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Chetan Kumar

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For the director, see Chethan Kumar (director).

Chetan Kumar
Born (1983-02-24) 24 February 1983 (age 41)[1]
Chicago, Illinois, United States
NationalityAmerican
Other namesChetan Ahimsa, Myna Chetan, Aa Dinagalu Chetan
Alma materYale University
Occupations
  • Actor
  • social worker
  • activist
Years active2007–present
SpouseMegha Shrivastav (m. 2020)

Chetan Kumar (born 24 February 1983),[1] also known as Chetan Ahimsa, is an American Kannada-language film actor. He 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 and personal life

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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][5] During this time, he collaborated with the National School of Drama in Bangalore.[6]

Chetan Kumar married his long-time partner Megha on 2 February 2020.[7] Their wedding ceremony was held in an orphanage.[8] 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.[9][10][11]

Career

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Chetan debuted as a hero in Kannada films through director K. M. Chaitanya's debut directorial venture Aa Dinagalu in 2007. The film went on to become successful at the box office and became critically acclaimed.[12] Movies like Birugaali,[13] Suryakanthi, Dashamukha and Noorondu Nenapu (2017) did not fare well at the box office–however, Myna (2013) turned out to be a success.[14] In Chamarajanagara, Karnataka, his film Athiratha faced opposition from right-wing extremists who tore down posters and prevented its screening, citing Kumar's political stances.[15]

Activism

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Kumar identifies as an Ambedkarite and espouses the ideas of Buddha, Basava, Ambedkar, Phule, and Periyar.[16] He supports various social causes and has been involved in activist initiatives, including:[17]

  • Rehabilitation Fund for Endosulfan Victims (2013)
  • Building Homes for Evicted Tribals (2016)
  • Film Industry for Rights and Equality (2017)
  • Advocacy for the Kadugolla Community (2018)[18]
  • Minority Status for Lingayats (2018)
  • Panelist for Socio-Political Discussions[19]
  • Tipu[20] and Hindutva[21]
  • Anti-Superstition Campaign (2014)[22]
  • LGBTQIA Advocacy (2016)[23]
  • Environmental Activism[21][24]
  • Social Solidarity Movements:[25][26][27]

In 2022, Kumar was arrested for his tweet regarding Justice Krishna Dixit, who was presiding over the hijab issue in the Karnataka High Court.[28]

Rehabilitation

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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.[29]

Kumar helped rehabilitate 3,000 Coorg tribals who were unlawfully displaced.[30][31] As part of the campaign, homes were constructed near Kushalnagara.[32]

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.[33]

Lingayat independent religion

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Kumar advocated for the recognition of an independent Lingayat religion[34] 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.[35]

Kadugolla identity fight

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Kumar played a role[36] 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.[37][38]

Film industry for rights and equality (FIRE)

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Kumar is the founder of Film Industry for Rights and Equality,[39] 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.[40] The association works towards creating a safe and equitable working environment within the Kannada Film industry.[41][42]

Rural school instruction

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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.[43]

Controversies

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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,[44] 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.[45] The police took suo motu cognizance of his comments and arrested him, but he was later released on bail.[46]

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.[46]

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.[46][47][48][49]

On April 14, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled Kumar's Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status.[50]

Philanthropy

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Kumar's philanthropic causes include:[51]

  • Karnataka flood relief efforts: Kumar participated in the flood relief efforts in Kodagu, Karnataka, in August 2018.[52] He donated ration kits and essential supplies. He visited remote areas to provide relief materials.[53]
  • COVID-19 relief: During the pandemic, Kumar supported marginalized groups such as tribal communities[54] and transgender individuals. He distributed ration and medical kits during the first and second pandemic waves.[55][56]
  • Cemetery workers: Kumar highlighted the demands of cemetery and crematorium workers. He urged state government to offer insurance coverage, increased pay, and recognition as government employees.[57][58]

Filmography

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Key
† 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 100 Crores† TBA Telugu-Kannada film, Post-production[59]

Awards and recognitions

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2008 Udaya Film Awards Best Actor Aa Dinagalu Won

