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{{short description|Indian playback singer}}
{{short description|Indian Playback singer}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{BLP sources|date=April 2011}}
{{BLP sources|date=April 2011}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- For individuals; see Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- For individuals; see Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name           = Karthik
| name             = Karthik
| image           = Karthi rev.JPG
| image             =  
| caption         = Karthik
Karthi rev.JPG
| background     = solo_singer
| alt              =
| birth_name     =  
| caption           =  
| birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1980|11|07|df=yes}}
| background       = solo_singer
| origin         = [[Chennai, Tamil Nadu]], India
| birth_name       =  
| instruments     = Vocals, keyboard
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1980|11|07|df=yes}}
| genre           =  
| origin           = [[Chennai, Tamil Nadu]], India
| occupation     = [[Playback singer]], composer
| instruments       = Vocals, Keyboard
| years_active   = 2000–Present  
| genre             =  
| label           =  
| occupation       = [[Playback singer]], [[Composer]]
| associated_acts =  
| years_active     = 2000–Present
| website         =  
| label             =  
| associated_acts   =  
| website           =  
}}
}}


''' Karthik''' (born 7 November 1980) is an Indian [[Playback singer|Playback Singer]] and [[Composer|Music Composer]]. Karthik started his professional singing career as a backing vocalist and has since been working as a playback singer. He has sung more than 8000 songs in 15 Indian languages including [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Hindi language|Hindi]].
''' Karthik''' (born 7 November 1980) is an Indian [[playback singer]] and [[composer]]. Karthik started his professional singing career as a backing vocalist and has since been working as a playback singer. He has sung more than 8000 songs in 15+ Indian languages including [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Hindi language|Hindi]].<ref name= Amrita05052012>{{cite news| url=http://www.singerkarthikz.blogspot.in/2012/05/amrita-film-awards-will-honour-singer.html| location=Chennai, India | work=Amrita | title=Amrita Film Awards will honour Singer Karthik today with the Best Versatile SInger Award | date=5 May 2012}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=July 2024}}{{Failed verification|date=July 2024}}


The Amrita Film Awards honoured Karthik for his versatility in the industry which gave him the opportunity to sing a variety of songs.<ref name= Amrita05052012>{{cite news| url=http://www.singerkarthikz.blogspot.in/2012/05/amrita-film-awards-will-honour-singer.html| location=Chennai, India | work=Amrita | title=Amrita Film Awards will honour Singer Karthik today with the Best Versatile SInger Award | date=5 May 2012}}</ref>
== Early and personal life ==
 
Karthik was born on 7 November 1980 into a [[Tamils|Tamil]] family and hails from [[Tiruvarur]] district. He is a trained Carnatic music vocalist. He was part of a college band and regularly participated in IIT Madras Fest ''[[Saarang]]''. An ardent fan of [[A. R. Rahman]], Karthik's dream was to meet Rahman and sing for him. Playback singer [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], who often collaborated with Rahman, was Karthik's close friend's cousin. Srinivas encouraged Karthik to look at singing as a career, which prompted Karthik to resume his singing lessons. One year later, Srinivas recommended Karthik's name to Rahman, who needed fresh voices for backing vocalists for a song from ''[[Pukar (2000 film)|Pukar]]''. Karthik eventually got the opportunity and recorded for the song. Having spent over a year being a backing vocalist, Karthik got his break during Rahman's scoring of ''[[One 2 Ka 4]]''. For the background score, A. R. Rahman wanted a high-pitched [[alap]] and he eventually chose Karthik to sing the alap. Soon after, Rahman asked him to sing the song "Nendhukittaen" from the film ''[[Star (2001 film)|Star]]''.
== Early and Personal life ==
{{Unsourced section|date=June 2022}}
Karthikeyan was born into a [[Tamils|Tamil]] [[Brahmin]] family hails from [[Tiruvarur]] district. Karthik developed an interest in music, early in his life. He is a trained Carnatic music vocalist and has been training since his school days. He was part of a college band and regularly participated in IIT Madras Fest ''[[Saarang]]''. An ardent fan of [[A. R. Rahman]], Karthik's dream was to meet Rahman and sing for him. Playback singer [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], who collaborated often with Rahman was Karthik's close friend's cousin. Srinivas encouraged Karthik to look at singing as a career, which prompted Karthik to resume his singing lessons. One year later, Srinivas recommended Karthik's name to Rahman, who needed fresh voices for backing vocalists for a song from ''[[Pukar (2000 film)|Pukar]]''. Karthik eventually got the opportunity and recorded for the song. Having spent over a year being a backing vocalist, Karthik got his break during the Rahman's scoring of ''[[One 2 Ka 4]]''. For the background score, A. R. Rahman wanted a high-pitched [[alap]] and he eventually chose Karthik to sing the alap. Soon after, Rahman asked him to sing the song "Nendhukittaen" from the film ''[[Star (2001 film)|Star]]''.


Karthik was a CA aspirant before he became a professional singer. He is married to Ambika, they have a daughter and a son.
Karthik was a CA aspirant before he became a professional singer. He is married to Ambika, they have a daughter and a son.


