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Karthik Raj
Karthik Raj
from Wikipedia

Karthik Raj is an Indian Tamil actor who primarily works in television.

Key Information

He rose to fame in the work-related romance drama, Office (2013-2015) and in the romantic family drama, Sembaruthi (2017-2020). Success of his television series has established him as one of the most accoladed favourite actor in the Tamil television industry.

Early life

[edit]

Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Karthik Raj is the eldest of the two sons to his parents. His father belonged to a wealthy family in Pallathur village near Karaikudi, but had migrated to Chennai at a young age.[1] His father had a 30-year career in the film industry, starting as a production manager under A. L. Srinivasan and later working as an assistant to MGR, ultimately rising to the role of an Executive producer.[1] He was one of the reasons for Karthik's entry into the entertainment industry.

Although Karthik excelled in school,[2] due to his lack of interest in studies, he discontinued his schooling in his 12th grade and enrolled himself in a Diploma of Visual Design.[3] However, due to the change in his family's financial circumstances, he discontinued his tertiary studies and started working in the merchandising department within a garment production house and later as an Assistant Producer in their production office.[1][4] Whilst looking for a better job, he was recommended by his old neighbour, script writer, S. Ramana Girivasan, to work as an artist coordinator in the show Athu Ithu Ethu on Vijay Television.[5]

Career

[edit]

Karthik's acting debut came about by chance in his third year of working behind the scenes at Vijay Television; he was offered the role of Karthikeyan by script writer Ramana Girivasan in the Vijay TV series Kana Kaanum Kaalangal Kalooriyin Kadhai (K5).[4] The success of the series saw him landing the role of Karthikeyan in the 2013 series, Office on Vijay Television, where he starred opposite Sruthi Raj.

In 2014, he participated in his first reality show competition, Jodi Number One Season 7 with Nancy Jennifer, but was eliminated midway.[6]

Apart from his on-screen roles, Karthik has also rendered his voice for Vetri, his co-actor in Kana Kanum Kalangal Kallooriyin Kathai, in the short film Yaanum Neeyum released in 2015 for Naalaiya Iyakkunar Season 5.[7]

Taking to the silver screen, he has acted as a lead actor in the movies 465 [8][9] and Naalu Peruku Nalladhun Edhuvum Thappilla.[10] The release of these films did not garner much attention and had underperformed at the box office.

In 2017, Karthik essayed the lead role of Adhitya in Zee Tamil's daily soap Sembaruthi, alongside newcomer Shabana Shahjahan.[11][12] The series became a runaway success, captivating audiences across Tamil Nadu and propelling Karthik to new heights of fame.[13]

While filming Sembaruthi, Karthik simultaneously prepared for his miniseries, Mugilan, starring alongside Ramya Pandian, where he would portray the role of a gangster named Mugilan. This preparation, which included gaining weight and growing a longer beard - a change in appearance that drew criticism from the audience who were accustomed to his characterisation of 'Adhitya' - involved a demanding 34-day shoot conducted concurrently with his commitments to Sembaruthi. Mugilan was released as an OTT on the ZEE5 streaming platform on 30 October 2020 to mixed reviews.[14] In December 2020, however, Karthik Raj was replaced in Sembaruthi "due to unforeseen reasons," as quoted in the channel's official statement.[15][16]

In July 2021, Karthik established his own production company, K Studios and began works on his self-produced, partially crowdfunded film.[17] The pre-production phase commenced in August 2021, with principal photography beginning in November of that year. Titled Black 'n' White in October 2022, the film featured Karthik alongside newcomer Arthika and Shravanya Srinivasan. It was released as a direct-to-television film through Zee Tamil in May 2023.[18]

Following a two-year hiatus, Karthik resumed his television career in 2022, portraying Karthikeyan in the Zee Tamil serial, Karthikai Deepam, reuniting with his Black 'n' White co-star, Arthika.[19] The first season of this series surpassed over 600 episodes,[20] with the second season premiering in late 2024, featuring newcomer Vaishnavi Sadish as his on-screen pair.[21][22]

Personal life

[edit]

At the age of 25, Karthik married his girlfriend, Yashi, a Muslim woman, in an interfaith registered marriage.[23] However, they separated a few years later and their divorce proceedings were finalised between 2019 and 2020.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2017 465 Jai Credited as Karthikeyan
Naalu Peruku Nalladhuna Edhuvum Thappilla Anil Credited as Karthikeyan
2023 Black 'n' White Rishi Also producer.

