Chetan kumar parents

Chetan Kumar

Indian actor (born )

For the director, see Chethan Kumar (director).

Chetan Kumar

Born () 24 February (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&#;active–present
SpouseMegha Shrivastav (m.

)

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

Early and personal life

Kumar was born on 24 February 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 [2] Upon completing his studies in , 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 [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

Chetan debuted as a hero in Kannada films through director K. M. Chaitanya's debut directorial venture Aa Dinagalu in 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 () did not fare well at the box office–however, Myna () 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

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]

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

Rehabilitation

Kumar supported successful demands for 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, to Rs. 3,,[29]

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

In April , 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

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

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)

Kumar is the founder of Film Industry for Rights and Equality,[39] an association based in the Kannada Film industry.

Established in , 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

Kumar was involved in teaching critical thinking and current events at a village school in Mullur.

The Other Love Story. References [ edit ]. Awards and recognitions [ edit ]. Born: 12 January

Starting in September , he advocated academic techniques such as interactive sessions, discussion forums, writing assignments, guest speakers, and meta-syllabus-based studies.[43]

Controversies

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

On June 6, , 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 , 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 , 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 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, , the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled Kumar's Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status.[50]

Philanthropy

Kumar's philanthropic causes include:[51]

  • Karnataka flood relief efforts: Kumar participated in the flood relief efforts in Kodagu, Karnataka, in August [52] He donated ration kits and essential supplies.

    He visited remote areas to provide relief materials.[53]

  • COVID 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

† Denotes films that have not yet been released

Awards and recognitions

Year Award Category Nominated work Result
Udaya Film Awards Best Actor Aa DinagaluWon

References

  1. ^ ab"Exclusive biography of #ChetanKumar and on his life".

    Archived from the original on 14 June Retrieved 18 June

  2. ^"Karnataka: Yale to jail, a 'one of a kind' life". . Retrieved 17 April
  3. ^"Going the extra mile". Deccan Herald. 24 October Archived from the original on 20 April Retrieved 10 April
  4. ^"Interview: Social concern is my priority, not cinema, says Chetan".

    Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 October Retrieved 11 April

  5. ^Yukthi i (31 December ), Chetan Ahimsa interview at FM Rainbow , archived from the original on 11 October , retrieved 9 November
  6. ^"Indian American actor, Fulbright scholar and Yale alum Chetan Kumar assaulted by police officer in Bengaluru".

    . 29 January Archived from the original on 17 March Retrieved 15 April

  7. ^"Why Chetan and Megha are planning a simple wedding". Deccan Herald. 28 January Archived from the original on 11 October Retrieved 5 September
  8. ^"Walking down the aisle of humanity". The New Indian Express.

    4 February Retrieved 17 April

  9. ^"Kannada Actor Chetan, Wife Megha Hand Out Copies of the Constitution at Their Wedding". News18. 5 February Archived from the original on 15 March Retrieved 5 September
  10. ^"Actor Chetan to marry partner Megha in 'non-ritualistic' and 'progressive' ceremony".

    The News . 21 January Archived from the original on 21 January

  11. ^Crew, The Logical Indian (14 February ). "In A Unique Gesture, Kannada Actor Chetan Gifts Copies Of Constitution To Guests At His ". . Archived from the original on 15 February Retrieved 5 September
  12. ^"Had 'Aa Dinagalu' released today, it would have been a much bigger hit: K.M.

    Chaitanya".

  13. Chethan meaning kannada
  14. Chetan kumar net worth
  15. Chetan kumar wife megha
  16. Chetan kumar wife age
  17. Chetan kumar wife

    18. The Times of India. 21 October

  18. ^"Chaitanya's back with Suryakanti". The New Indian Express. 15 May
  19. ^"Top 10 commercial hits of ". The Times of India. 31 December
  20. ^"Kannada actor Chetan targeted for Lingayat stand, theatres playing his film attacked".

    The News Minute. 27 November Archived from the original on 1 December Retrieved 10 April

  21. ^Raman, Pratiba (26 February ). "Arrested for Remarks Against Hijab Ban Judge, Who Is Chetan Kumar?".

    Chetan kumar instagram: Written By - Team Nettv4u. Chetan Chandra Previous Biography. Archived from the original on 9 November Our friendship began to grow stronger because of our shared priorities and overlapping dreams of an equitable, ideal world.

    TheQuint. Retrieved 17 April

  22. ^"This actor is fighting for adivasi rights – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July Retrieved 10 April
  23. ^"ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಎಸ್‌ಟಿ ಮಾನ್ಯತೆ". (in Kannada).

  26. Archived from the original on 12 April Retrieved 11 April

  27. ^"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 Retrieved 10 April
  28. ^"Tipu's legacy: politics and misreading".

    Deccan Herald. 28 October Archived from the original on 12 April Retrieved 11 April

  29. ^ ab"Hindutva and Hindu are different entities". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 12 April Retrieved 11 April
  30. ^"Working For Rehabilitation of Adivasis, Branded A Naxalite; Karnataka Actor Asks Apology From BJP Leader".

    The Logical Indian. 9 April Archived from the original on 12 April Retrieved 11 April

  31. ^"Colourful Kamanabillu – Eps Sandalwood Star Chetan Ahimsa Being An LGBTQIA Ally – RJ Shilok". Archived from the original on 4 February Retrieved 11 April
  32. ^"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 Retrieved 10 April

  33. ^"Actor Chetan Speech on Gauri Lankesh issue". 12 September Archived from the original on 11 October Retrieved 11 April &#; via YouTube.
  34. ^"I Am Gauri: In Bengaluru, thousands turn up in solidarity to protest journalist's murder".

