Have you ever noticed how a number of Bollywood personalities have an affinity towards politics and how some of them have chosen it as an alternative career option, once they’ve retire from the big screens? Shatrughan Sinha, Jaya Bachchan and a number of other actors have had successful transitions into mainstream politics.

But did you know? Politics has also been an inspiration for a number of filmmakers with Bollywood churning out several films (some of which were hits while others were embroiled into controversies) based on some real-life politicians. So here’s listing a few of them.

Amitabh Bachchan in Sarkar

 Loosely based on the life of Balasaheb Thackeray, Amitabh Bachchan pulled off the role with panache in RGV’s Sarkar. He played the character of a man who is a powerful patriarch and who turns his back on his son Vishnu after he committed a heinous crime. The plot thickens when Vishnu later joins his father’s rivals for revenge.

Katrina Kaif in Raajneeti

In this Prakash Jha film, Katrina Kaif’s character was loosely based on Sonia Gandhi and the story is about how Ranbir Kapoor (Samar) decides to return to the US to complete his studies and live with his girlfriend but has to prolong his stay to avenge the death of his politician father. 

Suchitra Sen in Aandhi

This political drama starring Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar was loosely based on the life of Indira Gandhi and her husband. But the filmmakers have always refuted the claims. Directed by Gulzar, the film is about a chance encounter of an estranged couple after several years, when the wife, who has become a leading politician, happens to stay in her husband’s hotel during an election campaign.

Paresh Rawal in Sardar

This is political drama is about the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who is born in a wealthy family and does not have a great opinion about the freedom struggle. But after hearing Gandhi speak, he changes his mind and joins him in the freedom struggle. Paresh Rawal plays the titular role in the film. 

Also, according to various sources, Paresh Rawal will be playing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his upcoming biopic, which will be produced by Paresh himself.