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Karunas

2022-05-31T20:10:32Z

2A01:CB00:19:5C00:AC33:8E83:A7CD:820F: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

{{short description|Indian politician}}

{{Use Indian English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Karunas
| image = Karunas.jpg
| imagesize =
| caption = Karunas
| birth_name = Karunanidhi
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1970|02|21}}
| birth_place = [[Kuruvikkarambai]], [[Thanjavur District|Thanjavur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| office1 = Member of [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] from [[Thiruvadanai (State Assembly Constituency)|Thiruvadanai constituency]]
| term_start1 = 19 May 2016
| term_end1 = 2 May 2021
| predecessor1 =
| successor1 =
| office2 = President of Mukkulathor Pulipadai
| term_start2 = 2015
| term_end2 = 2019
| predecessor2 =
| successor2 =
| spouse = [[Grace Karunas]]
| children = 2
| occupation = Actor, comedian, musician, singer, politician
| office = Vice president of Tamilan Artistes' Association
| termstart = 10 October 2015
| party = Mukkulathor Pulipadai
}}

'''Karunas''' (born 21 February 1970 as '''Karunanidhi Sethu''') is an Indian actor, politician and [[comedian]] in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]]. Appearing mostly in supporting roles, he has also played lead roles in films including ''[[Dindigul Sarathy]]'' (2008) and ''[[Ambasamudram Ambani]]'' (2008). Apart from acting, Karunas has also been credited in films as a producer, music composer and a singer, while he continues to serve as the Vice-President of the [[Nadigar Sangam]], after being elected in October 2015.<ref name="hindu1">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Comedy-proves-a-cakewalk/article15397614.ece|title=Comedy proves a cakewalk|date=15 February 2008|access-date=19 July 2018|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Karunas was born in Kuruvikkarambai, a village in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. He did his schooling at Palangudi Bharathi School and later studied at Nandanam Arts, Presidency College. Karunas began his career as pop singer and dancer, working extensively on Tamil folk music.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-14/news-interviews/31700461_1_karunas-movie-star-dindigul-sarathy|title=I cannot eat, sleep and breathe movies: Karunas|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=9 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109171305/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-14/news-interviews/31700461_1_karunas-movie-star-dindigul-sarathy|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article519445.ece?service=print|title=Karunas opens up|website=Newindianexpress.com|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094336/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article519445.ece?service=print|url-status=live}}</ref> He then gradually appeared in films as a comedian.

== Film career ==
Karunas began work as a [[gaana]] singer aged 12, earning the moniker "Gaana" Karunas, and made his television debut through [[Yuhi Sethu]]'s ''Naiyaandi Darbar'' show in the late 1990s as a musician.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2005/06/04/stories/2005060400670400.htm|title=Laughing all the way|author=Prathibha Parameswaran|date=4 June 2005|access-date=22 February 2019|work=[[The Hindu]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Director [[Bala (director)|Bala]] heard one of his songs and subsequently signed Karunas on for an acting role in his second directorial venture, the drama film ''[[Nandha]]'' (2001). He was cast as the comedian and his role as 'Lodukku' it was successful , prompting him to accept further film offers.<ref name="hin">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/its-karunas-call/article3022536.ece|title=It's Karunas' call|date=15 February 2008|access-date=19 July 2018|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011155957/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/its-karunas-call/article3022536.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> He subsequently went on to appear in notable films including ''[[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]]'' (2002), ''[[Pithamagan]]'' (2003), ''[[Vasool Raja MBBS]]'' (2004) and ''[[Polladhavan (2007 film)|Polladhavan]]'' (2007) in supporting comedy roles. Karunas has also distributed two films, ''[[Pori (film)|Pori]]'' (2007) and ''[[Kattradhu Thamizh]]'' (2007), but the failure of both films has prompted him to stay away from distributing any further ventures.<ref name="hin"/>

