Chetan Kumar Explained

Birth Date:24 February 1983[1]
Birth Place:Chicago, Illinois, United States
Years Active:2007–present
Nationality:American
Alma Mater:Yale University
Othername:Chetan Ahimsa, Myna Chetan, Aa Dinagalu Chetan
Spouse:Megha Shrivastav (m. 2020)

Chetan Kumar (Kannada: ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ) (born 24 February 1983),[1] also known as Chetan Ahimsa, is an American Kannada-language film actor. Kumar made his on-screen debut in the 2007 film Aa Dinagalu, which earned him the Udaya Film Award for Best Debut Actor Male. His most recent success came in the 2013 hit film Myna, for which his performance received critical acclaim.

Early life

Kumar was born on 24 February, 1983 and grew up in Chicago, Illinois.

Kumar finished high school as the valedictorian at Marist High School in Chicago.

Kumar graduated from Yale University in South Asian Studies with an emphasis on comparative theater in 2005.[2] Upon completing his studies in 2005, Kumar was awarded a twelve-month Fulbright Scholarship to Karnataka, India.[3] [4] During this time, he collaborated with the National School of Drama in Bangalore.[5]

Marriage

Chetan Kumar married his long-time partner Megha on 2 February 2020.[6] Their wedding ceremony was held in an orphanage.[7] It received praise for innovative initiatives such as a plantable (seed paper) invitation card. The ceremony were presided over by a transgender activist. The couple gifted the Indian Constitution to their guests.[8] [9] [10]

Career

In the film Noorondu Nenapu (2017), Kumar portrayed the lead character, Shreyas.[11] However, in Chamarajanagara, Karnataka, the film faced opposition from right-wing extremists who tore down posters and prevented its screening, citing Kumar's political stances.[12]

Activism

Kumar identifies as an Ambedkarite and espouses the ideas of Buddha, Basava, Ambedkar, Phule, and Periyar.[13] He supports various social causes and has been involved in activist initiatives, including:[14]

In 2022, Kumar was arrested for his tweet regarding Justice Krishna Dixit, who was presiding over the hijab issue in the Karnataka High Court.

Endosulfan victim rehabilitation

Kumar supported successful demands for 24-hour medical care and a monthly compensation increase for Endosulfan victims in Karnataka's coastal belt. The objective was to raise the compensation from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000-5,000.[24]

Dhidalli Adivasis rehabilitation protests

Kumar helped rehabilitate 3,000 Coorg tribals who were unlawfully displaced.[25] [26] As part of the campaign, homes were constructed near Kushalnagara.[27]

In April 2018, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officially claimed the Dhidalli struggle was "Naxalite-inspired" and listed Kumar as responsible. However, Kumar denied these allegations and argued that the Dhidalli protest was non-violent and constitutional. He called for an apology from the Law Minister and the BJP state President.[28]

Lingayat independent religion

Kumar advocated for the recognition of an independent Lingayat religion[29] based on the philosophy of Basava and Vachana literature. He participated in pro-Lingayat forums in locations such as Bengaluru, Kalburgi, and Hassan. Additionally, he contributed to TV discussions and interviews to raise awareness and promote dialogue.[30]

Kadugolla identity fight

Kumar played a role[31] in the efforts to obtain state recognition for the Kadugolla community. The Kadugolla community consists of Kannada-speaking Adivasis who engage in sheep-rearing and have distinct cultural practices and religious practices. The Kadugolla community was eventually recognised by the state government.[32] [33]

Film industry for rights and equality (FIRE)

Kumar is the founder of Film Industry for Rights and Equality,[34] an association based in the Kannada Film industry. Established in 2017, FIRE aims to address issues related to sexual harassment in the workplace, the livelihoods of film workers and technicians, and establishing a writers' guild.[35] The association works towards creating a safe and equitable working environment within the Kannada Film industry.[36] [37]

Rural school instruction

Kumar was involved in teaching critical thinking and current events at a village school in Mullur. Starting in September 2005, he advocated academic techniques such as interactive sessions, discussion forums, writing assignments, guest speakers, and meta-syllabus-based studies.[38]

Controversies

Kumar advocated for Dalit/Adivasi rights and promoting anti-caste ideologies. However, controversies arose over his statements and activities.

On June 6, 2021, Kumar posted a quote of Ambedkar and Periyar regarding Brahminism as an ideology,[39] which led to a complaint against him by Brahmin caste groups at Basavangudi Police Station.

