Chetan Kumar
Born (1983-02-24) 24 February 1983[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 (Kannada: ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ) (born 24 February 1983),[1] also known as Chetan Ahimsa, is an American Kannada-language film actor. Chetan made his on-screen debut in the 2007 cult classic 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 strong critical acclaim.

Chetan was born and brought up in Chicago, Illinois, US. He finished high school as the valedictorian at Marist High School, Chicago. His parents, both doctors working in the US, are originally from Karnataka, India. Chetan Kumar married his long-time partner Megha on 2 February 2020.[2] Their wedding ceremony, which was held in an orphanage,[3] received praise for innovative initiatives such as a plantable (seed paper) invitation card, marriage vows presided by a transgender activist, and gifting the 'Indian Constitution' to all guests.[4][5][6] One of his tweets regarding a high court justice of the Karnataka High Court sparked controversy.[7]

Education

Kumar graduated from Yale University in South Asian studies with an emphasis on comparative theater in 2005.[8] As a US citizen, Chetan came to India as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2005-2006 academic year.[9][10][11]

Upon completing his studies in 2005, Kumar was awarded a twelve-month Fulbright Scholarship to Karnataka, India. During this time, he collaborated with the National School of Drama in Bangalore.[12]

Career

Film actor

In the film Noorondu Nenapu (2017), Kumar portrayed the lead character named "Shreyas".[13] 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.[14]

Social and political activism

Chetan identifies himself as an Ambedkarite and espouses the ideas of Buddha, Basava, Ambedkar, Phule, and Periyar.[15] He actively supports various social causes and has been involved in several activist initiatives, including:[16]

  • Rehabilitation Fund for Endosulfan Victims (2013): Chetan, along with local activists, played a role in advocating for a rehabilitation fund from the state government to assist victims of Endosulfan.
  • Building Homes for Evicted Tribals (2016): Chetan was involved in the construction of 528 homes for the evicted tribals of Dhidalli, Coorg.
  • FIRE (Film Industry for Rights and Equality) (2017): Chetan founded FIRE to advocate for the rights and welfare of women, writers, and workers in the Kannada Film Industry.
  • Advocacy for the Kadugolla Community (2018): Chetan played a role in securing a recognized identity[17] for the Kadugolla community.[18]
  • Minority Status for Lingayats (2018): Chetan supported the cause of granting a state-approved "minority status" to Lingayats.
  • Panelist for Socio-Political Discussions: Chetan is regularly invited as a panelist for TV and media discussions on socio-political issues.[19]
  • Writing and Voicing Social Concerns: Chetan expresses his views on social concerns and recent government policies through writings[20] and media engagements, covering topics such as casting couch, water politics, communal politics,[21] reservations for marginalized communities, and environmental destruction.
  • Anti-Superstition Campaign (2014):[22] Chetan, along with local activists, worked to raise awareness and educate Koraga tribal school children against the discriminatory practice of "Ajjalu Paddhathi." Their efforts led to the state government banning this practice via the 2017 Anti-Superstition Bill.
  • LGBTQIA Advocacy (2016):[23] Chetan has been an advocate for the rights of sexual minorities and has contested the discriminatory Article 377.
  • Environmental Activism: Chetan has actively raised his voice against projects and activities that pose threats to the environment, such as the construction of a steel flyover[21] and the proposed Mekedatu Dam Project.[24]
  • Social Solidarity Movements:[25] Chetan has participated in movements and campaigns in support of causes such as the "I am Gauri" campaign against attacks on activists/intellectuals[26] and solidarity with Indian farmers protesting against the Farm Laws.[27]
  • Arrest Controversy: In 2022, Chetan was arrested for his tweet regarding Justice Krishna Dixit, who was presiding over the hijab issue in the Karnataka High Court. The arrest generated public criticism, with many arguing that the charges were frivolous.[28]

Endosulfan victim rehabilitation

Kumar actively supported the cause of demanding 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. As a result of these efforts, the state government allocated Rs. 72-90 crores for the rehabilitation of pesticide poisoning victims, thereby meeting the demands of the campaign. The state government continues to provide the allocated support for the victims.[29]

