Kushboo Sundar is a name that resonates across generations in Indian cinema and politics. From being one of the highest-paid actresses of her time to becoming a formidable political voice, she has consistently challenged stereotypes and broken barriers in male-dominated spaces.
At the Jagran Film Festival, Kushboo shared her unfiltered thoughts on cinema, politics, and what it truly means to stand your ground.
Kushboo's journey in the film industry began when many doubted her potential in South Indian cinema. “When I came to the South, people said this won't succeed. I had to swim against the tide and prove myself,” she recalls. But she proved herself, becoming the highest-paid actress during her peak years.
What sets Kushboo apart is her refusal to compromise on her dignity. When recently offered a film where she would play mother to a 53-year-old hero (she being 55), her response was classic, “In the next film, when he plays my father's role, I'll play his mother's role. You confirm that for me.”
Her point was clear: why should age stereotypes apply differently to men and women in cinema? “Why should I play mother to a man younger than me? If a hero at 55 can still play a college student, why can’t he play a father too?”
Speaking candidly about the industry, Kushboo doesn’t mince words: “Indian cinema is male-centric. There are no two ways about it. In every language.”
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She points out the harsh reality that while women-centric films like ‘Tumhari Sulu’, ‘Darlings’, and ‘Laapataa Ladies’ receive critical acclaim, they often struggle at the box office. “Heroine-oriented films struggle because audiences don’t support them in theatres. The same audiences wait for these films to come on OTT and then praise them. If you want more women-centric cinema, step into the theatre and support them,” she stressed.
Her perspective is practical, “Cinema is not charity, it’s an entertainment business. When someone invests crores of rupees, they want returns. Rather than blaming the cinema, change your taste as an audience.”
When asked what's more challenging, being a woman in films or politics, Kushboo’s answer is immediate: “Woman in politics, definitely.”
She explains the patriarchal mindset that still dominates political spaces, “A lot of men cannot accept a woman to be beautiful with brains. Wherever they think this woman is going to overtake me, their fangs come out.”
Her entry into politics wasn’t without hurdles. Her very first speech had to be delivered in Tamil for 45 minutes, without notes. “My husband was very clear, you won’t keep a paper in your hand. You have to speak without a paper,” she remembers. “Cinema is only about work, but in politics, egos and insecurities play out differently.”
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Perhaps what’s most inspiring about Kushboo is her relationship with doubt and challenges. “I was born a little weird. When people doubt me, when they think I won’t be able to do it, then I give my best,” she says with characteristic honesty.
She quotes Margaret Thatcher: "You put a woman in hot water, and you see the best colours coming out.”
This attitude has served her throughout her career transitions. Whether it was establishing herself in South Indian cinema or making her political debut, Kushboo has consistently proven that pushing against resistance only makes her stronger.
Despite her professional achievements, Kushboo’s greatest pride lies in her family. Married for 30 years with two daughters, she considers building a successful family her most fulfilling accomplishment. “You work hard for everything you want, but what you build as a family remains with you forever,” she reflects.
Her devotion to friendship is equally touching; she has tattoos of her five best friends’ initials and admits to being possessively protective of these relationships that span nearly four decades.
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For young women hesitant about entering politics or other challenging fields, Kushboo’s advice is characteristically direct: “If you are scared, you will die. Get rid of your fear. Tie your fear in a bag and throw it in the middle of the sea so that you don’t even get the key to it.”
She also demystifies politics for aspiring women leaders: “If you think politics is a dirty game, it’s not. If you know how to play the game, it’s very beautiful. You just have to learn the tricks.”
Kushboo Sundar represents a generation of women who refuse to be diminished by societal expectations. Whether calling out age bias in cinema or navigating political hierarchies, she has maintained her authenticity while achieving success on her own terms.
In a world where women are often told to choose between being liked and being respected, Kushboo has chosen respect and, in doing so, has earned both. Her journey from the silver screen to the political arena serves as a blueprint for women everywhere: be fearless, be authentic, and never let anyone else define your worth.
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