== Career ==
== Career ==
{{main|Karthik discography}}
Karthik has sung a number of songs for many popular music directors, including [[A. R. Rahman]], [[Ilaiyaraaja]], [[Harris Jayaraj]], [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]], [[Rahul Raj]], [[Hamsalekha]], [[Devi Sri Prasad]] and [[Manisharma]], in several languages – Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. "Ennaku Oru Girlfriend" from the Tamil film ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]'' was one of a sensational hit of the year. The same year he rendered the US-produced Malayalam album song ''Pularmanjupol Nee'' with famed playback singer [[Sujatha Mohan]]. The song composed by [[Rahul Raj]] became a chartbuster and subsequently an evergreen classic. In 2005, he scored his first hit with  compsoer [[Harris Jayaraj]] singing "Oru Maalai" (''[[Ghajini (2005 film)|Ghajini]]''; 2005). His songs for Telugu films for ''[[Kotha Bangaru Lokam]]'' (Nijanga Nenenaa), ''[[Happy Days (2007 film)|Happy Days]]'' (Arare Arare, Oh My Friend),  "Yedhuta Nilachindi Choodu" (''[[Vaana (film)|Vaana]]''), "Badhulu Tochanai" (''[[Mr. Perfect (film)|Mr.Perfect]]''), "[[Iragai Pole|Manase Guvvai]]" (''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naa Peru Shiva]]''), "Oh Oh My Friend" (''[[Oh My Friend]]''), "Meghama" (''[[Engeyum Eppodhum|Journey]]''), "Yevvaro" (''[[Bodyguard (2012 film)|Bodyguard]]'') are popular. His other popular songs include the title track from ''[[Unnale Unnale]]'' and "Mundhinam Paarthene" and "Ava Enna", both from ''[[Vaaranam Aayiram]]'' (2009). The dubbed versions of his Tamil songs in Telugu are also popular.
Karthik has sung a number of songs for many popular music directors, including A. R. Rahman, [[Ilaiyaraaja]], [[Hamsalekha]], [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]], [[Devi Sri Prasad]], [[Harris Jayaraj]] and [[Manisharma]], in several languages – Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. "Ennaku Oru Girlfriend" from the Tamil film ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]'' was one of the biggest hits of the year as was "Oru Maalai" (''[[Ghajini (2005 film)|Ghajini]]''; 2005). His songs for Telugu films for ''[[Kotha Bangaru Lokam]]'' (Nijanga Nenenaa), ''[[Happy Days (2007 film)|Happy Days]]'' (Arare Arare, Oh My Friend), "Badhulu Tochanai" (''[[Mr. Perfect (film)|Mr.Perfect]]''), "Manase Guvvai" (''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naa Peru Shiva]]''), "Oh Oh My Friend" (''[[Oh My Friend]]''), "Yedhuta nlichindhi choodu" (''[[Vaana (film)|Vaana]]''), "Meghama" (''[[Engeyum Eppodhum|Journey]]''), "Yevvaro" (''[[Bodyguard (2012 film)|Bodyguard]]'') are very popular. His other popular songs include "Ava Enna" from the ''[[Vaaranam Aayiram]]'' (2009), the title track from ''[[Unnale Unnale]]'', "Behka" from ''[[Ghajini (2008 film)|Ghajini]]''.
 
Karthik has sung Kannada songs and has many songs to his credit like Ale Ale, Anuraaga Aralo Samaya, Thangaliyalli Theli Hode, Nee Chummu Chummu Munjaaneli, Sum Sumne Yaako, Madhumasa, Nenapidu Nenapidu, Thanthaane Thannamthaane, Raktha Sambandhagala, and many more.


Karthik has sung Kannada songs and has many super hit chart buster songs to his credit like Ale Ale, Anuraaga Aralo Samaya, Thangaliyalli Theli Hode, Nee Chummu Chummu Munjaaneli, Manasaithu Ninna Myaale, Sum Sumne Yaako, Hosadondu hesaridu Nanange, Kanne Koodiruvaaga, Madhumasa, Nenapidu Nenapidu, Thanthaane Thannamthaane, Baruve Odi Odi Nalidu, Raktha Sambandhagala, Saluge Saluge, Mannige Mara Bhaarave and many more.
"Behka" from ''[[Ghajini (2008 film)|Ghajini]]'' is also popular.
In 2010, he sang a track "Behene De", from Hindi film ''[[Raavan (2010 Hindi film)|Raavan]]'', which is widely considered as the biggest song in his career.<ref name="BeheneDe">{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/news-and-interviews/Karthik-is-on-a-high/articleshow/5962828.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103220307/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-23/news-and-interviews/28314644_1_hindi-version-tamil-number-lyrics | url-status=live | archive-date=3 November 2012 |title=Karthik is on a high | work=[[The Times of India]]|date= 23 May 2010|access-date= 16 September 2011}}</ref> The track, which topped music charts for many continuous weeks, also received rave critical reviews.<ref name="BeheneDe" />