In February 2022, Ahimsa was arrested for his alleged comments against a Karnataka High Court judge who was hearing a hijab case.[40] The police took suo motu cognizance of his comments and arrested him, but he was later released on bail.[41]

In October 2022, another First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Ahimsa by a right-wing extremist group for stating that Buta Kola, depicted in the film Kantara, was not part of a Hindu custom.

Ahimsa again faced arrest in March 2023 by the Bengaluru city police based on a complaint from a Bajrang Dal activist, accusing him of hurting religious sentiments with a tweet about Hindutva. The Karnataka Police's actions drew widespread criticism from human rights defenders.[42] [43] [44]

On April 14, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled Kumar's Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status.[45]

Philanthropy

Kumar's philanthropic causes include:[46]

Filmography

style="background:#FFFFCC;"
Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Film Role Notes
2007 Aa Dinagalu Kumar Udaya Film Award for Best Debut Actor
2009 Raam Himself Cameo
Birugaali Hacchi
2010 Suryakaanti Rohith / Surya
2012 Dashamukha Agni
2013 Myna Sathyamurthy
2017 Noorondu Nenapu Shreyas Bahaddur
Athiratha Akash
2021 Ranam Satyagrahi
2024 Maarga TBAFilming
2024100 CroresTBATelugu-Kannada film, Post-production[52]

Awards and recognitions

width=5%Yearwidth=40%Awardwidth=20%Categorywidth=20%Nominated workwidth=30%Result
2008Udaya Film AwardsBest ActorAa Dinagalu