Direct-to-television release on Zee Tamil

Television series

[edit]
Year Title Role Channel Notes
2011–2012 Kana Kanum Kalangal Kallooriyin Kathai Karthik Star Vijay Credited as Karthik
2013–2015 Office Season 1 & 2 Karthikeyan a.k.a."Karthik" Credited as Karthik
2017–2020 Sembaruthi Aadhi Kadavur "Adhitya" Adhi Zee Tamil
2020 Mugilan Mugilan ZEE5 OTT Miniseries
2022–Present Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Arunachalam Zee Tamil

Television Reality Shows

[edit]
Year Title Channel Notes
2012 Athu Ithu Ethu (Season 1) Star Vijay Episode 149
2013 60 Nodi! Are You Ready? Star Vijay Grand Finale Episode
2013 Kedi Boys Killadi Girls Star Vijay Episode 13; Money Round
2013 Vijay Stars Star Vijay Diwali Special
2013–2014 Jodi Number One (Season 7) Star Vijay Eliminated in Episode 22
2014 Vijay Stars Star Vijay Pongal Special
2014 Connexion (Season 1) Star Vijay Episode 12
2014 Vijay Television Awards - Oru Munnottam Star Vijay Episode 3 & 4
2014 Star Vijay Nite Star Vijay In London
2016 Sirippu Da (Season 2) Star Vijay Episode 29 (Ep. 79 overall)
2017 Junior Senior (Season 1) Zee Tamil Episode 7
2022 Zee5 Darbar Zee 5 Episode 11
2023 Zee5 Inbox Zee 5 Episode 12
2023 Zee5 Rasigan Zee 5 Black 'n' White Special
2023 Super Jodi Zee Tamil Episode 15
2023 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors (Season 3) Zee Tamil Episode 42; Black and White Round

Awards

[edit]
Year Award Show Award Serial Role Result Awarder Notes
2014 Vijayum Neengalum Made For Each Other 2014 Office Karthik & Raji STAR Vijay Kadhal Special;

With Sruthi Raj

2014 1st Vijay Television Awards Favourite Onscreen Pair Office Karthik & Raji Won STAR Vijay With Sruthi Raj
2015 2nd Vijay Television Awards Favourite Onscreen Pair Office Karthik & Raji Won STAR Vijay With Sruthi Raj
2018 Zee Tamil Kudumbam Viruthugal 2018 Favourite Hero Sembaruthi Adhitya Won Zee Tamil
Best Actor Male Sembaruthi Adhitya Nominated
Favourite On-Screen Pair Sembaruthi Adhitya & Parvathi Won With Shabana Shahjahan
2019 Sembaruthi Oru Sathanaipayanam Certificate of Appreciation Sembaruthi Adhitya Zee Tamil For the success of the series
2019 Galatta Nakshatra Award Best Actor Sembaruthi Adhitya Won Galatta
2019 Zee Tamil Kudumbam Viruthugal 2019 Favourite Hero Sembaruthi Adhitya Won Zee Tamil
Favourite Pair On-Screen Sembaruthi Adhitya & Parvathi Won With Shabana Shahjahan
Best Actor Male Sembaruthi Adhitya Nominated Zee Tamil
2020 Zee Tamil Kutumbha Virudhugal 2020 Favourite Hero Sembaruthi Adhitya Won
Best Actor Male Sembaruthi Adhitya Nominated
Favourite Pair On-Screen Sembaruthi Adhitya & Parvathi Won With Shabana Shahjahan
Best Pair On-Screen Sembaruthi Adhitya & Parvathi Nominated With Shabana Shahjahan
2021 Galatta Tamil Awards Dream Lover 2021 Himself Won Galatta Tamil Won by over 4 million votes
2022 Zee Tamil Kudumba Viruthugal 2022 Makkalin Nayagan Himself Zee Tamil Special Jury Award
2023 Zee Tamil Golden Moments Awards 2023 Best Amma Pasam Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan & Abhirami Won Zee Tamil With Meera Krishna
2023 Zee Tamil Kudumba Viruthugal 2023 Best Actor Male Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Nominated Zee Tamil
Favourite Hero Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Won
Favourite On-Screen Pair Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan & Deepa Won With Arthika
Best On-Screen Pair Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan & Deepa Nominated With Arthika
2024 Zee Tamil Golden Moments Awards 2024 Best Amma Pasam Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan & Abhirami Won Zee Tamil With Meera Krishna
Best Action Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Nominated
Best Mass Buildup Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Won
2024 Vikatan Tele Awards 2023 Favourite Actor Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Won Vikatan Awarded July 2024
2024 Zee Tamil Kudumba Viruthugal 2024 Best Actor Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Nominated Zee Tamil
Favourite Actor Male Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan Won
Favourite Pair Karthigai Deepam Karthikeyan & Deepa Nominated With Arthika