In 2010, he sang a track "Behene De", from Hindi film ''[[Raavan]]'', which is widely considered as the biggest song in his career.<ref name="BeheneDe">{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-23/news-and-interviews/28314644_1_hindi-version-tamil-number-lyrics | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103220307/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-23/news-and-interviews/28314644_1_hindi-version-tamil-number-lyrics | url-status=dead | archive-date=3 November 2012 |title=Karthik is on a high | work=[[The Times of India]]|date= 23 May 2010|access-date= 16 September 2011}}</ref> The track, which topped music charts for many continuous weeks, also received rave critical reviews.<ref name="BeheneDe" /> Karthik also performed the Tamil and Telugu versions of the same song, titled "Usure Poghudhey" and "Usire Poyene" respectively. He also sang "Adhigora Choodu" in the movie Mirapakaay.
The song Yayum Ngayum from the album [[Sandham: Symphony Meets Classical Tamil]] is considered one of Karthik's career best for the way how he has brought sensuality to the 2000 year old poetry, in composer [[Rajan Somasundaram|Raleigh Rajan]]'s music. He received wide appreciations for the theme song of the 10th [[World Tamil Conference]] from the same album [[Sandham: Symphony Meets Classical Tamil]]. The album was featured in Amazon's Top#10 International Music albums in July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamalar.com/news/tamil-nadu-news/news/2290362|title = உலக கலைஞர்களின், கணீர் குரலில் உலகத் தமிழ் ஆராய்ச்சி மாநாட்டு பாடல்|date = 4 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solvanam.com/2020/02/24/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%88/|title = Sandham: Music Review |date = 4 June 2019}}</ref>


The song Yayum Ngayum from the album [[Sandham: Symphony Meets Classical Tamil]] is considered as one of Karthik's career best for the way how he has brought sensuality to the 2000 year old poetry. He received wide appreciations for the theme song of 10th [[World Tamil Conference]] from the same album [[Sandham: Symphony Meets Classical Tamil]]. The album was featured in Amazon's Top#10 International Music albums in July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamalar.com/news_detail.asp?id=2290362|title = உலக கலைஞர்களின், கணீர் குரலில் உலகத் தமிழ் ஆராய்ச்சி மாநாட்டு பாடல்|date = 4 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solvanam.com/2020/02/24/%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%88/|title = Sandham: Music Review |date = 4 June 2019}}</ref>
== Television ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:60%;"
!'''Year'''
!Program
!Channel
!Language
!Notes
|-
|2009
|''[[Thendral]]''
|[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]
|Tamil
|Title song
|-
|2009-10
|''[[Amman (TV series)]]''
|[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]
|Tamil
|Title song (with [[Priya Himesh]])
|-
|2016
|''[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs]]''
|[[Zee Tamil]]
|Tamil
|Judging panel (with [[Vijay Prakash]], [[Sujatha Mohan]])
|-
|2017-18
|''[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors]]''
|[[Zee Tamil]]
|Tamil
|Judging panel (with [[Vijay Prakash]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]])
|-
|2018
|''[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs]] (Season 2)''
|[[Zee Tamil]]
|Tamil
|Judging panel (with [[Vijay Prakash]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Sujatha Mohan]])
|-
|2018
|''Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2018''
|[[Zee Telugu]]
|Telugu
|Judging panel (with [[Chinmayi Sripaada]], [[Ramajogayya Sastry]])
|-
|2019-2020
|''[[Sun Singer]] (Season 6)''
|[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]
|Tamil
|Judging panel (with [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Remya Nambeesan]])
|-
|2022
|''[[Telugu Indian Idol]]''
|[[Aha (streaming service)|Aha]]
|Telugu
|Judging panel (with [[Nithya Menen]], [[Thaman S]])
|-
|2022-23
|''[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors (season 3)]]''
| rowspan="2" |[[Zee Tamil]]
| rowspan="2" |Tamil
|Judging panel (with [[Vijay Prakash]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Remya Nambeesan]])
|-
|2023
|''[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Tamil Li'l Champs (season 3)]]''
|Guest judge
|-
|2024
|''[[Telugu Indian Idol]]''
|[[Aha (streaming service)|Aha]]
|Telugu
|Judging panel (with [[Thaman S]], [[Geeta Madhuri]])
|-
|2024
|[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors season 4|''Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors 4'']]
|[[Zee Tamil]]
|Tamil
|Judging panel (with [[Vijay Prakash]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Saindhavi|Saindhavi Prakash]])
|-
|2025
|[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors season 5|''Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors 5'']]
|[[Zee Tamil]]
|Tamil
|Judging panel (with [[Vijay Prakash]], [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Shweta Mohan]])
|}


== Composing ==
== Composing ==
He has composed music for a multi lingual Coca-Cola Advertisement (for Rajeev Menon featuring actor Vijay)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-09-03/karthik-20-03-09.html |title=Karthik to score for Vijay – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Movies News – Karthik Vijay Rajiv Menon |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=16 September 2011}}</ref> and Prince Jewellery advertisements. He is the music director of [[Vasanthabalan]]'s period film ''[[Aravaan]]'' and Srinivas Raga's ''[[Okkadine]]'' starring ''[[Nara Rohit]]'' and ''[[Nithya Menen]]'' in Telugu.
He has composed music for a multi lingual Coca-Cola Advertisement (for Rajeev Menon featuring actor Vijay)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-09-03/karthik-20-03-09.html |title=Karthik to score for Vijay – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Movies News – Karthik Vijay Rajiv Menon |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=16 September 2011}}</ref> and Prince Jewellery advertisements. He is the music director of [[Vasanthabalan]]'s period film ''[[Aravaan]]'' and Srinivas Raga's ''[[Okkadine]]'' in Telugu.


