Varthur Santhosh, an Indian farmer and social activist, has made a name for himself by dedicating his efforts to preserving the Hallikar cows, an indigenous cattle breed of Karnataka. Recently, he became a contestant on the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada 10, where he found himself in the midst of controversy due to his arrest for wearing a tiger claw pendant. This article delves into the life, career, achievements, controversies, and personal details of Varthur Santhosh.
Contents
Biography and Education
Born as Santosh Kumar S. in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, on March 12, Varthur is a Pisces by zodiac sign. He attended Lady Vailankanni English School in Bengaluru, and he is affectionately known as “Appi” by his loved ones. His supporters have bestowed nicknames such as VS Boss and Hallikar Santhosh upon him.
Career and Achievements
Varthur Santhosh is not only a farmer but also a cattle breeder. Engaged in animal husbandry, he sells cows in Bengaluru and has ventured into the real estate business. His passion lies in farming and conserving the Hallikar cows, a breed that holds great cultural and agricultural significance in Karnataka.
The Hallikar cows are renowned for their strength, adaptability, endurance, and high-quality milk production. These cows have historically played a pivotal role in plowing fields and transporting goods. However, urbanization, cross-breeding, mechanization, and a lack of awareness have caused a sharp decline in the Hallikar cow population.
Varthur Santhosh’s journey to preserve the Hallikar breed began after the loss of his father, who was also a farmer. He embarked on a mission to collect and breed Hallikar cows from various regions in Karnataka and neighboring states. Moreover, he founded the All India Hallikar Breed Conservation Committee, where he serves as the chairman. This committee aims to advocate, protect, and promote the Hallikar breed among farmers and the general public.
Santhosh’s endeavors in conserving the Hallikar cows have earned him recognition and accolades at various events. He has actively participated in cattle fairs and exhibitions, educating people about the importance of these cows. His contribution to animal welfare and rural development has been acknowledged with awards from various organizations and institutions.
In 2023, Varthur Santhosh entered the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada 10, hosted by actor Sudeep. Despite having no prior experience in the entertainment industry, he joined the show as a commoner with a mission to raise awareness about Hallikar cows and inspire others to pursue farming.
Varthur Santhosh’s Journey to Bigg Boss
Varthur’s rise to fame on social media and his commitment to Hallikar conservation caught the attention of the producers of the reality show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada 10,’ hosted by renowned actor Sudeep. The show’s team approached him and extended an invitation to participate in the tenth season, which premiered on October 3, 2023, on Colors Kannada channel.
Varthur accepted the offer, becoming one of 17 contestants to enter the Bigg Boss house. He presented himself as a humble, sincere, and farming enthusiast, proud of his agricultural background and love for animals. Throughout the show, he showcased his talents in singing, dancing, and comedy, rapidly gaining popularity as a fan favorite.
Passion for Hallikar Cows
Varthur Santhosh’s fervor for preserving the Hallikar cows is rooted in a combination of personal tragedy and cultural heritage. After his father’s passing, farming became more than a livelihood; it became his passion and a way to carry on his father’s legacy. His attachment to Hallikar cows, integral to Karnataka’s heritage and agriculture, deepened his commitment to their conservation.
The Hallikar breed is one of India’s oldest and finest, native to Karnataka and reared for centuries by the Halli community. These cows are distinct for their long horns, hump, dewlap, black or grey coat, and robust nature. They adapt well to local climate conditions, resist diseases, and are used extensively for tasks such as plowing fields and cart transportation. Their milk is highly valued for its rich fat content and medicinal properties.
Nevertheless, the Hallikar breed faces the threat of extinction due to various factors, including cross-breeding, urbanization, mechanization, loss of grazing lands, insufficient awareness, and government neglect. Estimates suggest that only about 50,000 purebred Hallikar cows remain in Karnataka today.
Controversies and Arrest
Varthur Santhosh’s participation in Bigg Boss Kannada 10 took an unexpected turn when he was arrested by the forest department on October 23, 2023, for wearing a tiger claw pendant. Alerted by viewers who recognized the pendant, which is illegal and falls under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, authorities took action.
The forest officials conducted a forensic analysis to confirm that the pendant was made from a genuine tiger claw. They requested its submission from the production team of the show and subsequently summoned Varthur for questioning. He was arrested and removed from the show’s set.
During the interrogation, Santhosh admitted to purchasing the pendant from a dealer in Hosur three years ago, unaware of its illegality or its origin. He explained that he wore it as a symbol of pride and courage.
Varthur faced charges under Section 51 (1) (a) of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of Rs 25 lakh, or both. He was presented before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court in Koramangala, Bengaluru, and subsequently remanded to 14 days of judicial custody in Parappana Agrahara jail.
Current Status
Varthur Santhosh currently resides in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara jail in Bengaluru. His lawyer has filed a bail application on his behalf, emphasizing his innocence and lack of awareness regarding the pendant’s legal implications. He has expressed his willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Personal Life and Details
Varthur Santhosh is unmarried and has no children. Information about his parents and siblings is limited. His religious faith is Hinduism.
He is known for his tattoos, including ‘HALLIKAR’ on his left hand and heartfelt messages on his wrists. On social media, particularly Instagram, where he has over 35,000 followers, Varthur shares updates on his Hallikar cows, other animals, and his personal and professional life.
Bio/Wiki
- Name: Varthur Santosh Kumar S.
- AKA: Varthur Santhosh Abhimani
- Nickname: Appi
- Date of Birth: March 12
- Age: Estimated between 29-32 years old
- Birthplace: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Nationality: Indian
- Hometown: Bengaluru
- School: Lady Vailankanni English School, Bengaluru
- Profession: Farmer, Cattle Breeder, Social Activist, Reality Show Contestant
- Known for: Saving Hallikar Cows, Participating in Bigg Boss Kannada 10
- Awards: Various awards for animal conservation and rural development
- Controversies: Arrested for wearing a tiger claw pendant
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Children: None
- Religion: Hinduism
- Tattoos: ‘HALLIKAR’ on the left hand, heartfelt messages on wrists, other designs on the right arm
- Instagram: varthur_santhosh.54
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
- Homepage: ONLINEWIKI.IN
Net Worth
Varthur’s net worth and salary remain undisclosed to the public. However, considering his diverse sources of income from farming, cattle breeding, real estate, and reality shows, he is estimated to possess a substantial amount of wealth.
Physical Attributes
Varthur Santhosh stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and has an approximate weight of 75 kg (165 lbs). He has black hair and black eyes.
Trivia
- Varthur’s dedication to preserving the Hallikar breed was inspired by the loss of his father, who was also a farmer.
- He established the All India Hallikar Breed Conservation Committee, where he serves as the chairman.
- Santhosh entered Bigg Boss Kannada 10 as a commoner with no prior experience in the entertainment industry.
- His tiger claw pendant, worn as a symbol of pride and courage, led to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
- Varthur’s arrest resulted in his remand to 14 days of judicial custody in Parappana Agrahara jail.
Summary
Varthur Santhosh is an Indian farmer and social activist celebrated for his efforts in preserving the Hallikar cows, an indigenous cattle breed originating from Karnataka. His entry into the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada 10 brought him both fame and controversy, culminating in his arrest for wearing an illegal tiger claw pendant. While his personal life and details remain somewhat private, Varthur’s commitment to animal conservation, particularly the Hallikar breed, has made a significant impact.
