Chakravarthy Chandrachud

Chakravarthy Chandrachud (DJ) is a journalist, poet, progressive thinker, social activist, actor, writer, director and debater from Karnataka.

Chakravarthy Chandrachud
Born	(1977-08-15) 15 August 1977 Devanur, Chikmagalur District, Karnataka
Occupation	journalist, film maker
Language	Kannada
Nationality	Indian
Education	B.E, M.A. (Psychology)
Spouse	Shruthi (divorced)

Personal background and education

Chakravarthy Chandrachud was born on August 15, 1977 in Devanoor, a village in Karnataka's Chikmagalur District. Hailing from a farming family, he went on to pursue engineering in Instrumentation Technology from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), Mysore. He then completed his post-graduation in Psychology, followed by a degree at the University of Mysore. Afterwards, he went on to earn his M.Phil. from Kuppam. In 2013, he married veteran Kannada actress Shruthi. The couple parted ways in 2018, citing family disputes.

As a journalist

Chandrachud began his career in journalism while still a college student. With nearly 21 years of experience, he has worked with Janamitra, a local newspaper in Hassan, and Mysore's daily, Andolana. He has also been associated with weeklies such as Hai Bangalore, Agni, and Lankesh Patrike, where he served as an editor.

As an activist

Chandrachud actively participated in social activism, associating with organizations like the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and DFI for their national-level work. He is a prominent leader of the Hasiru Sene, a wing of the state's Farmers' Union, and other pro-Kannada movements. He is also the founder of the organization 'People for People' which was formed to fight for the Kalasa Banduri Movement. He built his own army which worked tirelessly on providing relief for those affected in the flood hit areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Orissa. He has been associated with several irrigational reform movements in the state, for which he has even been jailed and has been part of legal activism in this regard.

As a debater and social thinker

Chandrachud is a regular face for Kannada TV debates and news panel discussions. He has earned a niche for himself as a social activist who speaks fearlessly about several decisive and path breaking issues of social relevance. He is known as someone who is always ready to associate himself with any protests or struggles that are connected to and impact Karnataka.

As a documentary film maker and director

Chandrachud directed and produced the documentary Mahamarana, which focuses on the Mahadayi Project. This documentary, disclosing the scientific facts behind the Kalasa Banduri Dispute, was well received.. He also made the movie 'Janma Bhoo Veera' which dealt with the land slides in Coorg.

Books and awards

Chandrachud's first book, Jana Jala Kranti is a study of the works of Anna Hazare and Rajendra Singh in the field of irrigation reforms. Extensive research, particularly in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, contributed to this work, which earned the National Environmental Award. Khaali Shilube (The Empty Cross), released at a crematorium in Chamrajpet, Bangalore, created significant waves across the state. Mailu Tutta, released at Malleshwaram's Dhobhi Ghat, gained widespread popularity. Each of these books has been translated into several languages and honored with numerous awards and recognitions. 'Katha Bharata' is his fourth book which is a story narrative of how India evolved and developed, influenced by its several revolutions.

As an actor, writer, director

He has worked in the Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam film industries. He has directed and written Janma- a movie that is set against the backdrop of the Kaveri issue and attempts at very realistically portraying the chaos that ensued the death of Kannada matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar. The movie won critical acclaim and both the Kannada and Tamil versions have been directed by him. As a writer, he has worked on movies like Melobba Mayavi, Janma, Mahuta, Paadaraya, Love you Alia. As an actor he has worked in Janma, Melobba Mayavi, Demo Piece, Ranganayaki, Football Mariyammana (Malayalam), Kalidasa Kannada Meshtru, 1975, Madhyantara and DSS. He has acted in many upcoming Hindi web series. His entry into Big Boss Season 8 as a wild card entry earned him a reputation of a person who is not afraid to speak his mind.