He has also released an album called "Music I Like". It is based on carnatic ragaas and it is a contemporary take on some well known keerthanas.<ref>[http://www.landmarkonthenet.com/music-i-like-karthik-by-karthick-music-5099908214522-3916886 Music I Like – Buy online at]. Landmarkonthenet.com (28 September 2011). Retrieved on 25 September 2012.</ref>
He has also released an album called "Music I Like". It is based on carnatic ragaas and it is a contemporary take on some well known keerthanas. The orchestration was done by the music director Sai Madhukar.<ref>[http://www.landmarkonthenet.com/music-i-like-karthik-by-karthick-music-5099908214522-3916886 Music I Like – Buy online at] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511033352/http://www.landmarkonthenet.com/music-i-like-karthik-by-karthick-music-5099908214522-3916886/ |date=11 May 2012 }}. Landmarkonthenet.com (28 September 2011). Retrieved on 25 September 2012.</ref>
The Orchestration was done by Music director Sai Madhukar.
He also performed in Oxford engineering college Bengaluru.


He has also composed a new song 'Koova'.
He is the composer of the segment "Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru" directed by [[Gautham Vasudev Menon]] in the Netflix anthology movie ''[[Navarasa (web series)|Navarasa]]'' (2021). He has also composed music for the film ''[[Joshua Imai Pol Kaakha]]''.


He is the composer of the segment 'Guitar Kambi mele Nindru' directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon in the Netflix anthology movie [[Navarasa (web series)|Navarasa]] (2021)
== Discography ==
 
{{main|Karthik discography}}
He has also composed music for an upcoming film "Joshua "Directed by Gautham Vasudhev Menon
=== As composer ===
 
====Films====
== Filmography ==
 
=== As Composer ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Year
!Year
![[Tamil language|Tamil]]
!Title
![[Telugu language|Telugu]]
!Language
![[Hindi]]
|-
![[Malayalam]]
| 2012
!Notes
|''[[Aravaan]]''
|Tamil
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"| 2012
| 2013
|''[[Aravaan]]'' •
|''[[Okkadine]]''
|''Eka Veera''
| rowspan="2" |Telugu
|''Jungle-The Battleground''
|
|
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"|2013
|2015
|
|''[[Courier Boy Kalyan]]''
|''[[Okkadine]]'' •
| ''Aur Ek Dushman''
| ''Kanalattam''
|
|-
|-
|rowspan="1" | 2016
| 2016
|''[[Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum]]'' •<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Success-as-a-singer-never-made-me-complete-Karthik/articleshow/49191704.cms|title=Success as a singer never made me complete|work=The Times of India|date=2 October 2015 |access-date=2 November 2016}}</ref>
|''[[Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum]]''<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/Success-as-a-singer-never-made-me-complete-Karthik/articleshow/49191704.cms|title=Success as a singer never made me complete|work=The Times of India|date=2 October 2015 |access-date=2 November 2016}}</ref>
|''[[Courier Boy Kalyan]]'' • || ''Courier Boy Kalyan'' ||||
| rowspan="5" |Tamil
|-
|-
|2020
|2020
|[[Paava Kadhaigal]] (Vaanmagal)
|''[[Paava Kadhaigal]]''
|
|-
|
| rowspan="2" |2021
|
|''[[Kutty Story]]'' (''Edhirpaara Muththam'')
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |2021
|''[[Navarasa (soundtrack)|Navarasa]]''
|[[Kutty Story]] (Edhirpaara Muththam)
|
|
|
|
|-
|-
|''[[Joshua Imai Pol Kaakha]]'' •
| rowspan="2" | 2024
|
|''[[Joshua Imai Pol Kaakha]]''  
|
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Navarasa (soundtrack)|Navarasa]] (Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru)
|''[[Appudo Ippudo Eppudo]]''
|Telugu
|}
 
* The films are listed in the order the films were released.