    Chetan kumar csusm Opposite House Kumuda. Rashmika Mandanna. Filmography [ edit ]. Archived from the original on 4 February

    The News Minute. 12 September Archived from the original on 18 December Retrieved 10 April

  35. ^Actor Chetan Support To Farmers Protest | Karnataka Bandh | TV5 Kannada, 27 September , retrieved 12 April
  36. ^"Chetan Kumar: Indian actor arrested for tweet on Karnataka hijab row judge", BBC News, 23 February
  37. ^"Chetan helps endosulfan victims".

    The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July Retrieved 10 April

  38. ^"Actor Chetan says He will Return to Kodagu Forest". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 April Retrieved 10 April
  39. ^"Chetan's fight for diddalli adivasis continues – Times of India".

    The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July Retrieved 10 April

  40. ^"ಕೇಳದೆ ಕೊಡುವ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮುಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬರಬೇಕಿದೆ: ನಟ ಚೇತನ್". Public TV News.

    Aa dinagalu chetan kumar biography definition Aarti Chabria. More News. Controversies [ edit ]. Sillaakki Dumma.

    11 March Archived from the original on 12 April Retrieved 11 April

  41. ^"Actor Chetan seeks apology from BJP". The Hindu. 3 April ISSN&#;X. Archived from the original on 11 October Retrieved 10 April
  42. ^"Chaos at Lingayat meet". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 11 April Retrieved 10 April
  43. ^"B S Yeddyurappa playing divisive politics: Actor Chetan – Times of India".

    The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 June Retrieved 10 April

  44. ^"ಪ್ರವರ್ಗ–1ಕ್ಕೆ 'ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ' ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆ – ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ". ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ (in Kannada). Archived from the original on 12 April Retrieved 11 April
  45. ^"Don't let your identity die".

    Deccan Herald. 3 July Archived from the original on 9 November Retrieved 9 November

  46. ^"ಜಾತಿ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಡುಗೊಲ್ಲ, ಹಟ್ಟಿಗೊಲ್ಲ ಹೆಸರು ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆಗೆ C.S.ದ್ವಾರಕನಾಥ್, ನಟ ಚೇತನ್ ಸಿಎಂ ಗೆ ಮನವಿ.!". . Archived from the original on 12 April Retrieved 11 April
  47. ^"F I R E - Film Industry for Rights & Equality".

    Archived from the original on 17 May Retrieved 23 January

  48. ^"Chetan makes headway in starting a scriptwriters association for Sandalwood – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July Retrieved 10 April
  49. ^"The Kannada Film Industry needs substantive reform: Chetan – Times of India".

    The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July Retrieved 10 April

  50. ^"Katha Nayaka – 11th June – ಕಥಾ ನಾಯಕ | ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ | ಸುದ್ದಿ ಟಿವಿ". 12 June Retrieved 11 April &#; via YouTubea.
  51. ^Ranendran, Nuvena (6 October ). "An actor with the heart of a teacher".

    Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 15 April Retrieved 15 April

  52. ^"FIR against actor Chetan". The Hindu. 12 June ISSN&#;X. Retrieved 17 April
  53. ^"From a Student at Yales to Kannada Cinema, Chetan Kumar's Amazing Journey". News18. 24 February Retrieved 17 April
  54. ^ abc"Kannada actor Chetan Kumar arrested, this time over tweet on Hindutva".

    21 March

  55. ^"Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Arrested for 'Objectionable' Tweet on Hindutva".
  56. ^"'Height of dictatorship': Activists, politicians condemn arrest of Chetan Ahimsa". The News Minute. 23 March Retrieved 17 April
  57. ^"Jailing of Actor Chetan Kumar Shows Judicial Truancy Still at Play".

    The Wire. Retrieved 17 April

  58. ^"OCI status of actor Chetan Kumar cancelled weeks after arrest over Hindutva tweet". The Hindu. 15 April ISSN&#;X. Retrieved 17 April
  59. ^pratiba. "Kannada actor Chetan to marry social worker Megha at orphanage". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd.

    Retrieved 17 April

  60. ^Actor Chetan And Actress ShrutiHariharan Collects Fund From Public For Kodagu Flood Victims|, 21 August , retrieved 17 April
  61. ^Actor Chethan Shows His Concern Towards Flood Effected Victims In Kodagu, 22 August , retrieved 17 April
  62. ^"Kannada actor Chetan Kumar reaches out to tribals with ration kits".

    Chetan's tweet read, "Justice Krishna Dixit made such disturbing comments in a rape case. Celebs Profile Submission. Update Maximum characters. Actress Debina Bonnerjee Lovely Stills.

    The New Indian Express. 28 May Retrieved 17 April

  63. ^Singh, Ankita (31 May ). "COVID Relief: Kannada Actor Chetan Kumar Provides Ration Kits To Marginalised Communities". . Retrieved 17 April
  64. ^"ಬುಡಕಟ್ಟು ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪಡಿತರ ವಿತರಿಸಿದ ನಟ ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್". Kannadaprabha.

    28 May Retrieved 17 April

  65. ^"Kannada actor Chetan writes to Karnataka govt on behalf of crematorium workers". The News Minute. 17 May Retrieved 17 April
  66. ^"Actor Chetan moots cemetery workers wellbeing during pandemic". The Times of India.

    ISSN&#; Retrieved 17 April

  67. ^"Chetan's Telugu film is titled Crores". The Times of India. 6 January Retrieved 28 July

External links