Congress Rajya Sabha member and Tollywood star K Chiranjeevi, who has been in political sabbatical ever since the party’s rout in last year’s Assembly polls in AP, is understood to be considering retirement from politics.

The actor-turned-politician, who had floated Praja Rajyam Party ahead of 2009 elections - drawing inspiration from the legendary N T Rama Rao’s illustrious political career - merged his party with the Congress after failing miserably at the hustings.

Sources told Express that he is now seriously contemplating whether to follow in the footsteps of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan who had dabbled in politics only to abruptly bow out and get back to films. “Chiranjeevi is unhappy with his political career. He is of the view that he is not suitable for ‘Congress-mark’ politics. He feels isolated in the party,” a close aide of the mega star said.

Another associate of the actor was more forthcoming, “He regrets entering politics and believes that it has tarnished his larger than life image as a matinee idol.”