References

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  1. ^ a b "Exclusive biography of #ChetanKumar and on his life". Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  2. ^ "Karnataka: Yale to jail, a 'one of a kind' life". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  3. ^ "Going the extra mile". Deccan Herald. 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  4. ^ "Interview: Social concern is my priority, not cinema, says Chetan". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 October 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  5. ^ Yukthi i (31 December 2017), Chetan Ahimsa interview at FM Rainbow 101.3, archived from the original on 11 October 2020, retrieved 9 November 2018
  6. ^ "Indian American actor, Fulbright scholar and Yale alum Chetan Kumar assaulted by police officer in Bengaluru". Americanbazaaronline.com. 29 January 2015. Archived from the original on 17 March 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  7. ^ "Why Chetan and Megha are planning a simple wedding". Deccan Herald. 28 January 2020. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  8. ^ "Walking down the aisle of humanity". The New Indian Express. 4 February 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  9. ^ "Kannada Actor Chetan, Wife Megha Hand Out Copies of the Constitution at Their Wedding". News18. 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  10. ^ "Actor Chetan to marry partner Megha in 'non-ritualistic' and 'progressive' ceremony". The News Minute.com. 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020.
  11. ^ Crew, The Logical Indian (14 February 2020). "In A Unique Gesture, Kannada Actor Chetan Gifts Copies Of Constitution To Guests At His Weddicalindian.com/exclusive/chetan-megha-wedding-19728". thelogicalindian.com. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  12. ^ "Had 'Aa Dinagalu' released today, it would have been a much bigger hit: K.M. Chaitanya". The Times of India. 21 October 2021.
  13. ^ "Chaitanya's back with Suryakanti". The New Indian Express. 15 May 2012.
  14. ^ "Top 10 commercial hits of 2013". The Times of India. 31 December 2013.
  15. ^ "Kannada actor Chetan targeted for Lingayat stand, theatres playing his film attacked". The News Minute. 27 November 2017. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  16. ^ Raman, Pratiba (26 February 2022). "Arrested for Remarks Against Hijab Ban Judge, Who Is Chetan Kumar?". TheQuint. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  17. ^ "This actor is fighting for adivasi rights – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  18. ^ "ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಎಸ್‌ಟಿ ಮಾನ್ಯತೆ". kannada.oneindia.com (in Kannada). Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  19. ^ "Karnataka Assembly Election: "Wealth and money dictate whether you win," says actor Chetan". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  20. ^ "Tipu's legacy: politics and misreading". Deccan Herald. 28 October 2017. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  21. ^ a b "Hindutva and Hindu are different entities". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  22. ^ "Working For Rehabilitation of Adivasis, Branded A Naxalite; Karnataka Actor Asks Apology From BJP Leader". The Logical Indian. 9 April 2018. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  23. ^ "Colourful Kamanabillu – Eps 12- Sandalwood Star Chetan Ahimsa Being An LGBTQIA Ally – RJ Shilok". Archived from the original on 4 February 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  24. ^ "Mahadayi water dispute: Farmers to observe bandh in north Karnataka tomorrow – Times of India ►". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 May 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  25. ^ "Actor Chetan Speech on Gauri Lankesh issue". 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2018 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ "I Am Gauri: In Bengaluru, thousands turn up in solidarity to protest journalist's murder". The News Minute. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 18 December 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  27. ^ Actor Chetan Support To Farmers Protest | Karnataka Bandh | TV5 Kannada, 27 September 2020, retrieved 12 April 2021
  28. ^ "Chetan Kumar: Indian actor arrested for tweet on Karnataka hijab row judge", BBC News, 23 February 2022
  29. ^ "Chetan helps endosulfan victims". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  30. ^ "Actor Chetan says He will Return to Kodagu Forest". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  31. ^ "Chetan's fight for diddalli adivasis continues – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  32. ^ "ಕೇಳದೆ ಕೊಡುವ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮುಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬರಬೇಕಿದೆ: ನಟ ಚೇತನ್". Public TV News. 11 March 2018. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  33. ^ "Actor Chetan seeks apology from BJP". The Hindu. 3 April 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  34. ^ "Chaos at Lingayat meet". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  35. ^ "B S Yeddyurappa playing divisive politics: Actor Chetan – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  36. ^ "ಪ್ರವರ್ಗ–1ಕ್ಕೆ 'ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ' ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆ – ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ". ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ (in Kannada). Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  37. ^ "Don't let your identity die". Deccan Herald. 3 July 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  38. ^ "ಜಾತಿ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ, ಹಟ್ಟಿಗೊಲ್ಲ ಹೆಸರು ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆಗೆ C.S.ದ್ವಾರಕನಾಥ್, ನಟ ಚೇತನ್ ಸಿಎಂ ಗೆ ಮನವಿ.!". kannadanewsnow.com. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  39. ^ "F I R E - Film Industry for Rights & Equality". Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  40. ^ "Chetan makes headway in starting a scriptwriters association for Sandalwood – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  41. ^ "The Kannada Film Industry needs substantive reform: Chetan – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  42. ^ "Katha Nayaka – 11th June 2017 – ಕಥಾ ನಾಯಕ | ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ | ಸುದ್ದಿ ಟಿವಿ". 12 June 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2018 – via YouTubea.
  43. ^ Ranendran, Nuvena (6 October 2013). "An actor with the heart of a teacher". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 15 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  44. ^ "FIR against actor Chetan". The Hindu. 12 June 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  45. ^ "From a Student at Yales to Kannada Cinema, Chetan Kumar's Amazing Journey". News18. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  46. ^ a b c "Kannada actor Chetan Kumar arrested, this time over tweet on Hindutva". 21 March 2023.
  47. ^ "Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Arrested for 'Objectionable' Tweet on Hindutva".
  48. ^ "'Height of dictatorship': Activists, politicians condemn arrest of Chetan Ahimsa". The News Minute. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  49. ^ "Jailing of Actor Chetan Kumar Shows Judicial Truancy Still at Play". The Wire. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  50. ^ "OCI status of actor Chetan Kumar cancelled weeks after arrest over Hindutva tweet". The Hindu. 15 April 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  51. ^ pratiba. "Kannada actor Chetan to marry social worker Megha at orphanage". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  52. ^ Actor Chetan And Actress ShrutiHariharan Collects Fund From Public For Kodagu Flood Victims|, 21 August 2018, retrieved 17 April 2023
  53. ^ Actor Chethan Shows His Concern Towards Flood Effected Victims In Kodagu, 22 August 2018, retrieved 17 April 2023
  54. ^ "Kannada actor Chetan Kumar reaches out to tribals with ration kits". The New Indian Express. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  55. ^ Singh, Ankita (31 May 2021). "COVID Relief: Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Provides Ration Kits To Marginalised Communities". thelogicalindian.com. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  56. ^ "ಬುಡಕಟ್ಟು ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪಡಿತರ ವಿತರಿಸಿದ ನಟ ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್". Kannadaprabha. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  57. ^ "Kannada actor Chetan writes to Karnataka govt on behalf of crematorium workers". The News Minute. 17 May 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  58. ^ "Actor Chetan moots cemetery workers wellbeing during pandemic". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  59. ^ "Chetan's Telugu film is titled 100 Crores". The Times of India. 6 January 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
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