Biography of Arunabh Kumar: Founder & CEO of The Viral Fever & TVF Media Labs
Biography of Arunabh Kumar:
Early Life and Education
Arunabh Kumar was born on November 26, 1982, in Muzaffarpur,
a small city in Bihar, India. Growing up in a middle-class family, his parents,
both retired school principals, emphasized the importance of education. This
focus led them to relocate frequently in search of better opportunities for
their children. After several moves, the family settled in Jaipur, Rajasthan,
where Arunabh attended Vidhyashram School, an institution known for its
rigorous academic environment. Demonstrating a keen aptitude for learning,
Arunabh excelled in his studies and eventually aimed for higher education at
the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
Initial Career Moves
After completing his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from
IIT Kharagpur, Arunabh Kumar embarked on his professional journey in 2006. He
began working with the US Air Force as a Research Assistant based in Bombay.
Although the role was well-aligned with his technical background, Arunabh’s
passion for the arts and filmmaking began to surface. His time at IIT had
sparked an interest in film and media, prompting him to reassess his career
path. Despite the promising start, he decided to leave his position with the US
Air Force to pursue his newfound passion for filmmaking.
Entry into Filmmaking
In 2007, Arunabh took a crucial step towards realizing his
filmmaking dreams by joining Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house
led by renowned actor Shah Rukh Khan. He worked as an assistant director under
Farah Khan on the film "Om Shanti Om," a major Bollywood production.
This role involved a variety of tasks, from administrative duties to assisting
on set, and even a small on-screen appearance as a transgender character. While
the experience was valuable, Arunabh faced significant challenges in finding
more substantial opportunities in the film industry, which led him to explore
other avenues.
Biography of Arunabh Kumar:Founder & CEO of The Viral Fever & TVF Media Labs/Investor/Story of Arunabh Kumar/Life story Arunabh/Age/Net worth/ Viral F
Founding TVF
Faced with the difficulty of breaking into the traditional
film industry, Arunabh Kumar turned his attention to the burgeoning platform of
online content. In 2010, he founded The Viral Fever (TVF), initially focusing
on producing branded content. The early days were tough, but Arunabh’s
perseverance paid off when TVF gained attention with the viral success of the
video “Rowdies,” a parody of MTV’s popular show "Roadies." This
success marked a turning point, establishing TVF as a significant player in the
online video space and paving the way for its future achievements.
The Breakthrough with TVF
The real breakthrough for TVF came with the launch of
original web series that resonated deeply with viewers. Shows such as
"Permanent Roommates," "TVF Pitchers,"
"Tripling," and "Kota Factory" became immensely popular,
distinguishing TVF as a leader in digital content creation. These series, known
for their relatable storytelling and engaging characters, attracted a substantial
following and garnered critical acclaim. TVF’s approach to content was fresh
and innovative, effectively capturing the interests of a young, tech-savvy
audience.
Personal Challenges and Controversies
In March 2017, Arunabh Kumar's career faced a severe setback
due to allegations of sexual misconduct. An anonymous post on Medium, titled
“The Indian Uber — That is TVF,” accused him of harassment during his time at
TVF. This initial post led to a flood of similar accusations from other women,
claiming that harassment was a routine issue at TVF. The allegations prompted
legal action, including an FIR and police investigations. These events
significantly damaged TVF’s reputation, leading to Arunabh’s resignation as CEO
in June 2017.
Legal and Professional Setbacks
Arunabh Kumar's legal troubles continued with his arrest in
April 2017 on charges of molestation, followed by additional complaints. The
legal proceedings spanned several years and created considerable turbulence for
both Arunabh and TVF. Despite these challenges, Arunabh remained committed to
his career, seeking ways to navigate through the controversy and reestablish
his presence in the industry.
Marriage and Personal Life
In a significant personal milestone, Arunabh Kumar married
Shruti Ranjan on May 24, 2022. The couple had met in 2013 while Shruti was
pursuing her master’s degree in environmental science at IIT Bombay. Their
relationship developed over the years, and they eventually got engaged in April
2020. Shruti, who initially worked as an RTT practitioner, now focuses on Theta
Healing and is also a passionate photographer. Their wedding, initially
postponed due to the pandemic, was a private affair attended by close family
and friends.