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Karthik Raj (born 21 January 1988) is an Indian actor who works predominantly in the Tamil-language television industry. Best known for portraying lead characters in popular serials, he has earned recognition for his versatile performances in romance and drama genres. Raj has also ventured into , appearing in supporting and lead roles in several films, including the 2023 crime drama Black 'n' White, which he also produced. Born in , , he made his television debut in 2011, playing the lead role of Karthikeyan in the STAR Vijay serial Kanakanum Kalangal Kalooriyin Kadhai. His breakthrough came with the 2013–2015 workplace romance drama Office on STAR Vijay, where he starred as Karthik opposite Shruthi Raj, garnering widespread acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Raj achieved further success with the role of Adithya Purushothaman in the serial (2017–2020), a family drama that became one of the highest-rated shows on the channel. He has starred as Karthikeyan Arunachalam in Karthigai Deepam on since 2022. In addition to television, his film credits include the lead role in the 2017 horror film 465, directed by Saisathyam. Raj's popularity was affirmed in 2017 when he ranked among the Chennai Times' 15 Most Desirable Men on Television. In 2024, he received awards for at the Kudumba Viruthugal.

Early life

Family background

Karthik Raj (born Karthikeyan) was born on 21 January 1988 in , , . He is the eldest of two sons in his family, with his father working as a production manager and assistant in the Tamil , which offered early exposure to the world of . Karthik Raj was raised in a middle-class that encountered financial difficulties, experiences that profoundly influenced his determination and ambitions from a young age.

Education and early employment

Karthik Raj attended Gill Adarsh Matriculation Higher Secondary School in , where he excelled academically during his early years. However, despite his strong performance, he discontinued further formal studies after the 12th grade primarily due to a lack of interest and family financial needs. He briefly enrolled in a program in Visual Design to pursue creative interests aligned with his aspirations in the field but abandoned these studies amid a sudden change in his family's financial circumstances, which necessitated immediate income to support the household. His father's long-standing connections in the Tamil film industry, spanning over three decades as a manager and assistant, provided some exposure to the sector but could not fully mitigate the economic pressures at the time. To address the family's financial difficulties, Raj took up his first job in merchandising at a local garment production house in , handling tasks related to sales and inventory management. This role offered stability but was demanding, prompting him to seek opportunities closer to his creative ambitions. He subsequently transitioned to working as an assistant in the same company's production office, where he assisted with logistical coordination and gained practical insights into . These early positions not only helped sustain his family but also positioned him near film sets, serving as a crucial stepping stone toward his eventual entry into .

Career

Entry into television

Karthik Raj made his entry into television acting in 2011 with a lead role in the of the Tamil serial Kana Kaanum Kaalangal Kallooriyin Kadhai on Vijay Television, where he portrayed the character of Karthikeyan. The series, which ran from 2011 to 2012, focused on college life and relationships, offering Raj his initial platform to showcase his performing abilities. This debut came about by chance during his time working behind the scenes at Vijay Television, transitioning to on-camera appearances. The shift presented challenges, as he navigated the demands of while adapting to the structured environment of daily production.

Rise to prominence

Karthik Raj's breakthrough came with his lead role as Karthikeyan, a charming worker navigating romance and dynamics, in the Vijay TV serial (2013–2015). The show, a light-hearted , earned him widespread acclaim for his relatable portrayal, which resonated with audiences and built a dedicated fan following, marking his transition from supporting roles to starring status in Tamil television. Building on this momentum, Raj achieved major success as Aadhikadavur Adhitya "Adhi" Purshothaman in the daily soap (2017–2020), where he played the affluent, protective elder son in a family drama centered on class differences and romance. His chemistry with co-star Shabana Shajahan as Parvathi drove the show's narrative, contributing to its cultural resonance and status as one of the top-rated Tamil serials, with episodes frequently topping charts and garnering over 16 million impressions at peak. In December 2020, Raj abruptly exited midway through its run, replaced by VJ in the role of Adhi, amid the channel's statement citing "unforeseen reasons." The change sparked fan backlash and discussions on , temporarily affecting his public image as viewers mourned the original pairing, though it underscored his entrenched popularity from the series. These roles solidified Raj's hero status in Tamil TV, with achieving consistent viewership as a ratings performer on Vijay TV and setting benchmarks for TRP success on , elevating him to a household name among family audiences.