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Exclusive biography of #ChetanKumar and on his life.. 18 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195321/https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/chetan-kumar/biography.html. 14 June 2018. live.
  2. Web site: Karnataka: Yale to jail, a 'one of a kind' life . 2023-04-17 . www.telegraphindia.com.
  3. Web site: 24 October 2017 . Going the extra mile . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190420050840/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/639221/going-extra-mile.html . 20 April 2019 . 10 April 2018 . Deccan Herald.
  4. News: Interview: Social concern is my priority, not cinema, says Chetan . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190846/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/south/interview-actor-chetan-diddalli-tribal-protest-social-concern . 21 October 2018 . 11 April 2018 . Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd.
  5. Web site: Indian American actor, Fulbright scholar and Yale alum Chetan Kumar assaulted by police officer in Bengaluru . Americanbazaaronline.com . 29 January 2015 . 15 April 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150317230850/http://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2015/01/29/indian-american-actor-fulbright-scholar-yale-alum-chetan-kumar-assaulted-police-officer-bengaluru/ . 17 March 2015 . live .
  6. Web site: 2020-01-28 . Why Chetan and Megha are planning a simple wedding . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201011125809/https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-lifestyle/why-chetan-and-megha-are-planning-a-simple-wedding-798998.html . 11 October 2020 . 2020-09-05 . Deccan Herald . en.
  7. Web site: Walking down the aisle of humanity . 2023-04-17 . The New Indian Express.
  8. Web site: 5 February 2020 . Kannada Actor Chetan, Wife Megha Hand Out Copies of the Constitution at Their Wedding . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200315210917/https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/kannada-actor-chetan-wife-megha-hand-out-copes-of-the-constitution-at-their-wedding-2487505.html . 15 March 2020 . 2020-09-05 . News18.
  9. Web site: 21 January 2020 . Actor Chetan to marry partner Megha in 'non-ritualistic' and 'progressive' ceremony | the News Minute . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200121171335/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/actor-chetan-marry-partner-megha-non-ritualistic-and-progressive-ceremony-116539 . 21 January 2020 . 2020-09-05 . www.thenewsminute.com.
  10. Web site: Crew . The Logical Indian . 2020-02-14 . In A Unique Gesture, Kannada Actor Chetan Gifts Copies Of Constitution To Guests At His Wedding . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200215141759/https://thelogicalindian.com/exclusive/chetan-megha-wedding-19728 . 15 February 2020 . 2020-09-05 . thelogicalindian.com . en.
  11. News: Chetan is back in college and in love. The New Indian Express. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174308/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/jun/08/chetan-is-back-in-college-and-in-love-1614035.html. 11 April 2018. live.
  12. News: Kannada actor Chetan targeted for Lingayat stand, theatres playing his film attacked. 27 November 2017. The News Minute. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20171201234818/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kannada-actor-chetan-targeted-lingayat-stand-theatres-playing-his-film-attacked-72258. 1 December 2017. live.
  13. Web site: Raman . Pratiba . 2022-02-26 . Arrested for Remarks Against Hijab Ban Judge, Who Is Chetan Kumar? . 2023-04-17 . TheQuint . en.
  14. News: This actor is fighting for adivasi rights – Times of India. The Times of India. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180719015434/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/chetan-fights-for-adivasi-rights/articleshow/56101046.cms. 19 July 2018. live.
  15. News: ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಎಸ್‌ಟಿ ಮಾನ್ಯತೆ. kannada.oneindia.com. 11 April 2018. kn. https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082428/https://kannada.oneindia.com/news/karnataka/govt-nod-for-kadu-golla-community-to-include-st-category-133355.html. 12 April 2018. live.
  16. Web site: Karnataka Assembly Election: "Wealth and money dictate whether you win," says actor Chetan. Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180409225943/http://newsable.asianetnews.com/video/karnataka-assembly-election-wealth-and-money-dictate-whether-you-win-says-actor-chetan. 9 April 2018. live.
  17. Web site: Tipu's legacy: politics and misreading. Deccan Herald. 28 October 2017 . 11 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082257/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/639701/tipus-legacy-politics-misreading.html. 12 April 2018. live.
  18. Web site: Hindutva and Hindu are different entities. Bangalore Mirror. 11 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180412083751/http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/bangalore/others/hindutva-and-hindu-are-different-entities/articleshow/62479806.cms. 12 April 2018. live.
  19. News: Working For Rehabilitation of Adivasis, Branded A Naxalite; Karnataka Actor Asks Apology From BJP Leader. 9 April 2018. The Logical Indian. 11 April 2018. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082333/https://thelogicalindian.com/news/adivasi-karnataka-actor-apology-government/. 12 April 2018. live.
  20. Web site: Colourful Kamanabillu – Eps 12- Sandalwood Star Chetan Ahimsa Being An LGBTQIA Ally – RJ Shilok. en. 11 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20170204084449/https://soundcloud.com/radioactivecr90-4mhz/colourful-kamanabillu-season-2-eps-12-sandalwood-star-chethan-ahimsa-being-an-lgbtqia-allie-rj-shilok. 4 February 2017. live.
  21. News: Mahadayi water dispute: Farmers to observe bandh in north Karnataka tomorrow – Times of India ►. The Times of India. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20190523032814/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/mahadayi-water-dispute-farmers-to-observe-bandh-in-north-karnataka-tomorrow/articleshow/62255503.cms. 23 May 2019. live.
  22. Web site: YouTube. Actor Chetan Speech on Gauri Lankesh issue. 12 September 2017. 11 April 2018. 11 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201011125823/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JgCJxjN5Vk. live.