|
==== Music videos ====
|
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: left;"
|
|-
|
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Title
! scope="col"| Role
! scope="col"| Actors
! scope="col"|Language
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Ref.}}
|-
| rowspan="3"|2018 || ''Koova Koova'' || Music video director || [[Sathish Krishnan]], [[Chinnaponnu]]
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |Tamil ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QQ4V976_aw|title=Koova Koova - Single &#124; Ondraga Originals &#124; Madhan Karky &#124; Karthik &#124; Gautham Menon {{!}} 4K|date=13 January 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref>
|-
|''Ulaviravu'' || Music video director || [[Tovino Thomas]], [[Divyadarshini]] || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYVMN11-zek|title=Ulaviravu - Single &#124; Ondraga Originals &#124; Madhan Karky &#124; Karthik &#124; Gautham Menon|date=13 February 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref>
|-
| ''Bodhai Kodhai''
| Music video director
|[[Atharvaa]], [[Aishwarya Rajesh]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA54cfoF2IQ:| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211113/oA54cfoF2IQ| archive-date=2021-11-13 | url-status=live|title=Bodhai Kodhai – Single Gautham Vasudev Menon, Karthik, Karky, Atharvaa, Aishwarya Rajesh|last=Ondraga Entertainment |date=14 June 2018 |access-date=30 April 2020|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|}
|}


* The films are listed in order that the music released, regardless of the dates the film released.
=== As independent musician ===
* The year next to the title of the affected films indicates the release year of the either dubbed or remade version in the named language later than the original version.
* • indicates original language release. Indicates simultaneous makes, if featuring in more languages
* ♦ indicates a remade version, the remaining ones being dubbed versions
 
=== As Independent Musician ===
Karthik is a part of a band called Arka which is a contemporary fusion band.
Karthik is a part of a band called Arka which is a contemporary fusion band.


Line 124: Line 203:


=== As dubbing artist ===
=== As dubbing artist ===
Dubbed and sang for the character Aladdin for its 2019 [[Aladdin (2019 film)|version]].
Dubbed and sang for the character Aladdin for its 2019 [[Aladdin (2019 film)|version]]. He also lent his voice to [[Allu Arjun]] for the Tamil dubbed version of [[Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo]], and also rendered the [[Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (soundtrack)|songs]] for the same.


== Television ==
== Controversies ==
*2016 He co-judged the Musical Show [[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs]] with [[Vijay Prakash]] and [[Sujatha Mohan]]
As part of the [[Me Too movement (India)|#MeToo movement]], Karthik was accused of sexual harassment in 2018 by several anonymous women. Singer [[Chinmayi Sripaada]] tweeted these allegations messaged to her by women who wished to remain anonymous.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sripada |first=Chinmayi |title=Chinmayi Sripada on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/Chinmayi/status/1050606916873809920 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516035957/https://twitter.com/Chinmayi/status/1050606916873809920 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |website=Twitter}}</ref> Karthik responded to the allegations by tweeting "I want to put it out there that I have never intentionally acted in a way that would make anybody feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If anybody felt hurt because of any of my actions in the past, please reach out to me directly. I do believe in facing the consequences of one's actions. I fully support #MeToo and if there's truth in anybody's grievance, I shall be more than willing to apologise or face legal action because I don't want to ever leave a sour taste in anyone's life".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Singer Karthi finally responds to #MeToo allegations: Have never harassed anybody |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/singer-karthi-finally-responds-to-metoo-allegations-have-never-harassed-anybody-1459697-2019-02-19 |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=India Today |date=19 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
*2017-2018 He co-judged the Musical Show [[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors]] with [[Vijay Prakash]] and [[Srinivas]]
*2018 He co-judged the Musical Show [[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs]] Season 2 with [[Vijay Prakash]], [[Srinivas]] and [[Sujatha Mohan]]
*2018 - He co-judged the Musical Show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2018 in Telugu with [[Chinmayi|Chinmayi Sripada]] and [[Ramajogayya Sastry|Ramajogayya Sastri]]
*2019 He co-judged the Musical Show [[Sun Singer]] Season 6 with [[Mano (singer)|Mano]] and [[Remya Nambesan]]
*2022 He is co-judging the Musical Show ''[[Telugu Indian Idol]]'' with [[Nithya Menen]] and [[S. Thaman]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=India|first=The Hans|date=2022-02-19|title=Telugu 'Indian Idol' to get started from February 25|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/telugu-indian-idol-to-get-started-from-february-25-730015|access-date=2022-02-21|website=www.thehansindia.com|language=en}}</ref>


== Awards ==
== Awards ==
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|}
|}