Dhidalli Adivasis rehabilitation protests

Kumar took a leading role in a large-scale campaign aimed at rehabilitating 3,000 Coorg tribals who were unlawfully displaced in December 2016.[30][31] As part of the campaign, homes are currently being constructed near Kushalnagara under the auspices of the government. Each home is estimated to cost Rs. 4 lakhs, and the project aims to benefit more than 528 families.[32]

In April 2018, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officially accused the Dhidalli struggle of being "Naxalite-inspired" and listed Kumar as responsible. However, Kumar has vehemently denied these allegations and argued that the Dhidalli protest was non-violent and constitutional. He has called for an apology from the Law Minister and the BJP state President in response to these accusations.[33]

Lingayat independent religion

Kumar has been involved in advocating for the recognition of an independent Lingayat religion[34] that is based on the philosophy of Basava and the Vachana literature. He has actively participated in pro-Lingayat religion forums held in various locations such as Bengaluru, Kalburgi, and Hassan. Additionally, he has contributed to several TV discussions and interviews to raise awareness and promote dialogue on this issue.[35]

Kadugolla identity fight

Kumar played a significant role[17] in leading the efforts to obtain state recognition for the Kadugolla community. The Kadugolla community consists of Kannada-speaking Adivasis who are engaged in sheep-rearing and have distinct socio-cultural practices and religious icons. Through his advocacy and activism, Kumar successfully achieved the recognition of the Kadugolla community by the state government.[36][37]

Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE)

Kumar is the founder of FIRE[38] (Film Industry for Rights and Equality), an association based in the Kannada Film industry. Established in 2017, FIRE aims to address issues related to sexual harassment in the workplace, enhance the livelihoods of film workers and technicians, and establish a writers' guild[39] that provides certification and structured payments for writers. The association works towards creating a safe and equitable working environment within the Kannada Film industry.[40][41]

Rural school instruction

Kumar was actively involved in teaching critical thinking and current events at a village school in Mullur, Karnataka, located 25 km outside of Mysore. Starting in September 2005, he implemented various academic techniques such as interactive sessions, discussion forums, writing assignments, guest speakers, and meta-syllabus-based studies to enhance the learning experience for students.[42]

Chetan Ahimsa has been actively advocating for Dalit/Adivasi rights and promoting the anti-caste ideologies of prominent figures such as Ambedkar, Periyar, and Kuvempu for over a decade. However, controversies have arisen in relation to his statements and activities.

On June 6, 2021, Chetan Ahimsa posted a tweet quoting Ambedkar and Periyar regarding Brahminism as an ideology,[43] which led to a complaint being filed against him by Brahmin caste groups at Basavangudi Police Station on June 7.

In February 2022, Chetan Ahimsa was arrested for his alleged comments against a Karnataka High Court judge who was hearing a hijab case.[44] The police took suo motu cognizance of his comments and arrested him, but he was later released on bail.[45]

In October 2022, another First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Chetan Ahimsa by a right-wing extremist group for stating that Buta Kola, depicted in the film Kantara, was not part of a Hindu custom.[45]

Chetan Ahimsa faced arrest again 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 for the alleged illegal arrest.[45] [46][47][48]

Furthermore, on April 14, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled Chetan Kumar's Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status.[49]

Philanthropy

Chetan has been actively involved in philanthropic causes for over a decade, demonstrating his commitment to various charitable initiatives.[50] Some of his notable contributions include:

  • Karnataka flood relief efforts 2018: Chetan actively participated in the flood relief efforts in Kodagu, Karnataka, in August 2018.[51] He donated ration kits and essential supplies to people affected by the floods. Additionally, he visited remote areas to assist the flood-affected tribal communities by providing relief materials.[52]
  • COVID-19 relief: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chetan extended support to marginalized groups such as tribal communities[53] and transgender individuals. He distributed ration and medical kits to those in need during the first and second waves of the pandemic.[54][55]
  • Advocacy for cemetery workers: Chetan has taken up the cause of cemetery and crematorium workers, highlighting their demands for better working conditions. He has urged the state government to address their requests, including insurance coverage, increased pay, and recognition as government employees.[56][57]

