Boby Chemmanur, a well-known businessman from Kerala, has built a reputation through his gold jewellery empire, charitable initiatives, and flair for self-promotion.
Published Jan 11, 2025 | 7:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 11, 2025 | 7:20 PM
Boby Chemmanur’s rise to fame was as glittering as the gold he deals in. Yet, his story seems to mirror rust forming on the metal.
“We love you, BoChe.” “We support you, BoChe.” “What mistake did he make?” “She should dress properly.” “BoChe helps a lot of people.” “Her career is over if he gets out of jail.”
These are some of the comments flooding the news following the arrest of businessman Boby Chemmanur, addressed as BoChe in popular discourse, in a sexual harassment case involving Malayalam actor Honey Rose.
He is admired by many for his philanthropic initiatives and entrepreneurial achievements in Kerala and elsewhere, yet his penchant for controversial statements and extravagant behaviour has frequently stirred scepticism and debate.
As the allegations came to light, public reactions spanned a wide spectrum, from steadfast support for Boby to harsh criticism and outright disapproval.
The Ernakulam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court denied his bail and remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days on Thursday, 9 January. Boby was arrested the previous day and presented before the court the following morning, where his bail application was also considered and subsequently rejected.
Dramatic scenes unfolded in the court as Boby collapsed upon hearing the judge’s verdict. Following his bail rejection, he complained of ill health.
Boby’s rise to fame was as glittering as the gold he deals in. Yet, his story seems to mirror rust forming on the metal — a once-polished image now tarnished under the weight of serious allegations.
Boby Chemmanur, a well-known businessman from Kerala, has built a reputation through his gold jewellery empire, charitable initiatives, and flair for self-promotion. Known for his charismatic and public-friendly image, he often projects himself as a people’s champion.
However, his arrest following a sexual harassment complaint filed by actor Honey Rose sparked a divided response from the public, with some staunchly defending him while others expressed sharp criticism.
Boby Chemmannur during his school days.
Chemmanur Devassykutty Boby is from the renowned Chemmanur Christian family in the Thrissur district and traces his roots to a lineage deeply embedded in the jewellery business since 1863.
He received his early education in Thrissur before pursuing higher studies in commerce in Bengaluru.
He has been engaged in the gold business since the 1980s. He established Chemmanur Gold Palace International Limited in 2007 and has been operating under the brand name Chemmanur International Jewellers.
Under his leadership, Chemmanur International Jewellers expanded significantly, establishing a strong presence across India and internationally. Today, the brand serves millions of customers across four continents.
Boby is widely recognised for his unique marketing initiatives, such as the “Gold-on-Wheels” campaign and innovative gold savings schemes. He garnered significant attention by hosting Argentine football legend Diego Maradona in India for promotional events.
Boby Chemmanur with Maradona during an inauguration ceremony.
Boby’s distinct personal style, including his adoption of traditional Kerala attire — a white mundu (dhoti) paired with a simple short-sleeved shirt — has become a part of his personal brand.
Reflecting on this shift from his earlier preference for suits, he once remarked, “This is the brand I’ve embraced for the last few years.”
Beyond jewellery, Boby has diversified Chemmanur International Group into sectors like real estate, financial services, e-commerce, and hospitality, driving the company to impressive heights.
In April 2014, Boby undertook an extraordinary 812-kilometre marathon from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram to support the creation of the world’s largest blood donation network. This initiative showcased his ability to blend social causes with innovative marketing.
Leveraging social media, he adopted the persona “BoChe,” which made him more relatable and approachable to the general public. His tagline, “Conquer the world with love,” earned him admiration as both a visionary entrepreneur and a compassionate philanthropist.
BoChe, a name that resonates across Kerala, is no ordinary figure. From offering the Rolls Royce Phantom for rent at a minimal cost of ₹25,000 per day — a first in the state — to weaving stories of how he picked up driving at the tender age of six by sneaking out with his father’s car keys, his life is as colourful as it is controversial.
Through his ‘Life Vision Charitable Trust,’ BoChe has initiated various social welfare projects, including ‘Poor Homes’ near his jewellery outlets to provide food and shelter for the homeless, free ambulance services, and unique gold instalment schemes aimed at making gold ownership accessible to all.
Often appearing as a ‘saviour’ in media-covered tragedies, BoChe extends financial aid, shelter, or whatever survivors seem to need.
Yet, questions remain about the actual impact of his promises. While no verifiable data exists to track the fulfilment of these commitments, one thing is clear—BoChe’s PR team has ensured his image as a benevolent philanthropist is well-maintained.
Social media idolises him, turning him into a figure whose every word is met with applause, even offensive comments. His remarks, regardless of their nature, are brushed aside as “just BoChe jokes,” and his supporters are quick to defend him, asserting his ‘pure intentions.’
He is the founder of Life Vision Charitable Trust and Chemmanur Charitable Trust, is known for adopting homeless individuals, providing them with lifelong support, and aiming to create an orphan-free India through numerous poor homes.
His charitable initiatives span education, sports, medical aid, social welfare, and more. The Boby Group also organises SSLC awards, free rice distribution for 20,000 families annually, eye camps, mass weddings, housing for the poor, and financial aid for families affected by agricultural crises.
The Chemmanur Blood Donation Forum, with 5,000 members, and a free ambulance service further highlight his philanthropic efforts.
However, controversy often follows him. Events like the recent ‘Sunburn @Boche 1000 Acre’ New Year bash in Wayanad faced backlash, leading to high court intervention and relocation. He also faced trouble for selling lottery-linked tea packets, drawing ire from the state Lottery Department.
Additionally, Boby has been accused of offensive comments and behaviour, particularly towards women, resulting in numerous cases filed by activists across Kerala.
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Boby’s derogatory comments, a prominent media personality from Kerala has made a scathing remark, stating, “The fans or followers of Boby Chemmanur are potential rapists. They enjoy rape and sex jokes cracked by Boby. The courage to make sexually coloured jokes about a prominent actress in public reflects a mindset where committing rape in the future would not be surprising.”
The backlash against Boby and his followers has encouraged widespread negative publicity, with some justifying their vulgar remarks by criticising the female actor’s choice of dress and public demeanour.
Dinu Veyil, an activist, responded to this narrative during a media debate, emphasising that the responsibility for sexual abuse lies solely with the perpetrator. He referenced the poem “What I Was Wearing“ by Mary Simmerling, a survivor of a brutal rape, which challenges the notion of victim-blaming.
“Inspired by the poem,” Dinu said, “the University of Arkansas hosted an exhibition in 2013 showcasing the outfits survivors wore at the time of their assault. The display included everything from children’s frocks to bikinis, proving that no attire invites violence.”
‘’I remember also
what he was wearing
that night
even though
it’s true
that no one
has ever asked.”– What I Was Wearing by Mary Simmerling
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
