation of Women in Indian Cinema' at a session moderated by Dr. Vikrant Kishore. She also engaged in a lengthy Q&A with students and guests, sharing her own experiences of working in Indian cinema for over 37 years and appearing in around 200 films.

Around 200-plus students and guests turned up to listen and interact with Khushbu. She was given a standing ovation by the audiences both at the beginning and at the end of the session.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2017 |title=Khushbu interacts with RMIT Students |url=https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2017/08/21/khushbu-interacts-rmit-university-students-gets-standing-ovation/ |publisher=The Indian Sun |access-date=7 December 2023 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207181912/https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2017/08/21/khushbu-interacts-rmit-university-students-gets-standing-ovation/ |url-status=live}}

= Indian Independence Day at the Deakin University, Melbourne =

On 15 August 2017, Khushbu was invited as the chief guest at the Deakin University Indian Club's (DUIC) Indian Independence Day celebrations event by DUIC Founder President Mr. Amogh Chakravarthy. Deakin University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, Professor Gary Smith, was guest of honor at the celebrations, which were hosted at the University's Burwood Campus.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2017 |title=Khushbu joins Indian Independence Day celebrations at Deakin |url=https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2017/08/25/khushbu-attends-duics-day-celebrations// |publisher=The Indian Sun |access-date=7 December 2023 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210805/https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2017/08/25/khushbu-attends-duics-day-celebrations/ |url-status=live}}

Political career

=DMK=

Khushbu joined the DMK on 14 May 2010. She was welcomed by DMK Leader Karunanidhi at the party headquarters in Chennai.{{Cite news |title=Kushboo jumps on the DMK bandwagon |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/69600/kushboo-jumps-dmk-bandwagon.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612125953/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/69600/kushboo-jumps-dmk-bandwagon.html |archive-date=12 June 2010 |access-date=15 May 2010 |work=Decan Herald}}{{Cite news |date=15 May 2010 |title=Kushboo joins DMK |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Kushboo-joins-DMK/article16035579.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613172151/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Kushboo-joins-DMK/article16035579.ece |archive-date=13 June 2021 |access-date=13 June 2021 |newspaper=The Hindu}} Khushbu quit DMK on 16 June 2014.{{Cite news |last=Yamunan |first=Sruthisagar |date=16 June 2014 |title=Actor Kushboo quits DMK |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/actor-kushboo-quits-dmk/article6120171.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620040910/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/actor-kushboo-quits-dmk/article6120171.ece |archive-date=20 June 2014 |access-date=16 June 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu}}

=Congress=

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 served as the National Spokesperson of the INC.{{Cite news |title=Actor Kushboo joins Congress |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Actor-Kushboo-joins-Congress/articleshow/45285690.cms |website=The Times of India |date=26 November 2014 |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}} Khushbu has been very critical of Narendra Modi's policies and has often taken to Twitter to criticise the ruling dispensation.{{Cite web |last=TK |first=Smitha |date=12 October 2020 |title='Jumla Govt': How Khushbu Scoffed at the BJP Before Joining It |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/actor-politician-khushbu-sundar-joins-bjp-quits-congress-criticised-pm-modi |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125110928/https://www.thequint.com/news/india/actor-politician-khushbu-sundar-joins-bjp-quits-congress-criticised-pm-modi |url-status=live}}

Khushbu resigned from Congress on 12 October 2020{{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}}{{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}} ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2021.{{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}} The Congress Secretary of Media said that Khushbu was being pressured by her husband, Sundar C, to join the BJP.{{Cite web |url=https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/83537/Khushbu-joins-BJP-because-of-her-husband-says-Gopanna |title="சுந்தர் சி கொடுத்த அழுத்தத்தாலேயே குஷ்பு பாஜகவில் இணையலாம்"-கோபண்ணா |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125113042/https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/83537/Khushbu-joins-BJP-because-of-her-husband-says-Gopanna |url-status=live}} Khushbu claimed that her previous party "does not want an intelligent woman" and there is no freedom to speak the truth within the party. She referred to the Congress as "mentally retarded".{{Cite web |title="Mentally Retarded": Khushbu Sundar Slams Congress After Joining BJP |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mentally-retarded-khushbu-sundar-slams-congress-after-joining-bjp-2309470 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125111712/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mentally-retarded-khushbu-sundar-slams-congress-after-joining-bjp-2309470 |url-status=live}} The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) filed 30 complaints at different police stations in the state over her statements, alleging that she made derogatory remarks against people with disabilities.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2020 |title=Rights group files multiple police complaints against Khushbu Sundar for calling Cong leaders 'mentally-retarded' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/khushbu-sundar-congress-remark-6725269/ |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125111709/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/khushbu-sundar-congress-remark-6725269/ |url-status=live}}

