SRINAGAR, July 25, 2026 : Kashmiri actor and social media influencer Mateena Jeelani, popularly known as Mateena Rajput, formally joined the Apni Party on Saturday in Srinagar, marking her entry into active politics.
The 23-year-old actor joined the party in the presence of Apni Party President and former minister Altaf Bukhari, along with other senior party leaders. Several of her associates also joined the party during the induction programme.
Hailing from Kupwara district in north Kashmir, Mateena has gained popularity through her work in the entertainment industry and on social media. She has appeared in two feature films, “Welcome to Kashmir” and the recently released “Songs of Paradise.”
Welcoming Mateena into the party fold, the Apni Party leadership expressed confidence that her association would strengthen the party’s outreach, particularly among the youth and aspiring artists of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mateena’s entry into politics comes at a time when several young personalities from different professional backgrounds are stepping into public life, reflecting growing participation of youth in the region’s political landscape.
