Sashi Kumar launched the digital media venture Asiaville in April 2019, marking a significant expansion into multi-platform content creation. A figure operating across the intersections of journalism, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship, he established his professional reputation by creating the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai and managing the Media Development Foundation, which oversees the institution’s operations.
Academic Background
Born in 1952 in Karupadanna, near Kodungallur, within the former state of Travancore–Cochin, Kumar moved through several institutions during his formative years. He attended Sacred Heart High School in Mumbai and Don Bosco School in Egmore. Higher education followed in Chennai, where he graduated from Loyola College before completing his post-graduation studies at Madras Christian College.
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Kumar maintained a long-term presence in Indian media, most notably through his regular column titled Unmediated. Published in the fortnightly magazine Frontline, these writings were later collected and released as a book by Tulika Books in New Delhi in 2013. His professional involvement extends to institutional governance as a member of the Malcolm and Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust and as chairman of the Asian College of Journalism. In July 2021, he and N. Ram initiated a legal challenge in the Supreme Court concerning the Pegasus scandal, while simultaneously requesting a judicial review regarding the constitutional status of sedition laws.
Filmmaking Career
In 2004, Kumar expanded his portfolio to feature film direction with the Hindi-language production Kaya Taran, also known as Chrysalis. The narrative drew thematic inspiration from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the 2002 Gujarat riots. His work in this field earned critical recognition, including the G. Aravindan Award for Best Debut Filmmaker in 2005. His broader contributions to the media landscape were further acknowledged by the Kerala government, which granted him the Viayaraghavan Memorial Award in 2007 and the Swadeshabhimani Award in 2012.
Digital Media Expansion
Asiaville serves as his primary digital media vehicle, developed in partnership with entities such as Twitter and IIT Madras. The platform evolved into podcasting, securing a collaboration with Spotify in August 2022 to support language-based content creators. By December 2022, Asiaville released a 20-episode podcast series based on the 2017 text, Veerappan: Chasing a brigand.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952
- Birthplace: Kodungallur, India
- Occupations: Actor, entrepreneur, author, journalist, film director
- Education: Loyola College, Madras Christian College
- Notable Film: Kaya Taran (2004)
- Digital Venture: Asiaville
- 2012 Award: Swadeshabhimani Award
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Asiaville?
Asiaville is a multi-platform digital media venture that produces content including podcasts, often in partnership with organizations like Spotify and Twitter.
Which film did Sashi Kumar direct?
He scripted and directed the 2004 Hindi feature film Kaya Taran, which examined the impact of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Achievements
- Educated at Loyola College and Madras Christian College
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