Karunas first appeared in the lead role in the comedy drama, ''[[Dindigul Sarathy]]'' (2008), portraying an insecure man with an inferiority complex. With heavy promotions by [[Sun Pictures]], the film became a surprise success at the box office and prompted Karunas to appear in further lead roles in the comedy films ''[[Ambasamudram Ambani]]'' (2010), ''[[Chandhamama]]'' (2013), ''[[Ragalaipuram]]'' (2013) and ''Lodukku Pandi'' (2015).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/new-videos/videos-q1-09/actor-actress-interview/karunas.html|title=Karunas - Tamil Movie Actor Interview - Karunas - Ambasamudiram Ambani - Navneet Kaur - Dindugul Sarathy - Behindwoods.com|website=Behindwoods.com|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719203449/http://www.behindwoods.com/new-videos/videos-q1-09/actor-actress-interview/karunas.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In between the films, he also essayed serious performances, and was briefly involved in the making of ''[[Thanga Meenkal|Thanga Meengal]]'' (2013) before it underwent a change of cast, while he was successful for his role in [[Santosh Sivan]]'s war drama film, ''[[Ceylon (film)|Ceylon]]'' (2014).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-special-point-of-view/article5358064.ece|title=A special point of view|first=Sudhish|last=Kamath|date=16 November 2013|access-date=19 July 2018|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=27 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327034214/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-special-point-of-view/article5358064.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> His films as the lead hero, gradually had lower key promotions than the previous ones, and in 2015, Karunas announced he would not appear in any further lead roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tamildiplomat.com/karunass-last-movie-comes-to-screen-soon/|title=Karunas' last movie comes to screen soon - Tamil Diplomat|date=29 January 2015|website=Tamildiplomat.com|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233208/http://tamildiplomat.com/karunass-last-movie-comes-to-screen-soon/|url-status=live}}</ref> He subsequently made a return to starring supporting roles thereafter, being successful for his performance of a suicidal man in ''[[Darling (2015 Tamil film)|Darling]]'' (2015) and as a villager in ''[[Komban]]'' (2015), which became his hundredth film.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://heytamilcinema.com/karunas-makes-century/ |title=Karunas makes century |work=Hey Tamil Cinema |access-date=18 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233203/http://heytamilcinema.com/karunas-makes-century/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In ''[[Azhagu Kutti Chellam]]'' (2016), Karunas has given one of his career best performances .<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/azhagu-kutti-chellam-tamil-movie-review-18322.html|title = Azhagu Kutti Chellam review. Azhagu Kutti Chellam Tamil movie review, story, rating}}</ref> He subsequently changed his mind about not appearing in leading roles, and began work on the sequel to ''Dindigul Sarathy'' in September 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/This-popularity-is-something-I-wasnt-prepared-for-Actor-Karunas/2016/09/13/article3620004.ece |title=This popularity is something I wasn't prepared for: Actor Karunas |work=New Indian Express |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913153312/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/This-popularity-is-something-I-wasnt-prepared-for-Actor-Karunas/2016/09/13/article3620004.ece |archive-date=13 September 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In 2016, he has also continued to act in comedy films including ''[[Jithan 2]]'', ''[[Enakku Innoru Per Irukku]]'', ''[[Dhilluku Dhuddu]]'' and ''[[Ka Ka Ka Po]]''. Karunas plays the responsible uncle, more than a comedian in ''[[Soorarai Pottru]]'' (2020) which has been a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/soorarai-pottru-review/20201114.htm|title=Soorarai Pottru review}}</ref>

== Political career ==
He was the leader of Mukkulathor Pulipadai, a Thevar political outfit. He contested for the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly from [[Tiruvadanai (state assembly constituency)|Thiruvadanai]] in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election 2016 with [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK's]] Twin Leaf (Irratai Ilai) as his election symbol. He won it with a margin of over 10,000 votes.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

On 25 February 2017, an unidentified person threw footwear at Karunas' car while out to garland a statue of freedom fighter [[U. Muthuramalingam Thevar]]. It is believed that the incident could be connected to his support of AIADMK leader [[V. K. Sasikala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/footwear-hurled-at-aiadmk-mla-karunas-car/|title=Footwear hurled at AIADMK MLA Karunas' car|date=25 February 2017|website=Indianexpress.com|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233704/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/footwear-hurled-at-aiadmk-mla-karunas-car/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Karunas is married to [[Grace Karunas|Grace]], a playback singer in the Tamil film industry. The pair had met when Karunas was the guest judge at an inter-collegiate singing competition, and after being impressed, Karunas asked her to sing in his personal music album.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/my-first-break-grace-karunas/article3023313.ece |title=My First Break -- Grace Karunas |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S. R. |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=5 September 2008 |access-date=30 June 2015 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113837/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/my-first-break-grace-karunas/article3023313.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News35/25-10-05e/tamil-movies-news-karunas.html|title=Tamil movies : Karunas has multifaceted talents|website=Behindwoods.com|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233215/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News35/25-10-05e/tamil-movies-news-karunas.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple have a daughter and a son named Ken Karunas who is a child artist in the movie industry, who was born in 2001, making his debut in ''[[Nedunchaalai]]''.

