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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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]
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]