Revival and New Ventures
After stepping down from his role at TVF, Arunabh Kumar
sought new avenues for his career. In 2019, he co-founded Indusverse, a company
dedicated to creating comic books that address social issues. This venture
highlighted Arunabh’s continued dedication to storytelling and media
innovation. Despite the controversies, he managed to pivot his career and
explore new projects, reflecting his resilience and adaptability.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Arunabh Kumar has received numerous
accolades for his work in the entertainment industry. In 2014, he was
recognized as the Newsmaker of the Year by AFAQs and as one of the Men of the
Year by Men’s World. His achievements continued with listings in Fortune’s Top
40 under 40 and The Economic Times' 40 under Forty. TVF’s shows, particularly
"Panchayat," won several Flyx Filmfare OTT Awards, cementing
Arunabh’s reputation as a prominent figure in digital media.
Success with TVF Shows
TVF’s success is largely attributed to its innovative
approach to digital content. The channel’s shows, including "Kota
Factory," "Panchayat," and "Yeh Meri Family," have
received critical acclaim and high viewer ratings. These series are noted for
their authentic portrayal of Indian life and engaging narratives, contributing
significantly to TVF’s popularity and influence in the digital content space.
Accusations and Aftermath
In December 2022, a Mumbai court acquitted Arunabh Kumar of
all charges related to sexual misconduct. The legal battles and controversies
had deeply affected his career, but the acquittal allowed him to reenter the
industry. This resolution marked a new chapter for Arunabh, enabling him to
focus on his professional endeavors without the burden of legal issues.
Career Evolution
Arunabh Kumar’s career trajectory illustrates his journey
from a small-town individual to a significant player in the digital
entertainment industry. Despite encountering substantial obstacles, including
legal challenges and professional setbacks, he has demonstrated resilience and
a commitment to his craft. His ability to adapt and innovate has been crucial
in navigating the complexities of his career.
Contribution to Indian Web Series
Arunabh Kumar's influence on the Indian web series landscape
is profound. TVF’s innovative approach to content creation has set new
standards for digital media in India. The channel’s success with shows that
address contemporary issues and feature relatable characters has had a lasting
impact on how Indian audiences engage with web content.
Family and Early Influence
Arunabh’s upbringing in Muzaffarpur and his family’s
emphasis on education played a pivotal role in shaping his values and
ambitions. His parents' dedication to providing him with the best educational
opportunities significantly influenced his career path and success. The
stability and support of his family provided a strong foundation for his
achievements.
Persistence in the Face of Adversity
Arunabh Kumar’s career is marked by his determination to
overcome challenges. From facing rejections and legal issues to reinventing his
career through new ventures, his journey reflects a deep commitment to his
passions. His ability to persist through adversity and continue contributing to
the entertainment industry is a testament to his resilience.
Legacy and Impact
Arunabh Kumar’s legacy is defined by his contributions to
digital content and storytelling. TVF’s success has had a significant impact on
the Indian entertainment landscape, influencing how digital media is consumed
and appreciated. Arunabh’s work continues to inspire both audiences and
aspiring content creators.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Arunabh Kumar’s career is poised for
continued growth. With ongoing ventures like Indusverse and potential new
projects, he is well-positioned to make further contributions to the
entertainment industry. His story, marked by both triumphs and trials,
underscores his enduring influence and potential for future success.
Timeline for Arunabh Kumar's Story:
November 26, 1982: Born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India.
Early Education: Attended Vidhyashram School in Jaipur,
Rajasthan.
2006: Completed B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT
Kharagpur.
2006: Started working with the US Air Force as a Research
Assistant in Bombay.
2007: Joined Red Chillies Entertainment as an assistant
director for "Om Shanti Om."
2010: Founded The Viral Fever (TVF), initially producing
branded content.
2014: TVF gained prominence with viral videos and original
web series like "Permanent Roommates."
March 2017: Faced allegations of sexual misconduct, leading
to legal issues and TVF’s tarnished reputation.
June 2017: Resigned as CEO of TVF amidst ongoing
controversies.
April 2017: Arrested on charges of molestation; legal
proceedings continued.
May 24, 2022: Married Shruti Ranjan, with whom he had been
in a relationship since 2013.
2019: Co-founded Indusverse, focusing on creating socially
relevant comic books.
December 2022: Acquitted of all charges related to sexual
misconduct.
Career Highlights: Received awards including Newsmaker of
the Year (2014), listed in Fortune’s Top 40 under 40, and TVF's shows won Flyx
Filmfare OTT Awards.
Recent Years: TVF's shows like "Kota Factory" and
"Panchayat" gained critical acclaim, solidifying his influence in
digital content.
Future Prospects: Continues to explore new ventures,
including potential projects with Indusverse and other media initiatives.