Karunas's younger brother, Nagas, was set to making his acting debut through [[C. Ranganathan]]'s ''Vantharu Jaicharu'', but the film eventually did not release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/tmovies.asp|title=New launches - Tamil films|date=14 August 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030814215543/http://www.chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/tmovies.asp|archive-date=14 August 2003}}</ref>

==Partial filmography ==
===As an actor===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Nandha]]'' || 'Lodukku' Pandi ||
|-
| rowspan="9"| 2002 || ''[[Pesadha Kannum Pesume]]'' || Arun ||
|-
| ''[[123 (film)|123]]'' || Aalavandhaan ||
|-
| ''[[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]]'' || Sambumani ||
|-
| ''[[Villain (2002 film)|Villain]]'' ||Kodukan ||
|-
|''[[Kadhal Azhivathillai]]'' || Samy ||
|-
| ''[[April Maadhathil]]'' || Jackson ||
|-
| ''[[Album (2002 film)|Album]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Jaya (film)|Jaya]]'' || Micheal ||
|-
| ''[[Bala (2002 film)|Bala]]'' || Kutty ||
|-
| rowspan="14"| 2003 || ''[[Kadhaludan]]'' || Durai ||
|-
|''[[Puthiya Geethai]]'' || Ganesh ||
|-
| ''[[Inidhu Inidhu Kadhal Inidhu]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Aahaa Ethanai Azhagu]]'' || Shankar ||
|-
| ''[[Thiruda Thirudi]]'' ||Rockfort Chandru ||
|-
| ''[[Success (2003 film)|Success]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Kaiyodu Kai]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Ragasiyamai]]'' || Suraa Sriganthan||
|-
| ''[[Pithamagan]]'' || Karuvaayan ||
|-
|''[[Thirumalai]]''|| Thirumalai's Friend ||
|-
| ''[[Iyarkai]]'' || Nandu ||
|-
| ''[[Anbe Un Vasam]]'' || JK ||
|-
| ''[[Indru]]'' || Vishwanath ||
|-
| ''[[Sindhamal Sitharamal]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="9"| 2004 || ''[[Ennavo Pudichirukku]]'' || Peela Magan ||
|-
| ''[[Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan]]'' || Vimal ||
|-
| ''[[Varnajaalam]]'' || Logu ||
|-
| ''[[Swetha Naagu|Madhumathi]]'' || "Black" Baba ||
|-
| ''[[Kuththu]]'' || Guru's friend ||
|-
| ''[[Jana (film)|Jana]]'' || Tappa ||
|-
| ''[[New (film)|New]]'' || Vichu (Ex) ||
|-
| ''[[Vasool Raja MBBS]]'' || Kalaialangaram ||
|-
| ''[[Attagasam]]'' || Pangu ||
|-
| rowspan="7"| 2005 || ''[[Devathaiyai Kanden]]'' || 'Kaduppu' Subramani ||
|-
| ''[[Athbhutha Dweepu|Arputha Theevu]]'' || Karuppiah ||
|-
| ''[[Kadhal Seiya Virumbu]]'' || Odibaba Ulaganathan ||
|-
| ''[[Kadhal FM]]'' || Chili Chicken ||
|-
| ''[[E (2006 film)|E]]'' || Tony ||
|-
| ''[[Kasthuri Maan]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="6"| 2006 || ''[[Sudesi]]'' || Ramesh ||
|-
| ''[[Mercury Pookkal]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Prathi Gnayiru 9 Manimudhal 10.30 Varai]]'' || Romeo ||
|-
| ''[[Idhu Kadhal Varum Paruvam]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam]]'' ||Tiger Prathaphan||
|-
| ''[[Thagapansamy|Thagappansaamy]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="14"| 2007 || ''[[Pori (film)|Pori]]'' || Hari's friend ||
|-
| ''[[Ninaithu Ninaithu Parthen]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Vedha]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Arputha Theevu]]'' || Karuppiah ||
|-
| ''[[Mudhal Kanave]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Nee Naan Nila]]'' || Mokkasamy ||
|-
| ''[[Maa Madurai]]'' || Arumugam ||
|-
| ''[[En Uyirinum Melana]]'' || Johnny ||
|-
| ''[[Tholaipesi]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Puli Varudhu]]'' || Karuppa ||
|-
| ''[[Kattradhu Thamizh]]'' || Yuvaan-Suang ||
|-
