BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh Reveals TMC 'Banned' Him From Films: 'I Turned Down Film With Salman Khan…' | Exclusive

BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh Reveals TMC 'Banned' Him From Films: 'I Turned Down Film With Salman Khan…' | Exclusive

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Last Updated: May 26, 2026, 20:39 IST

Actor and BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh says he was sidelined in the Bengali film industry for years because of his political affiliation and expressed hope for better days ahead.

Actor and BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh claimed he was banned in Tollywood.

Actor and BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh, who recently won from the Shibpur Assembly constituency in West Bengal, has spoken openly about what he describes as a “ban culture" inside Tollywood after he aligned himself with the political party. In an exclusive conversation with News18, the actor claimed he was sidelined by the Bengali film industry for years because of his political views and support for the BJP. According to Rudranil, many people from the industry avoided publicly interacting with him out of fear that it could affect their own careers.

Reflecting on the RG Kar rape case and the atmosphere inside the Bengali entertainment industry during that period, Rudranil alleged that there was open pressure against those who spoke up. “The Tollywood and theatre industry were destroyed badly. During the RG Kar case, TMC leaders openly said that whoever wanted to work with them could do so, and the rest did not matter. It was a direct threat against those who protested or spoke out against injustice."

Rudranil also claimed that the Bengali film industry itself suffered heavily over the years, with film production dropping sharply and many workers losing employment opportunities. “In 2021, the maximum number of bans were imposed on me after I spoke about the condition of the Bengali film industry. Earlier, nearly 100 Bengali films were made every year. Now that number has dropped to around 30-35. Technicians, artists, everyone is unemployed. Directors no longer have respect, and producers have suffered huge losses."

The actor also revealed how badly his own work opportunities were affected during this period. “In the last five years, I have worked for only 72 days." Despite receiving major film offers outside Bengal, Rudranil said he chose to stay back because he believed his political and social responsibilities mattered more. “After Maidaan, I was offered another film by Ajay Devgn. But I said I will not go now. If I leave from here, then who would carry this movement forward? After that, I also got a bigger offer than a Salman Khan film from a South director. I did not go there either. I have many friends in Mumbai."

According to Rudranil, the fear inside the industry became so intense that even close colleagues stopped publicly associating with him. “My technician brothers were forced to wear black patches and protest against me, marching from Technicians’ Studio to Uttam Kumar’s statue near Tollygunge. Even my colleagues stayed away from me out of fear. No one invited me to parties, no one took photos with me. I have cried after being blatantly cornered."

The actor added that while he still has plans for Tollywood and the Bengali entertainment industry, his current focus remains public work and governance. “I have many plans. But right now, since we are part of a regiment, the first priority is to fulfill people’s basic needs because the fund is empty. The previous government left after creating a debt of eight lakh crore rupees and stealing money."

Rudranil Ghosh’s last released film is the Bengali black comedy heist thriller The Academy of Fine Arts (2025). It hit cinemas in November 2025.

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First Published: May 26, 2026, 20:30 IST

News movies regional-cinema BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh Reveals TMC 'Banned' Him From Films: 'I Turned Down Film With Salman Khan…' | Exclusive