= BJP =

On 12 October 2020,{{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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |access-date=12 October 2020 |website=NDTV.com}} Khushbu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.{{Cite news |title=Kushboo quits Congress, joins BJP |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-removes-khushboo-from-panel-of-spokespersons-actor-likely-to-join-bjp-today/article32831344.ece |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=13 October 2020 |access-date=13 October 2020 |work=The Hindu}} She is currently a National Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2023 |title=Khushbu nominated as member of National Commission for Women |url=https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2023/02/27/khushbu-nominated-as-member-of-national-commission-for-women |website=dtnext.in |language=en |access-date=13 March 2024 |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313170313/https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2023/02/27/khushbu-nominated-as-member-of-national-commission-for-women |url-status=live}}

Khushbu said during a meeting with journalists in November 2023 that she wouldn't apologize for using the term "cheri language". She used the term to highlight the use of foul language against women in a post on social media platform X while responding to a supporter of the DMK who accused her of staying silent during the Manipur ethnic violence on social media.{{Cite web |date=25 November 2023 |title='Cheri' remark: BJP's Khushbu refuses to take down post, reiterates word was French |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/cheri-remark-bjps-khushbu-refuses-to-take-down-post-reiterates-word-was-french |website=The News Minute |language=en |access-date=13 March 2024 |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313170313/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/cheri-remark-bjps-khushbu-refuses-to-take-down-post-reiterates-word-was-french |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=22 November 2023 |title=Khushbu offers bizarre explanation for her faux pas |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/khushbu-offers-bizarre-explanation-for-her-faux-pas/article67563117.ece |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |access-date=13 March 2024 |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313170313/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/khushbu-offers-bizarre-explanation-for-her-faux-pas/article67563117.ece |url-status=live}} In Tamil, the term refers to Dalit colonies that are separated from the rest of a village or town, and it is frequently used in a derogatory manner in reference to anything crude or crass.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2023 |title=VCK lodges police complaint against Khushbu Sundar for 'cheri' remark |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/vck-lodges-police-complaint-against-khushbu-sundar-for-cheri-remark |website=The News Minute |language=en |access-date=13 March 2024 |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313170313/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/vck-lodges-police-complaint-against-khushbu-sundar-for-cheri-remark |url-status=live}} Her use of the term 'cheri' was condemned by activists for its caste-based connotations. The Neelam Foundation, an organization fighting for Dalit rights, demanded an unconditional apology. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi lodged a police complaint about her remarks. The Chennai city police increased security for Khushbu's house after the SC/ST wing of the Congress party announced a protest in front of her house.{{Cite news |date=25 November 2023 |title=Addl security for Khushbu's residence |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/addl-security-khushbu-sundar-residence-chennai/articleshow/105486583.cms |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |access-date=13 March 2024 |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313170313/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/addl-security-khushbu-sundar-residence-chennai/articleshow/105486583.cms |url-status=live}} In her defence, she claimed that she had utilized the French term 'chéri', which translates to 'beloved', and not the Tamil word 'cheri'.

= 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly election =

The Bharatiya Janata Party fielded Khushbu for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai.{{Cite web |last1=Pandey |first1=Tanushree |date=14 March 2021 |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}}{{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 |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}} She lost the election by a margin of 32,200 votes to Ezhilan Naganathan of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.{{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}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
Elections !Constituency !Party !Result !Vote % !Opposition candidate !Opposition party !Opposition vote %
2021 \|Thousand Lights \|BJP \|{{color\|Red\|Lost}} \|28.99 \|Ezhilan Naganathan \|DMK \|52.87

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"

Elections

!Constituency

!Party

!Result

!Vote %

!Opposition candidate

!Opposition party

!Opposition vote %

2021

|Thousand Lights

|BJP

|{{color|Red|Lost}}

|28.99

|Ezhilan Naganathan

|DMK

|52.87

Popularity

= Temple built for Khushbu =

During her prime, Khushbu was a prominent actress in Tamil cinema. She became the first Indian actress for whom her fans built a dedicated temple.{{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}}{{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}}

= Food dishes, products named after Khushbu =

During her prominence in Tamil cinema, several dishes in Tamil Nadu were named after Khushbu. Kushboo Idli, a rice cake, stood out as the most popular food item named after the actress.{{Cite web |date=30 September 2017 |title=WOW Jacquelien meets Khushbu |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/wow-jacqueline-fernandez-meets-south-superstar-kushboo/ |website=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}} Other items such as Kushboo Jhumki, Kushboo Sarees, Kushboo Sharbet, Kushboo Coffee, Kushboo Cocktails, and various other food items were also named after her, with many still retaining those names.{{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}}

Social issues

= 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. In Aug 2017, she even visited a cattle station in Warrnambool, Australia, to get a better understanding of how cattle are treated and raised on farms outside India. {{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}}{{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}}

= Fighting for more recognition of South Indian Cinema on global platforms =

Khushbu has been very vocal about obtaining more recognition for South Indian cinema and non-Hindi cinema from India on global platforms, and film festivals. She has always maintained that Indian cinema is not just about Bollywood movies. {{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}}