|''[[Chennai 600028]]''|| Himself || Guest Appearance
|-
| ''[[Polladhavan (2007 film)|Polladhavan]]'' ||Auto Kumar ||
|-
| ''[[Rameswaram (film)|Rameswaram]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="10"| 2008 || ''[[Sadhu Miranda]]'' || Vellai ||
|-
| ''[[Vedha]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Yaaradi Nee Mohini]]'' || Ganesh ||
|-
| ''[[Vallamai Tharayo]]'' || Master ||
|-
| ''[[Dhanam (2008 film)|Dhanam]]'' || Ananth's uncle ||
|-
| ''[[Netru Indru Naalai (2008 film)|Netru Indru Naalai]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Silambattam (film)|Silambattam]]'' || Villager ||
|-
| ''[[Dindigul Sarathy]]'' || Sarathy ||
|-
| ''[[Thiruvannamalai (film)|Thiruvannamalai]]'' ||Duraisingam ||
|-
| ''[[Panchamirtham]]'' || Pandi ||
|-
| rowspan="7"| 2009 || ''[[Satrumun Kidaitha Thagaval]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Adada Enna Azhagu]]'' || Vasan's friend ||
|-
| ''[[Ayan (film)|Ayan]]'' || Dilli ||
|-
| ''[[Ilampuyal]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Rajadhi Raja (2009 film)|Rajathi Raja]]'' || Krishnamoorthy ||
|-
| ''[[Maasilamani]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Arumugam (film)|Arumugam]]'' || Velu ||
|-
| rowspan="7"| 2010 || ''[[Rettaisuzhi]]'' || Military army ||
|-
|''[[Ambasamudram Ambani (film)|Ambasamudram Ambani]]'' || Thandapani ||
|-
| ''[[Punnami Naagu (2009 film)|Pournami Naagam]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Baana Kaathadi]]'' || Kumar ||
|-
| ''[[365 Kadhal Kadithangal]]'' || Murugan ||
|-
| ''[[Enthiran]]'' || Ravi ||
|-
| ''[[Uthamaputhiran (2010 film)|Uthama Puthiran]]'' || Janaki ||
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2011 || ''[[Ilaignan]]'' || Subair ||
|-
| ''[[Kasethan Kadavulada (2011 film)|Kasethan Kadavulada]]'' || Karuna ||
|-
| ''[[Maharaja (2011 film)|Maharaja]]'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2012 || ''[[Kazhugu (2012 film)|Kazhugu]]'' || Nandu ||
|-
| ''[[Aathi Narayana]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Ullam (2012 film)|Ullam]]'' || || direct-to-television
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2013 || ''[[Chandamama (2013 film)|Chandamama]]'' || Santhanakrishnan ||also producer
|-
| ''[[Ragalaipuram]]'' || Velu ||also producer
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Ceylon (film)|Ceylon]]'' || Stanley ||
|-
| rowspan="7"| 2015 || ''[[Darling (2015 Tamil film)|Darling]]'' || Athisaya Raj ||
|-
| ''[[Komban]]'' || Muniyandi ||
|-
| ''[[Masss]]'' || Azhagu ||
|-
| ''Lodukku Pandi'' || Pandi ||
|-
| ''[[Savaale Samaali]]'' || Karunakaran ||
|-
| ''[[Puli (2015 film)|Puli]]'' || Sooran ||
|-
| ''Kathirvel Kaakha'' || ||
|-
| rowspan="12"| 2016 ||''[[Azhagu Kutti Chellam]]'' || Auto driver ||
|-
| ''[[Kathakali (film)|Kathakali]]'' || Karpooram ||
|-
| ''[[Pugazh]]'' || Pugazh's brother ||
|-
| ''[[Jithan 2]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Enakku Innoru Per Irukku]]'' || Finger Babu ||
|-
| ''[[Dhilluku Dhuddu]]'' || Mohan ||
|-
| ''[[Ka Ka Ka Po]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Thirunaal]]'' || Mani ||
|-
| ''[[Wagah (film)|Wagah]]'' || Nagappan ||
|-
| ''[[Kodi (film)|Kodi]]'' || Murugan ||
|-
| ''[[Pazhaya Vannarapettai]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Achamindri]]'' || Pattu ||
|-
| rowspan="1"| 2017 ||''[[Pandigai]]'' || Rattinam Kumar ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|2020 || ''[[Draupadi (2020 film)|Draupadi]]'' || Guruthevan ||
|-
|''[[Soorarai Pottru]]''|| Alapparai ||
|-
| rowspan="1"|2021 || ''[[Sangathalaivan]]'' || Ranganathan ||
|-
|}