Filmography

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearFilmRoleNotes
2007Aa DinagaluChetanUdaya Film Award for Best Debut Actor
2009RaamHimselfCameo
2009BirugaaliHacchi
2010SuryakaantiRohith / Surya
2012DashamukhaAgni
2013MynaSathyamurthy
2017Noorondu NenapuShreyas Bahaddur
2017AthirathaAkash
2021RanamSatyagrahi
2021Maarga† TBAFilming
2021 100 Crores† TBA Telugu-Kannada film, Post-production[58]
2021 Kumbhakarna† TBA Post-Production (Kannada-Telugu film)[59]

Awards and recognitions

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

References

  1. 1 2 "Exclusive biography of #ChetanKumar and on his life". Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2015.
  2. ↑ "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.
  3. ↑ "Walking down the aisle of humanity". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "Actor Chetan to marry partner Megha in 'non-ritualistic' and 'progressive' ceremony | the News Minute". www.thenewsminute.com. 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  6. ↑ Crew, The Logical Indian (14 February 2020). "In A Unique Gesture, Kannada Actor Chetan Gifts Copies Of Constitution To Guests At His Wedding". thelogicalindian.com. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  7. ↑ "Sandalwood actor Chetan may be deported to US". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  8. ↑ "Karnataka: Yale to jail, a 'one of a kind' life". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  9. ↑ "Going the extra mile". Deccan Herald. 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  10. ↑ "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.
  11. ↑ 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
  12. ↑ "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.
  13. ↑ "Chetan is back in college and in love". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  14. ↑ "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.
  15. ↑ Raman, Pratiba (26 February 2022). "Arrested for Remarks Against Hijab Ban Judge, Who Is Chetan Kumar?". TheQuint. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  16. ↑ "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.
  17. 1 2 "ಪ್ರವರ್ಗ–1ಕ್ಕೆ 'ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ' ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆ – ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ". ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ (in Kannada). Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 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. 1 2 "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, 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. ↑ "Don't let your identity die". Deccan Herald. 3 July 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  37. ↑ "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.
  38. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  39. ↑ "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.
  40. ↑ "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.
  41. ↑ "Katha Nayaka – 11th June 2017 – ಕಥಾ ನಾಯಕ | ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ | ಸುದ್ದಿ ಟಿವಿ". 12 June 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2018 – via YouTubea.
  42. ↑ 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.
  43. ↑ Correspondent, Special (12 June 2021). "FIR against actor Chetan". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  44. ↑ "From a Student at Yales to Kannada Cinema, Chetan Kumar's Amazing Journey". News18. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  45. 1 2 3 "Kannada actor Chetan Kumar arrested, this time over tweet on Hindutva". 21 March 2023.
  46. ↑ "Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Arrested for 'Objectionable' Tweet on Hindutva".
  47. ↑ "'Height of dictatorship': Activists, politicians condemn arrest of Chetan Ahimsa". The News Minute. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  48. ↑ "Jailing of Actor Chetan Kumar Shows Judicial Truancy Still at Play". The Wire. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  49. ↑ Bureau, The Hindu (15 April 2023). "OCI status of actor Chetan Kumar cancelled weeks after arrest over Hindutva tweet". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  50. ↑ pratiba. "Kannada actor Chetan to marry social worker Megha at orphanage". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  51. ↑ Actor Chetan And Actress ShrutiHariharan Collects Fund From Public For Kodagu Flood Victims|, retrieved 17 April 2023
  52. ↑ Actor Chethan Shows His Concern Towards Flood Effected Victims In Kodagu, retrieved 17 April 2023
  53. ↑ "Kannada actor Chetan Kumar reaches out to tribals with ration kits". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  54. ↑ Singh, Ankita (31 May 2021). "COVID Relief: Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Provides Ration Kits To Marginalised Communities". thelogicalindian.com. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  55. ↑ "ಬುಡಕಟ್ಟು ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪಡಿತರ ವಿತರಿಸಿದ ನಟ ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್". Kannadaprabha. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  56. ↑ "Kannada actor Chetan writes to Karnataka govt on behalf of crematorium workers". The News Minute. 17 May 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  57. ↑ "Actor Chetan moots cemetery workers wellbeing during pandemic". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  58. ↑ "Chetan's Telugu film is titled 100 Crores". The Times of India. 6 January 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  59. ↑ "'The freethinking of one age is the common sense of the next'". Twitter.com. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
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