  23. News: I Am Gauri: In Bengaluru, thousands turn up in solidarity to protest journalist's murder. 12 September 2017. The News Minute. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20171218172706/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/i-am-gauri-bengaluru-thousands-turn-solidarity-protest-journalists-murder-68298. 18 December 2017. live.
  24. News: Chetan helps endosulfan victims. The Times of India. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180719015437/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Chetan-helps-endosulfan-victims/articleshow/21526395.cms. 19 July 2018. live.
  25. News: Actor Chetan says He will Return to Kodagu Forest. The New Indian Express. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180411111548/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2016/dec/19/actor-chetan-says-he-will-return-to-kodagu-forest-1550977.html. 11 April 2018. live.
  26. News: Chetan's fight for diddalli adivasis continues – Times of India. The Times of India. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180719015441/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/chetans-fight-for-diddalli-adivasis-continues/articleshow/56178823.cms. 19 July 2018. live.
  27. News: ಕೇಳದೆ ಕೊಡುವ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮುಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬರಬೇಕಿದೆ: ನಟ ಚೇತನ್. 11 March 2018. Public TV News. 11 April 2018. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20180412145459/http://publictv.in/sandalwood-actor-chethan-visit-basavanahalli-at-madikeri/. 12 April 2018. live.
  28. News: Actor Chetan seeks apology from BJP. . 3 April 2018. The Hindu. 10 April 2018. en-IN. 0971-751X. 11 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201011125809/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/actor-chetan-seeks-apology-from-bjp/article23428082.ece. live.
  29. Web site: Chaos at Lingayat meet. Bangalore Mirror. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175811/http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/chaos-at-lingayat-meet/articleshow/60297245.cms. 11 April 2018. live.
  30. News: B S Yeddyurappa playing divisive politics: Actor Chetan – Times of India. The Times of India. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180614010018/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/b-s-yeddyurappa-playing-divisive-politics-actor-chetan/articleshow/60301614.cms. 14 June 2018. live.
  31. News: ಪ್ರವರ್ಗ–1ಕ್ಕೆ 'ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ' ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆ – ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082812/http://www.prajavani.net/news/article/2018/01/18/548089.html . 12 April 2018 . 11 April 2018 . ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ . kn.
  32. News: Don't let your identity die. 3 July 2018. Deccan Herald. 9 November 2018. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20181109111916/https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-move/don-t-let-your-identity-die-678715.html. 9 November 2018. live.
  33. News: ಜಾತಿ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ, ಹಟ್ಟಿಗೊಲ್ಲ ಹೆಸರು ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆಗೆ C.S.ದ್ವಾರಕನಾಥ್, ನಟ ಚೇತನ್ ಸಿಎಂ ಗೆ ಮನವಿ.!. kannadanewsnow.com. 11 April 2018. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082424/http://kannadanewsnow.com/kannada/top-6/cm-9/. 12 April 2018. live.
  34. Web site: Archived copy . 23 January 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190623123728/http://fire-film.com/ . 23 June 2019 . live .
  35. News: Chetan makes headway in starting a scriptwriters association for Sandalwood – Times of India. The Times of India. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180719015439/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/chetan-makes-headway-in-starting-a-scriptwriters-association-for-sandalwood/articleshow/62969401.cms. 19 July 2018. live.
  36. News: The Kannada Film Industry needs substantive reform: Chetan – Times of India. The Times of India. 10 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180719084449/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/the-kannada-film-industry-needs-substantive-reform-chetan/articleshow/56271400.cms. 19 July 2018. live.
  37. Web site: YouTubea. Katha Nayaka – 11th June 2017 – ಕಥಾ ನಾಯಕ ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಸುದ್ದಿ ಟಿವಿ. 12 June 2017. 11 April 2018.
  38. Web site: Ranendran, Nuvena . An actor with the heart of a teacher . Deccan Chronicle. 6 October 2013 . 15 April 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150415211837/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/131006/commentary-sunday-chronicle/article/actor-heart-teacher . 15 April 2015 . dead .
  39. News: Correspondent . Special . 2021-06-12 . FIR against actor Chetan . en-IN . The Hindu . 2023-04-17 . 0971-751X.
  40. Web site: 2023-02-24 . From a Student at Yales to Kannada Cinema, Chetan Kumar's Amazing Journey . 2023-04-17 . News18 . en.
  41. Web site: Kannada actor Chetan Kumar arrested, this time over tweet on Hindutva . 21 March 2023 .
  42. Web site: Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Arrested for 'Objectionable' Tweet on Hindutva .
  43. Web site: 2023-03-23 . 'Height of dictatorship': Activists, politicians condemn arrest of Chetan Ahimsa . 2023-04-17 . The News Minute . en.
  44. Web site: Jailing of Actor Chetan Kumar Shows Judicial Truancy Still at Play . 2023-04-17 . The Wire.
  45. News: Bureau . The Hindu . 2023-04-15 . OCI status of actor Chetan Kumar cancelled weeks after arrest over Hindutva tweet . en-IN . The Hindu . 2023-04-17 . 0971-751X.
  46. Web site: pratiba . Kannada actor Chetan to marry social worker Megha at orphanage . 2023-04-17 . Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd . en.
  47. Web site: Kannada actor Chetan Kumar reaches out to tribals with ration kits . 2023-04-17 . The New Indian Express. 28 May 2021 .
  48. Web site: Singh . Ankita . 2021-05-31 . COVID Relief: Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Provides Ration Kits To Marginalised Communities . 2023-04-17 . thelogicalindian.com . en.
  49. Web site: ಬುಡಕಟ್ಟು ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪಡಿತರ ವಿತರಿಸಿದ ನಟ ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ . 2023-04-17 . Kannadaprabha.
  50. Web site: 2021-05-17 . Kannada actor Chetan writes to Karnataka govt on behalf of crematorium workers . 2023-04-17 . The News Minute . en.
  51. News: Actor Chetan moots cemetery workers wellbeing during pandemic . The Times of India . 2023-04-17 . 0971-8257.
  52. News: Chetan's Telugu film is titled 100 Crores . The Times of India. 6 January 2021 . 28 July 2022.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Chetan Kumar".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.