===As a music director===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Film

! Notes
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Rajadhi Raja (2009 film)|Rajathi Raja]]'' ||
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Ambasamudram Ambani]]'' ||
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Kasethan Kadavulada (2011 film)|Kasethan Kadavulada]]'' ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|2016 || ''[[Pagiri]]'' || songs only
|-
|''[[Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru]]'' ||Composed one song "Locality Boys"
|-
|}

===As a singer===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Song
! Composer
! Notes
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Shree (2002 film)|Shree]]'' ||"Madurai Jilla"|| T.S Muralidharan ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Iyarkai]]'' || "Seetu Kattu" || [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]] || intro portions
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Kadhal Seiya Virumbu]]'' || "Elam Elam" || G. Ram
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Thunichal]]'' || "Katikalama" || [[Premji Amaren]] ||
|-
|2006||''[[Thalaimagan]]''||"Uppumootai"||Paul J.||
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Chennai 600028]]'' ||"Jalsa" (Remix) || [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] ||
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Rajadhi Raja (2009 film)|Rajathi Raja]]'' ||"Kathirikka" || Himself ||
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Kasethan Kadavulada (2011 film)|Kasethan Kadavulada]]'' || "Kasethan" || Himself ||
|-
|rowspan="3"| 2013|| ''[[Chandhamama]]'' || "Koyambedu Silk Akka" ||[[Srikanth Deva]] || Also lyrics
|-
| ''[[Ceylon (film)|Ceylon]]'' || "Londoniley" || Vishal Chandrashekhar ||
|-
| ''[[Ragalaipuram]]'' || "Obamavum Ingethan" ||Srikanth Deva ||
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Darling (2015 Tamil film)|Darling]]'' || "Vandha Mala" || [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]] ||
|-
|2016 || ''[[Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru]]'' || "Locality Boys" ||himself, Bobo Shashi ||also lyrics
|-
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|id=1420619|name=Karunas}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Tamil male actors]]
[[Category:Indian male comedians]]
[[Category:Tamil comedians]]
[[Category:Tamil film score composers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:People from Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:Male actors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu politicians]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu MLAs 2016–2021]]

Snehan

2022-01-07T19:57:03Z

2A01:CB00:19:5C00:AC33:8E83:A7CD:820F: /* Selected filmography */

{{Short description|Tamil poet and politician}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Snekan Sivaselvam
| image = File:Actor Snehan.jpg
| imagesize =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Sivaselvam
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|6|23}}
| birth_place = Pudhukariyapatti, [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| party = [[Makkal Needhi Maiam]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| occupation = Poet, lyricist, actor, playback singer, politician
| nationality = Indian
| office = 1st [[Makkal Needhi Maiam|Executive committee member]] of MNM
| website = {{Official website|https://www.maiam.com/}}
| predecessor = ''Position established''
| president = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| term_start = 2018
| term_end = Present
| spouse = Kannikaravi
}}

'''Snekan''' (born '''Sivaselvam''') is a Tamil poet, politician, lyricist, and actor who has worked in the Tamil film industry. In the year 2018 he entered politics with Makkal Needhi Maiam and contested in the Lok Sabha election. In [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], he contested on behalf of Makkal Needhi Maiam as a candidate for Virugambakkam Constituency. Born as the eighth son in a farmer family with 6 elder brothers and 1 elder sister, Snekan, a qualified Intermediate teacher, started to write songs in the year 2000. After serving as an assistant to poet [[Vairamuthu]], he began working as a lyricist in the film ''Putham Pudhiya Poove'' and has written lyrics for more than 2500 songs and has worked in more than 750 films. Snekan has since also appeared in films as an actor and made his acting debut with ''[[Yogi (2009 film)|Yogi]]'' (2009).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/I-could-not-refuse-Ameers-offer-Snehan/article16001946.ece |title=I could not refuse Ameer's offer: Snehan |newspaper=The Hindu |date=15 March 2010 |via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

