Here is some information about Kumaraswamy about his childhood family and career in his own words

Childhood :

I have seen poverty, my son hasn’t. We were not rich, I used to have only two pairs of pants and shirts when I was in school. In fact, I got a third pair only when my school master, tired of seeing my frayed collars, warned me that he will not allow me to enter the classroom until I wore better clothes. We never received any pocket money, I used to create mayhem at home, hitting the walls, banging the doors, only to make my mother give me some money to buy cinema tickets.My parents were strict, we had to be home by 6 pm.

Academics :

I was an average student in school, and gave my parents trouble by scoring low marks. I got fail grades even in PUC. I also used to get into scraps in college life. Not that I was a rowdy or an eve teaser, but I used to bunk classes to go to watch cinema, argue with teachers or listen to cricket commentary or film songs on the back benches. However, though I was not an ideal student, my teachers were fond of me. I was greatly influenced by H N Narasimhaiah when I was in National College.

On his father Deve Gowda :

I was not too close to my father. Being a busy man, he used to spend time with us only during festivals or special occasions. Perhaps, because he was usually away, never got any scolding from him. However, I was afraid of him. In fact, I am so used standing and taking orders, that I find it uncomfortable sit with him during our party meetings. As far as politics is concerned, I regard him as my role model. Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, ChandrashekharAzad and Lal Bahadur Shastri have inspired me, but I find my father the greatest leader alive. My father, while vacating Prime Minister’s Office, said he will rise from the ashes. I want his objective to be attained through me. I want to bring him back to national politics.

Mother Chennamma :

I am very attached to my mother who brought us up single-handedly. I used to be reprimanded by my mother for my bad scores. She used to cry and get anxious about my future. She, like most parents, wanted me to become a doctor or an engineer. But she accepted my decision to join politics. I think I am very much like her, personality-wise.

Brother Revanna :

Revanna had always been my father’s favorite son. He has sacrificed a lot and worked very hard for the welfare of the people . I can give up any position for him.

Wife Anitha :

My wife wasn’t keen on me joining politics. She said she will marry me only if I didn’t enter politics. However, over the years, she has realized my commitment to my people, and now she completely believes in me. She has made many sacrifices so that I can become a successful politician. She is very protective about me. If anyone utters a word against me, she gets furious.

Films :

I love films. Rajkumar used to be my favourite actor, I used to miss classes to watch his releases.I remember I once watched the morning show of Mooruvare Vajragalu at Hassan and walked 20 kms to my maternal uncle’s house at Muttigerehalli as I didn’t have money to take a bus. What I like about yesteryear films is their content; they were inspirational and preached good values. I used to get sentimental watching emotional scenes. Movies like Bangarada Manushya taught me how to be a good man.

Friends :

Since childhood, I have been a shy person, taking time to get attached to someone. But when I do, I can go to any extent to ensure the happiness of the other person. My best friend used to be a classmate called Prabhu, who is now a successful entrepreneur in Bangalore. I was especially fond of his mother, who used to treat me like a son. I can be myself in the truest sense when I am with my friends. I can laugh only in their company.

His turning point :

Once, when I was pursuing B.Sc at Vijaya College, my father insulted me for getting low grades, saying that I am only capable of being a Second Division Clerk. This comment hurt me so deeply that decided to prove myself in life.

Career :

After my graduation I entered film distribution to stand on my own feet I did not had Money and also I did not use my family’s political background, instead I barrowed Money from film financers at the higher rates of interest and I gradually claimed the ladder of success in kannada film industry which after some days I went into diversification I barrowed money and produced the film on my own I also Borrowed 1 crore rupee as loan from Karnataka bank.

My entering politics was an accident. Once, during a family discussion, someone told me I cannot become a politician. I took that up as a challenge and ventured into politics. I thought I will leave it once I prove myself, but now I find it impossible. Politics is a chakravyuha I can’t get out of. I have to prove myself to the people, who believe in me. However, I once nearly gave up politics. I contested the Sathanur Assembly seat and Kanakapura Lok Sabha seat in 1999 and lost both. I was dejected and refused to come out of the house.But JD (S) grass root workers kept a vigil at my gate, refusing to leave till I came out and showed my face. They said they had complete faith in me despite my defeat. It was such a moving experience that I decided I will never betray their trust again.