Radhika Kumaraswamy: The Actress Who Defied Conventions and Married a Former Chief Minister

Radhika Kumaraswamy, born as Radhika Poojary on November 1, 1986, in a Tulu-speaking family in Mangalore, Karnataka, has been a figure of significant interest in both the film industry and the political sphere. Her life is a tale of early stardom, tumultuous personal relationships, and a career marked by versatility and resilience.

Early Life and Career

Radhika made her acting debut in 2002 with the Kannada film *Ninagagi*, while she was still in high school. This early start propelled her to stardom, with successful films like *Tavarige Baa Tangi* and *Ooh La La* following soon after.

Her career spanned multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. Notable films include *Iyarkai* in Tamil and *Avatharam* in Telugu. Despite some commercial setbacks, Radhika's performance in *Tayi Illada Tabbali* earned her the Karnataka State Film Award.

Personal Life: Early Marriage and Controversies

Radhika's personal life has been marred by controversy from an early age. At just 14 years old, she married Ratan Kumar at the Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel, on November 26, 2000. This marriage was short-lived and fraught with issues. In April 2002, Ratan Kumar accused Radhika's father, Devraj, of abducting her, fearing the marriage would jeopardize her career. Radhika's mother later demanded the marriage be annulled, alleging that Ratan had forcibly married Radhika and even attempted to burn her alive. Ratan Kumar passed away in August 2002 due to a heart attack.

Marriage to H.D. Kumaraswamy

In 2010, Radhika revealed that she had married H.D. Kumaraswamy, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, in 2006. This marriage was highly publicized due to the significant age gap between them—Kumaraswamy was 47, while Radhika was just 20 years old at the time of their marriage. The union also drew controversy as Kumaraswamy was already married to Anitha, leading to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that alleged the marriage violated the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.

Career as a Producer and Distributor

Apart from acting, Radhika has also ventured into film production and distribution. She established Shamika Enterprises, named after her daughter with H.D. Kumaraswamy, and produced films like *Lucky* starring Yash and Ramya, and *Sweety Nanna Jodi*, which she also acted in. She has also acquired the distribution rights for her own films, including *Anatharu* and *Ishwar*.

Recent Career and Future Plans

After a hiatus, Radhika made a comeback to acting in 2013 with *Sweety Nanna Jodi*, which she also produced. Her performance was praised by critics, with Sify noting that she was "a treat to watch" and Rediff stating that she "looks ravishing and comes as a surprise".

Radhika is set to appear in her upcoming film *Bhairadevi*, scheduled to release on October 3, 2024. Directed by Shrijai, the film also features Ramesh Aravind and Anu Prabhakar. Radhika has expressed that her future in acting will depend on the success of this film, highlighting the team's perseverance in overcoming production challenges.

Conclusion

Radhika Kumaraswamy's life is a complex tapestry of early stardom, personal struggles, and professional achievements. From her debut as a teenager to her current status as a producer and actress, Radhika has navigated the film industry and personal controversies with a determination that has kept her in the limelight for over two decades.