==Early life==
Sivaselvam was born in a small village in the [[Thanjavur district]], the youngest of 8 sons into an [[Agriculture|agricultural family]].<ref name="co">{{cite web |url=http://archives.chennaionline.com/chennaicitizen/2003/07july04th.asp |title=Snehan – a gift from 'Sami' |publisher=chennaionline.com |access-date=3 September 2009}}</ref> He later changed his name to Snekan, because it translates literally to "man of love"<ref name="bw">{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/Interview4/snehan/tamil-cinema-interview-snehan.html |title=Behindwoods :Interviews - Snehan |website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref>

==Cinema career==
Moving to [[Chennai]], Snekan first worked as a protégé to noted poet and lyricist [[Vairamuthu]] for five years. Later, he worked as the editor of Ilanthendral, a monthly magazine for three years. At the book release function of his works ''Mudhal Adhyayam'' and ''Innum Pengal Azhaga Irukkirargal'' in 1995, he was asked by [[K. Balachander]] to write songs in films and he got the chance from music director [[S. A. Rajkumar]] to write lyrics for the film ''Putham Puthu Poove'', which eventually did not have a theatrical release. He has since written more than 2500 songs for more than 500 films, working with various directors and music composers in the [[Tamil film industry]].<ref name="co"/> He first garnered acclaim for his songs in the art film ''[[Penngal]]'' (2000) and the dubbed film ''[[9 Nelalu|Kandein Seethaiyai]]'' (2001), before making a breakthrough with his song "Avaravar Vazhkaiyil" from [[Cheran (director)|Cheran]]'s family drama ''[[Pandavar Bhoomi]]'' (2001). Other successful early songs written by Snekan were from the album ''[[Dhaya (film)|Dhaya]]'' and the dance number "Chumma Chumma" in ''[[Charlie Chaplin (2002 film)|Charlie Chaplin]]'' (2002) which was picturised on [[Prabhu Deva]] and [[Gayathri Raghuram]].<ref name="co"/> He received further acclaim in the early 2000s with his collaboration with [[Ameer (director)|Ameer]] and [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] in ''[[Mounam Pesiyadhe]]'' (2002) and then for the "Kalyanamdhaan Kattikittu" song in [[Harris Jayaraj]]'s album ''[[Saamy]]'' (2003).<ref name="co"/> His work in Ameer's ''[[Raam (2005 film)|Raam]]'' (2005) also won critical acclaim, with the song "Aarariro" earning him plaudits.<ref name="bw"/> He later released more books including ''Ippadium Irukkalam'' and ''Puthagam''.<ref name="bw"/>

He then turned actor for the film action drama ''[[Yogi (2009 film)|Yogi]]'', for which he has also written all the lyrics, as his friend and lead actor of the film, [[Ameer Sultan]], gave him the opportunity. For the same film, Snekan became a playback singer as well, lending his vocals to a song. Portraying a rustic character named Sadayan, the character was well received by audiences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/snehan-grabs-2-at-a-time-tamil-news-52454.html |title=Snehan grabs 2 at a time! - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com |date=9 December 2009 }}</ref> Following his appearance in ''Yogi'', Snekan chose to pursue a career as an actor and looked for roles where he would play the protagonist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/snehan-set-to-become-hero-tamil-news-50283.html |title=Snehan set to become hero - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com |date=26 September 2009 }}</ref> In order to prepare for his stint as an actor, he trained under stunt choreographer Power Pandian to practise action scenes and learnt salsa dancing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/lyricist-snehan-turns-hero-news-tamil-lespESjbciesi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907170233/http://www.sify.com/movies/lyricist-snehan-turns-hero-news-tamil-lespESjbciesi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2017-09-07 |title=Lyricist Snehan turns hero! }}</ref> His next release, the crime thriller ''[[Uyarthiru 420]]'' (2011), saw him appear in the lead role in which his voice was dubbed by [[Sanjeev (Tamil actor, born 1975)|Sanjeev]] opposite [[Meghana Raj]] but the film fared poorly at the box office and received negative reviews. In regard to his performance, a critic from [[Sify]] wrote, "the chemistry between the lead pair is zero" and added, "though Snekan attempts and succeeds to be stylish in the songs, his wooden face, long hair, patchy makeup and dark glasses in almost every frame is a big let down".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/uyirthiru-420-review-tamil-pcmacObgbeebf.html |title=Review : (2011) |website=www.sify.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/aug-11-03/uyarthiru-420-review.html |title=UYARTHIRU 420 REVIEW - UYARTHIRU 420 MOVIE REVIEW |website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref>