* '''Other Awards'''
* '''Other awards'''
{| class="wikitable" width="68%"
{| class="wikitable" width="68%"
|- bgcolor="#d1e4fd"
|- bgcolor="#d1e4fd"
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| 2011 || TSR TV9 National film awards – Best Playback Singer (Male) || Choosthunna || [[Mogudu (film)|''Mogudu'']]||Telugu
| 2011 || TSR TV9 National film awards – Best Playback Singer (Male) || Choosthunna || [[Mogudu (film)|''Mogudu'']]||Telugu
|-bgcolor=#edf3fe
|-bgcolor=#edf3fe
| 2012 || Amrita Film Awards 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amritatv.com/afa/winners.html |title=Amrita TV Film Awards |work=Amrita TV |access-date=2013-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014060735/http://www.amritatv.com/afa/winners.html |archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> – Versatile Singer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerala9.com/malayalam/v/events/amrita+tv+film+awards+2012+photos/amrita+tv+film+awards+2012+photos00-354.JPG.html|title=amrita tv film awards 2012 photos00-354.JPG – Kerala9.com|website=kerala9.com}}</ref> ||various songs ||''Ordinary, [[Spanish Masala]]''||Malayalam
| 2012 || Amrita Film Awards 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amritatv.com/afa/winners.html |title=Amrita TV Film Awards |work=Amrita TV |access-date=2013-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014060735/http://www.amritatv.com/afa/winners.html |archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> – Versatile Singer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerala9.com/malayalam/v/events/amrita+tv+film+awards+2012+photos/amrita+tv+film+awards+2012+photos00-354.JPG.html|title=amrita tv film awards 2012 photos00-354.JPG – Kerala9.com|website=kerala9.com|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014030735/http://www.kerala9.com/malayalam/v/events/amrita+tv+film+awards+2012+photos/amrita+tv+film+awards+2012+photos00-354.JPG.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ||various songs ||''Ordinary, [[Spanish Masala]]''||Malayalam
|-
|-
| 2012 || Ghantasala Puraskar Award<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=294020327328310&set=pb.156924861037858.-2207520000.1381556618.&type=3&permPage=1|title=Caatik|website=facebook.com}}</ref> – Young Achiever Award 2012 || || ||
| 2012 || Ghantasala Puraskar Award{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}} – Young Achiever Award 2012 || || ||
|-bgcolor=#edf3fe
|-bgcolor=#edf3fe
| 2012 || [[Mirchi Music Awards South]] – Best Male Playback Singer || Kaatrai Konjam || ''[[Neethane En Ponvasantham]]''||Tamil
| 2012 || [[Mirchi Music Awards South]] – Best Male Playback Singer || Kaatrai Konjam || ''[[Neethane En Ponvasantham]]''||Tamil
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* [http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/artist/Karthik.html Listing of Karthik's songs in alphabetical order of albums]
* [http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/artist/Karthik.html Listing of Karthik's songs in alphabetical order of albums]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090220005222/http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/tamil/s/singer.4552/ Listing of Karthik's songs in alphabetical order of songs]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090220005222/http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/tamil/s/singer.4552/ Listing of Karthik's songs in alphabetical order of songs]
 
{{Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu}}{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Karthik}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Karthik}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Tamil-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Telugu-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Singers from Chennai]]
[[Category:Singers from Chennai]]
[[Category:Tamil singers]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:International Tamil Film Award winners]]
[[Category:International Tamil Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Telugu Indian Idol]]
[[Category:Telugu Indian Idol]]

Latest revision as of 15:09, 21 February 2026


Karthik
Background information
Born (1980-11-07) 7 November 1980 (age 45)
OriginChennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation(s)Playback singer, Composer
InstrumentsVocals, Keyboard
Years active2000–Present

Karthik (born 7 November 1980) is an Indian playback singer and composer. Karthik started his professional singing career as a backing vocalist and has since been working as a playback singer. He has sung more than 8000 songs in 15+ Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Bengali, Marathi and Hindi.[1][unreliable source?][failed verification]

Early and personal life[edit | edit source]

Karthik was born on 7 November 1980 into a Tamil family and hails from Tiruvarur district. He is a trained Carnatic music vocalist. He was part of a college band and regularly participated in IIT Madras Fest Saarang. An ardent fan of A. R. Rahman, Karthik's dream was to meet Rahman and sing for him. Playback singer Srinivas, who often collaborated with Rahman, was Karthik's close friend's cousin. Srinivas encouraged Karthik to look at singing as a career, which prompted Karthik to resume his singing lessons. One year later, Srinivas recommended Karthik's name to Rahman, who needed fresh voices for backing vocalists for a song from Pukar. Karthik eventually got the opportunity and recorded for the song. Having spent over a year being a backing vocalist, Karthik got his break during Rahman's scoring of One 2 Ka 4. For the background score, A. R. Rahman wanted a high-pitched alap and he eventually chose Karthik to sing the alap. Soon after, Rahman asked him to sing the song "Nendhukittaen" from the film Star.

Karthik was a CA aspirant before he became a professional singer. He is married to Ambika, they have a daughter and a son.

Career[edit | edit source]

Karthik has sung a number of songs for many popular music directors, including A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, Harris Jayaraj, Vidyasagar, Rahul Raj, Hamsalekha, Devi Sri Prasad and Manisharma, in several languages – Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. "Ennaku Oru Girlfriend" from the Tamil film Boys was one of a sensational hit of the year. The same year he rendered the US-produced Malayalam album song Pularmanjupol Nee with famed playback singer Sujatha Mohan. The song composed by Rahul Raj became a chartbuster and subsequently an evergreen classic. In 2005, he scored his first hit with compsoer Harris Jayaraj singing "Oru Maalai" (Ghajini; 2005). His songs for Telugu films for Kotha Bangaru Lokam (Nijanga Nenenaa), Happy Days (Arare Arare, Oh My Friend), "Yedhuta Nilachindi Choodu" (Vaana), "Badhulu Tochanai" (Mr.Perfect), "Manase Guvvai" (Naa Peru Shiva), "Oh Oh My Friend" (Oh My Friend), "Meghama" (Journey), "Yevvaro" (Bodyguard) are popular. His other popular songs include the title track from Unnale Unnale and "Mundhinam Paarthene" and "Ava Enna", both from Vaaranam Aayiram (2009). The dubbed versions of his Tamil songs in Telugu are also popular.

