I’m extremely satisfied with my career, have no plans to act: Karthik

And ‘special’ could hardly be a better word to describe the versatile vocalist who has come a long way since his entry into playback singing more than 13 years ago — when he was a rising star out of college, picked up by Rahman at singer Srinivas’ recommendation. Fast forward to present-day, and Karthik leads the roost among Kollywood’s finest — be it a rousing melody, a dramatic hero entry, a devotional rhapsody or the fantastic fusion music he’s become renowned for.

The singer-turned-composer even says that in the last two years, life has come a full circle for him as he is crossing global boundaries — we catch up with up Karthik right after a pulsating gig, to find out more on what makes him tick.

“It’s been 13 years, yes! And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. How have I evolved since then? Well, I have crossed several frontiers that I would have never dreamt of doing earlier. Obviously, working with A.R. Rahman — it happened right at the beginning of my career. Turning a music director too is something I’m proud of,” says Karthik, whose good looks and charm has seen him touted as possible hero material.

“Who, me? No way! There have been offers here and there, but I know it would be too much for me to handle. As it is, I have my hands full with playback, collaborations and my independent music. The last two years have really seen me come of age in many fronts, and I’m extremely satisfied with my career as of now,” he beams.

After Aravaan, Karthik is now onto his next project as music composer; the Jai-Yami Gautam starrer, Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum which will be quite different from his first, he says, “Yes, Aravaan was a period epic, while TTA is a more contemporary romance. I have definitely learnt a lot more while composing.” But being a vocalist himself, does he sometimes feel like singing every song? “Haha, not at all! I have no qualms about admitting that others are better suited to the tracks I compose. I enjoy this phase of my life a lot,” Karthik remarks.

Picking Usure Poguthey (Behne De in Hindi) as one of his most favourite songs, Karthik reveals that his collaborations are going to take him international over the next year, “I’m working on something ambitious with the likes of Louis Banks, Selvaganesh and Mandolin Rajesh — exciting times ahead. Also, there’s a Bollywood project on with Amit Trivedi. It’s a big year for me.”

And we have to ask him on who’s contributed to his classy wardrobe (he can often be spotted in designer wear, jackets and cool jeans) of late?

“My wife Ambika, of course! I even dedicated an award to her recently, where I was chosen as the most stylish singer in the industry. Ambika, my daughter Kadambari and my family are the biggest sources of support to me, especially during times when I’m touring and away from home for a while,” Karthik smiles and concludes.