In 2013, Snekan began working on a historical film titled ''Raja Raja Chozhanin Porval'' directed by R. S. Amudheswar, which would feature music by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The team began shoot in mid-2013 and planned to bring in actresses [[Shriya Saran]], [[Sneha (actress)|Sneha]] and newcomer Naatiya to play leading female roles opposite Snekan. However, the film was subsequently shelved after it ran into financial trouble.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/ilaiyaraaja-to-compose-in-temple-with-fans-watching/ |title=Ilaiyaraaja to compose in temple with fans watching |first=India |last=Syndicate |date=28 August 2013 }}</ref> In 2015, he then started work on a film titled ''Bommi Veeran'' directed by Ramesh Maharajan, where he would portray a [[kattaikkuttu]] dancer. Like his previous film, the film ran intro financial trouble and the shoot remains on hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.chennaipatrika.com/post/2016/03/05/Lyricist-Snehan-plays-Kattaikkuttu-performer-in-Bommi-Veeran.aspx |title=Lyricist Snehan plays Kattaikkuttu performer in Bommi Veeran |last=edkarthick |website=entertainment.chennaipatrika.com}}</ref>

In 2017, Snekan took part in the Tamil reality television show ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil (Season 1)|Bigg Boss]]'' hosted by [[Kamal Haasan]] and finished as the runner-up.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsx.com/entertainment/74623-bigg-boss-tamil-highlights-of-week-11 |title=Bigg Boss Tamil Week 11: Snehan disheartened; Vaiyapuri elected leader - NewsX |date=7 September 2017 }}</ref> During the show, Snekan announced a proposal to build a library in interior Tamil Nadu with the prize money, if the audience were to vote for him to win the show. Despite his failure to win the show, he began work on the library in Tanjore during November 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/snehan-keeps-the-bigg-boss-promise/articleshow/61832827.cms|title=Snehan keeps the Bigg Boss promise - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> He later announced that he would appear in the lead role in a film titled ''Panangkaattu Nari'' opposite his fellow Bigg Boss contestant, [[Oviya]], but the project did not develop.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/290318/oviya-teams-up-with-snehan.html|title=Oviya teams up with Snehan|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|date=29 March 2018|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>

==Political career==
On 21 February 2018, during the launch of [[Kamal Haasan]]'s political party [[Makkal Needhi Maiam]] (MNM) at the Othakadai Grounds in [[Madurai]], Snekan officially joined the party and became the party's executive committee member. Snekan made his speech and said, "The crowd in front of me has gathered only for the love of Kamal Haasan. This is the real, Thaanaa Serndha Koottam. Kamal sir, will be the best friend for every citizen in the State. ''[[Kaniyan Pungundranar|Yaadhum Oorey, Yaavarum Keleer]]''. Let us spread love to all with the fullest happiness".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/lyricist-snehan-joins-kamal-haasans-political-party.html|title=Lyricist Snehan joins Kamal Haasan's political party|date=21 February 2018|website=Behindwoods}}</ref><ref>https://www.maiam.com/events-details.php?eid=122</ref> Snekan wrote the lyrics of the party's anthem "Idhu Nammavar Padai".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/jul/13/kamal-haasan-formally-takes-charge-as-party-president-names-key-functionaries-1842647.html|title=Kamal Haasan formally takes charge as party president, names key functionaries|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> At the [[2019 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu]], he contested from [[Sivaganga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sivaganga]] as a candidate of the Makkal Needhi Maiam.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/karti-chidambaram-h-raja-among-26-in-sivaganga-turf/article26684888.ece|title=Karti Chidambaram, H. Raja among 26 in Sivaganga turf|newspaper=The Hindu|date=30 March 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

In 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, he is contesting on behalf of Makkal Needhi Maiam as a candidate for Virugambakkam Constituency

=== Indian general elections (Lok Sabha) ===
Snekan electoral performances in the Indian general elections (Lok Sabha).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Election
!colspan="2"|Party
!PC Name
!Result
!Votes gained
!Vote %
|-
|2019
|[[17th Lok Sabha]]
|style="background-color: {{party color|Makkal Needhi Maiam}}" |
|[[Makkal Needhi Maiam ]] 
|[[Sivaganga (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sivaganga]]
|5th place
|22,951
|2.1
|-
|}

