From Bengali Cinema to Politics and Back? Raj Chakraborty’s Emotional Exit

One of Bengali cinema’s most recognisable filmmakers, Raj Chakraborty , has officially stepped away from politics after suffering a major defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections , bringing an abrupt end to his five-year political chapter.

The director, who entered politics in 2021 under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) banner and won the Barrackpore seat, lost this time to BJP candidate Kaustav Bagchi by 15,822 votes . Soon after the result, Chakraborty posted an emotional message on social media announcing that his “political journey” had ended.

The election day drama did not end with the results. During the counting process at the Barrackpore counting centre, Chakraborty reportedly left the venue amid chaos after some people allegedly shouted “thief” slogans at him and hurled mud in his direction, adding to the tense atmosphere surrounding the constituency’s fiercely contested battle.

“Whenever life gave me responsibility, I tried to fulfil it sincerely,” Chakraborty wrote, reflecting on his transition from blockbuster filmmaker to MLA. He added that while his chapter as a public representative ends in 2026, he remains grateful to the people who supported him throughout the journey.

The filmmaker also accepted the public mandate gracefully and wished success to the incoming BJP-led government in Bengal, which is scheduled to take oath on May 9.

His wife and actor Subhashree Ganguly quickly rallied behind him online, calling him a “superhero” despite the setback, while several fans and members of the Bengali entertainment industry expressed support on social media.

Beyond the emotional farewell, Chakraborty’s exit is now being viewed as part of a wider political churn inside the TMC after the party’s electoral setback. Political observers say the defeat in industrial belts such as Barrackpore reflected rising anti-incumbency sentiment and organisational strain within the party.

Known for hit Bengali films like Chirodini Tumi Je Amar , Challenge and Parineeta , Chakraborty has not yet revealed whether he plans to fully return to filmmaking. However, his dramatic political exit has already become one of Bengal’s most talked-about post-election stories.