Karthik has sung Kannada songs and has many songs to his credit like Ale Ale, Anuraaga Aralo Samaya, Thangaliyalli Theli Hode, Nee Chummu Chummu Munjaaneli, Sum Sumne Yaako, Madhumasa, Nenapidu Nenapidu, Thanthaane Thannamthaane, Raktha Sambandhagala, and many more.

"Behka" from Ghajini is also popular. In 2010, he sang a track "Behene De", from Hindi film Raavan, which is widely considered as the biggest song in his career.[2] The track, which topped music charts for many continuous weeks, also received rave critical reviews.[2]

The song Yayum Ngayum from the album Sandham: Symphony Meets Classical Tamil is considered one of Karthik's career best for the way how he has brought sensuality to the 2000 year old poetry, in composer Raleigh Rajan's music. He received wide appreciations for the theme song of the 10th World Tamil Conference from the same album Sandham: Symphony Meets Classical Tamil. The album was featured in Amazon's Top#10 International Music albums in July 2020.[3][4]

Television[edit | edit source]

Year Program Channel Language Notes
2009 Thendral Sun TV Tamil Title song
2009-10 Amman (TV series) Sun TV Tamil Title song (with Priya Himesh)
2016 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs Zee Tamil Tamil Judging panel (with Vijay Prakash, Sujatha Mohan)
2017-18 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors Zee Tamil Tamil Judging panel (with Vijay Prakash, Srinivas)
2018 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs (Season 2) Zee Tamil Tamil Judging panel (with Vijay Prakash, Srinivas, Sujatha Mohan)
2018 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2018 Zee Telugu Telugu Judging panel (with Chinmayi Sripaada, Ramajogayya Sastry)
2019-2020 Sun Singer (Season 6) Sun TV Tamil Judging panel (with Mano, Remya Nambeesan)
2022 Telugu Indian Idol Aha Telugu Judging panel (with Nithya Menen, Thaman S)
2022-23 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors (season 3) Zee Tamil Tamil Judging panel (with Vijay Prakash, Srinivas, Remya Nambeesan)
2023 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Tamil Li'l Champs (season 3) Guest judge
2024 Telugu Indian Idol Aha Telugu Judging panel (with Thaman S, Geeta Madhuri)
2024 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors 4 Zee Tamil Tamil Judging panel (with Vijay Prakash, Srinivas, Saindhavi Prakash)
2025 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors 5 Zee Tamil Tamil Judging panel (with Vijay Prakash, Srinivas, Shweta Mohan)

Composing[edit | edit source]

He has composed music for a multi lingual Coca-Cola Advertisement (for Rajeev Menon featuring actor Vijay)[5] and Prince Jewellery advertisements. He is the music director of Vasanthabalan's period film Aravaan and Srinivas Raga's Okkadine in Telugu.

He has also released an album called "Music I Like". It is based on carnatic ragaas and it is a contemporary take on some well known keerthanas. The orchestration was done by the music director Sai Madhukar.[6]

He is the composer of the segment "Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru" directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon in the Netflix anthology movie Navarasa (2021). He has also composed music for the film Joshua Imai Pol Kaakha.

Discography[edit | edit source]

Main article: Karthik discography

As composer[edit | edit source]

Films[edit | edit source]

Year Title Language
2012 Aravaan Tamil
2013 Okkadine Telugu
2015 Courier Boy Kalyan
2016 Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum[7] Tamil
2020 Paava Kadhaigal
2021 Kutty Story (Edhirpaara Muththam)
Navarasa
2024 Joshua Imai Pol Kaakha
Appudo Ippudo Eppudo Telugu
  • The films are listed in the order the films were released.

Music videos[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Actors Language Template:Ref.
2018 Koova Koova Music video director Sathish Krishnan, Chinnaponnu Tamil [8]
Ulaviravu Music video director Tovino Thomas, Divyadarshini [9]
Bodhai Kodhai Music video director Atharvaa, Aishwarya Rajesh [10]

As independent musician[edit | edit source]

Karthik is a part of a band called Arka which is a contemporary fusion band.

Arka denotes the Sun in Sanskrit and to rightly interpret the meaning, it is the warmth and radiance of music that spreads across everyone listening. With the exclusive intention of extending a new musical outreach, few renowned artists in unison have created this band and intend to broaden the horizons of Indian fusion music.

Arka is the epicenter of an erupting musical form with core and artists like Karthik, SelvaGanesh, Gino Banks, Ravichandra Kulur, Santhosh Chandran, Mishko M'Ba, and guest artists like the legends Vikku Vinayakaram and Swaminathan.