==Works==
===Selected filmography===
====As lyricist====
{{colbegin}}
* ''[[Putham Puthu Poove]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Pandavar Bhoomi]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Kottai Mariamman]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Thamizh]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Enge Enadhu Kavithai]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Charlie Chaplin (2002 film)|Charlie Chaplin]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Mounam Pesiyadhe]]'' (2002)
* ''[[April Maadhathil]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Bagavathi]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Chokka Thangam]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Kadhal Sugamanathu]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Saamy]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Success (2003 film)|Success]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Kadhal Kirukkan]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Thathi Thavadhu Manasu]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Kovil (film)|Kovil]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Adi Thadi]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Perazhagan]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Kadhal Dot Com]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Sound Party]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Manmadhan (film)|Manmadhan]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Raam (2005 film)|Raam]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Vanakkam Thalaiva]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Paruthiveeran]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Aegan]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Padikkadavan (2009 film)|Padikathavan]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Aadukalam]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Kadhal 2 Kalyanam]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Kazhugu (2012 film)|Kazhugu]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Soorarai Pottru]]'' (2020)
* ''[[Udanpirappe]]'' (2021)
* ''[[Anandham Vilayadum Veedu]]'' (2021)
{{colend}}

;Television
* 2008 ''Deepangal''
* 2008 ''[[Thekkathi Ponnu]]''
* 2010 ''[[Ilavarasi (TV series)|Ilavarasi]]''
* 2011 ''Appanum Aathalum''
* 2014 ''[[Uyirmei]]''

;Songs
{{colbegin}}
* "Avaravar Vaazhkkaiyil Aayiram Aayiram Maatrangal" (''Pandavar Boomi'')
* "Thozha Thozha" (''Pandavar Boomi'')
* "Adatha Aattamellam" (''Mounam Pesiyathe'')
* "Kalyanam Thaan Kattikittu Odipolama" (''Saamy'')
* "Poi Solla Intha Manasukku Theriyavillai" (''April Maadhathil'')
* "Gnabagam Varuthe" (''Autograph'')
* "Manasukkulle Dhaagam Vanthucha" (''Autograph'')
* "Ore Oru Piravi" (''Perazhagan'')
* "Manmadhane Nee" (''Manmadhan'')
* "Boom Boom" (''Raam'')
* "Aarariraro" (''Raam'')
* "Ore Oru Oorukkulle Ore Oru Appa Amma" (''Thavamai Thavamirunthu'')
* "Ariyadha Vayasu" (''Paruthiveeran'')
* "Ayyayyo" (''Paruthiveeran'')
* "Oororam Puliyamaram" (''Paruthiveeran'')
* "Appa Amma Vilayattu" (''Padikkathavan'')
* "Maambalamaam Maambalam" (''Pokkiri'')
* "Hey Salaa" (''Aegan'')
* "Odum Varaiyil" (''Aegan'')
* "Deemthanakka Thillaanaa" (''Villu'')
* "Yaarodu Yaro" (''Yogi'')
* "Meendum Pallikku Pogalam" (''Pallikkoodam'')
* "Yathe Yathe" (''Aadukalam'')
* "Ayyayo Nenju" (''Aadukalam'')
* "Ambalaikkum Pombalaikkum" (''Kazhugu'')
* "Kaatu Payale" (''Soorarai Pottru'')
* "Karambakudi Kanaga" (''Udanpirappe'')
{{colend}}

====As Actor====
* ''[[Yogi (2009 film)|Yogi]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Uyarthiru 420]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Comali]]'' (2019)
*''[[Bhoomi (2021 film)|Bhoomi]]'' (2021)
*''Anandham Vilayadum Veedu'' (2021)

;Television
* ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil 1]]'' (Finalist)
* ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil 2]]'' as special guest
* ''[[Bharathi Kannamma (2019 TV series)|Bharathi Kannamma]]'' as special guest

===Books===
* ''Mudhal Adhyayam''
* ''Innum Pengal Azhaga Irukkirargal''
* ''Ippadium Irukkalam''
* ''Puththagam''
* ''Avaravar Vazhkaiyil''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|3613990}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Tamil film poets]]
[[Category:Dravidian movement]]
[[Category:Tamil-language lyricists]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Indian lyricists]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:People from Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:Poets from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Makkal Needhi Maiam politicians]]
[[Category:Bigg Boss (Tamil TV series) contestants]]
[[Category:1978 births]]