In Aug 2017, Khushbu had visited the Victorian Parliament, and had meetings with former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu, and Ministerial Adviser Mr. Nitin Gupta to request for more recognition for South Indian cinema in the Victorian government created and funded Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.{{cite web |url=https://www.news9live.com/entertainment/celebrity/witt-panelist-gallery-day-1-khushbu-sundar-2447629 |title=WITT Panellist Gallery Day 1: Khushbu Sundar |date=23 February 2024 |access-date=25 February 2024 |archive-date=25 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225171650/https://www.news9live.com/entertainment/celebrity/witt-panelist-gallery-day-1-khushbu-sundar-2447629 |url-status=live}}

Awards

1991 - Cinema Express Awards for Best Actress – Tamil for Chinna Thambi{{cite web |date=25 February 1992 |title='Chinnathambi' Bags Cinema Express Award |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZBlAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,722114&dq=cinema+express&hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417131836/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZBlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lJ4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,722114&dq=cinema+express&hl=en |archive-date=17 April 2016 |access-date=21 September 2016 |work=The Indian Express}}
1996 - Cinema Express Awards for Best Actress – Tamil for Irattai Roja{{Cite web |title=More Indian Beauties |url=https://jayaramanganesh.tripod.com/beauties/id28.html |access-date=14 July 2023 |website=jayaramanganesh.tripod.com |archive-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024183209/https://jayaramanganesh.tripod.com/beauties/id28.html |url-status=live}}
1994–95 - Kalaimamani Honour for Film industry Contribution{{Cite magazine |title=Recipients of Kalaimamani Awards for the year 1994–95 |url=https://www.tamildigitallibrary.in/admin/assets/periodicals/TVA_PRL_0016438/TVA_PRL_0016438_Tamil_Arasu_December_1995.pdf |magazine=TamilArasu |date=December 1995 |pages=18–19 |access-date=9 May 2024 |archive-date=9 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509054048/https://www.tamildigitallibrary.in/admin/assets/periodicals/TVA_PRL_0016438/TVA_PRL_0016438_Tamil_Arasu_December_1995.pdf |url-status=live }}

1997 - Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Special Prize for Paththini{{cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/27-11-98/g_award.htm |title=Tamilnadu Government Cinema Awards For 1997 |publisher=Dinakaran |access-date=11 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101131515/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/awards/27-11-98/g_award.htm |archive-date=1 January 2008}}

Personal life

In 2000, Khushbu married actor, director, and producer Sundar C. Following their union, she adopted her husband's name, Sundar, and has since been known as Khushbu Sundar. They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita, after whom they named their production house, Avni Cinemax.{{cite news |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 |work=The Times of India |access-date=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}}{{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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=1 April 2019 |access-date=19 July 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}

Although she married a Hindu, she has stated that she has not converted to Hinduism, nor has she been asked to do so by her husband.{{cite web |date=11 May 2023 |title='Neither Converted Nor Asked To': Khushbu Sundar Responds To Trolls |url=https://www.news18.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/neither-converted-nor-asked-to-khushbu-sundar-responds-to-trolls-7783369.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111214414/https://www.news18.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/neither-converted-nor-asked-to-khushbu-sundar-responds-to-trolls-7783369.html |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=News18}} Though born into a Muslim family, Khushbu stated in 2006 that she was an atheist.{{Cite news |date=26 February 2006 |title=I AM: Khushboo |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/i-am-khushboo/articleshow/1429011.cms |access-date=19 April 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502165051/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/i-am-khushboo/articleshow/1429011.cms |url-status=live}}

Controversies

= Opposition by Hindutva groups =

Kushbu stirred controversy in December 2012 when she wore a saree that had images of the Hindu gods Rama, Krishna and Hanuman. The Hindu Makkal Katchi demanded an apology from her and threatened to start agitations. She responded by saying, "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?".{{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 |date=11 December 2012 |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}}

The Hindu Munnani and the Hindu Makkal Katchi filed several cases against Khushbu, accusing the actress of disrespecting Hindu gods by sitting cross-legged with her slippers in front of the idols of the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati during a puja for the muhurta in Chennai on 22 November 2007.{{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}}

= ''Maxim'' morphed photo case =

In January 2006, in its first Indian edition,{{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}} 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 four others involved with the magazine.{{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 }}{{Cite news |date=22 May 2006 |title=Maxim editor denied bail |work=The Times of India |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maxim-editor-denied-bail/articleshow/1541743.cms |url-status=live |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}}{{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}} The proceedings were later stayed by the Madras High Court in December 2007 based on a plea filed by one of those charged.{{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}}

= 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 took 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. The 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.{{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}} 22 complaints alleging that she was "defaming Tamil womanhood and chastity" were brought against her, but in 2010, the Supreme Court dismissed all cases.{{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}}{{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}}