As dubbing artist[edit | edit source]

Dubbed and sang for the character Aladdin for its 2019 version. He also lent his voice to Allu Arjun for the Tamil dubbed version of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, and also rendered the songs for the same.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

As part of the #MeToo movement, Karthik was accused of sexual harassment in 2018 by several anonymous women. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada tweeted these allegations messaged to her by women who wished to remain anonymous.[11] Karthik responded to the allegations by tweeting "I want to put it out there that I have never intentionally acted in a way that would make anybody feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If anybody felt hurt because of any of my actions in the past, please reach out to me directly. I do believe in facing the consequences of one's actions. I fully support #MeToo and if there's truth in anybody's grievance, I shall be more than willing to apologise or face legal action because I don't want to ever leave a sour taste in anyone's life".[12]

Awards[edit | edit source]

Year Category Language Song Film
2005 Best Male Playback Award Tamil Oru Maalai Ghajini
2007 Best Male Playback Award (Telugu) Telugu Arey Rey Happy Days
2008 Best Male Playback Award Telugu Nijanga Nenena Kotha Bangaru Lokam
2009 Best Male Playback Award Tamil Hasili Fisili Aadhavan
2010 Best Male Playback Award Tamil Usure Poguthey Raavanan
2016 Best Male Playback Award (Telugu) Telugu Yellipokey Shyamala A Aa
  • Other awards
Year Category Song Film Language
2003 ITFA Best Male Playback Award Oru Ooril Kaakha Kaakha Tamil
2007 Nandi Award for Best Male Playback Singer Oh..My Friend Happy Days Telugu
2008 CineMAA Awards – Best Male Playback Singer Telugu
2009 Tamil Isaiaruvi Music Awards 2010 Hasili Fisili Aadhavan Tamil
2009 Vijay Awards 2010 Tamil
2010 Asiavision Awards Best Male Playback Singer Neelathamara Neelathaamara Malayalam
2010 Vijay Music Awards – Popular Singer Male Usure Poguthey Raavanan Tamil
2010 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback singer Tamil
2010 Mirchi Music Awards South – Best Male Playback Singer Tamil
2011 TSR TV9 National film awards – Best Playback Singer (Male) Choosthunna Mogudu Telugu
2012 Amrita Film Awards 2012[13] – Versatile Singer[14] various songs Ordinary, Spanish Masala Malayalam
2012 Ghantasala Puraskar Award[citation needed] – Young Achiever Award 2012
2012 Mirchi Music Awards South – Best Male Playback Singer Kaatrai Konjam Neethane En Ponvasantham Tamil
2012 Mirchi Music Awards South – Best Upcoming Music Director Nila Nila Aravaan Tamil
2013 Globus Style Awards 2013[15] – Stylish Singer Award Malayalam
2013 Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer Janmandarangalil Orissa Malayalam
2017 Asiavision Awards Best Male Playback Singer ee Kaatu Adam Joan Malayalam
2018 Mazhavil Music Awards -/Best Male Singer Kadavathoru thoni Poomaram Malayalam
2021 SIIMA Award for Best Male Playback Singer- Tamil Anbe Anbin Peranbu Tamil

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Amrita Film Awards will honour Singer Karthik today with the Best Versatile SInger Award". Amrita. Chennai, India. 5 May 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Karthik is on a high". The Times of India. 23 May 2010. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  3. ↑ "உலக கலைஞர்களின், கணீர் குரலில் உலகத் தமிழ் ஆராய்ச்சி மாநாட்டு பாடல்". 4 June 2019.
  4. ↑ "Sandham: Music Review". 4 June 2019.
  5. ↑ "Karthik to score for Vijay – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Movies News – Karthik Vijay Rajiv Menon". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  6. ↑ Music I Like – Buy online at Archived 11 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Landmarkonthenet.com (28 September 2011). Retrieved on 25 September 2012.
  7. ↑ "Success as a singer never made me complete". The Times of India. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  8. ↑ "Koova Koova - Single | Ondraga Originals | Madhan Karky | Karthik | Gautham Menon | 4K". 13 January 2018 – via YouTube.
  9. ↑ "Ulaviravu - Single | Ondraga Originals | Madhan Karky | Karthik | Gautham Menon". 13 February 2018 – via YouTube.
  10. ↑ Ondraga Entertainment (14 June 2018). "Bodhai Kodhai – Single Gautham Vasudev Menon, Karthik, Karky, Atharvaa, Aishwarya Rajesh". Archived from the original on 13 November 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2020 – via YouTube.
  11. ↑ Sripada, Chinmayi. "Chinmayi Sripada on Twitter". Twitter. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022.
  12. ↑ "Singer Karthi finally responds to #MeToo allegations: Have never harassed anybody". India Today. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  13. ↑ "Amrita TV Film Awards". Amrita TV. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  14. ↑ "amrita tv film awards 2012 photos00-354.JPG – Kerala9.com". kerala9.com. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  15. ↑ "Globus Style Awards 2013, Event Gallery, Globus Style Awards 2013, KS Ravikumar". behindwoods.com.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu

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