Film ventures and production

Karthik Raj ventured into in , marking a shift from his television career with lead and supporting roles in independent films. His debut came in the horror thriller 465, directed by Sai Sathyam, where he portrayed Jai, a returning to his ancestral home amid hauntings and mysterious deaths. The film, which also starred Niranjana and , explored themes of psychological terror and family secrets, receiving a . In the same year, Raj took on a lead role in the comedy-drama Naalu Peruku Nalladhuna Edhuvum Thappilla, helmed by debutant director Dinesh Selvaraj. Co-starring Jagadeesh Kanna and Shariya, the story follows three small-time criminals who manipulate a naive young man into aiding their heist for quick money, blending humor with light . The film's and satirical take on greed earned modest acclaim for its engaging narrative. Raj's film appearances remained sporadic, reflecting selective choices amid his television commitments. In 2023, he starred as in the emotional drama Black 'n' White, directed by Dheekshi, depicting siblings grappling with loss during the after their parents' death. Featuring Arthika and Manimozhiyan Ramadurai, the project opted for a direct-to-television premiere on , highlighting family resilience and societal pressures. These cinematic efforts underscored Raj's exploration of diverse genres, though his primary impact stayed rooted in serials.

Return to television

After his abrupt replacement in the lead role of Sembaruthi in December 2020 due to unforeseen reasons, Karthik Raj took a two-year hiatus from television . In December 2022, Raj marked his return to Tamil television with the lead role of Karthikeyan in the serial Karthigai Deepam, a family drama centered on themes of , love, and resilience. He shares the dual-lead with Arthika, portraying a successful businessman whose life intersects with that of a talented but dusky singer facing societal biases. This comeback allowed Raj to reconnect with his established fan base from earlier serials, blending his acting experience with the evolving demands of Tamil television amid a shift toward more diverse . As of November 2025, Karthigai Deepam remains active, having surpassed 1,000 episodes and entered its second season, with Raj continuing in his central role.

Personal life

Marriage

Karthik Raj married his girlfriend Yashi, a from a Muslim background, in an interfaith registered in 2013 at the age of 25. The couple met through professional circles in the Tamil industry, marking the union as a significant personal milestone amid his burgeoning television career. Initial media coverage of the emphasized its interfaith nature as a progressive step within the conservative norms of Tamil . This commitment was facilitated by the stability he had achieved in his early career roles.

Divorce and aftermath

Karthik Raj and his wife separated between 2019 and 2020, with their proceedings finalized amid reported personal differences. The couple, who had an , chose to keep the details private, issuing limited public statements during the process. Following the , Raj has emphasized privacy in his personal life, avoiding discussions of the matter in interviews and updates. As of 2025, he has not remarried and has focused on his professional commitments while maintaining a low profile regarding relationships. The personal turmoil led to a brief career hiatus for Raj, during which he stepped back from some television projects. This period influenced his subsequent choices, resulting in more selective roles that aligned with his desire for stability and creative fulfillment.

Filmography

Films

Karthik Raj made his feature film debut in 2017 with two lead roles in .
YearTitleRoleNotes
2017465Lead actorHorror thriller directed by Sai Sathyam.
2017Naalu Peruku Nalladhun Edhuvum ThappillaLead actorCrime thriller directed by Dinesh Selvaraj.
2023Black 'n' WhiteRishiLead actor and producer; direct-to-television release on .

Television series

Karthik Raj's television career in scripted serials spans from 2011 to the present, where he has portrayed a range of characters, primarily in lead roles, across major Tamil channels. His debut came in a lead capacity, evolving into prominent leads in family dramas and romantic narratives that garnered significant viewership. The following table lists his scripted television series appearances chronologically, including minor roles where applicable:
TitleYearsChannelRole
Kana Kanum Kaalangal Kallooriyin Kathai2011Lead (Karthik/Karthikeyan)
2013–2015Lead (Karthik)
2017–2020Lead (Adhitya "Adhi" Purshothaman)
Karthigai Deepam2022–presentLead (Karthikeyan)
These roles highlight his versatility in ensemble casts and solo leads, contributing to the serials' popularity in households. No additional minor scripted appearances from 2011 to 2025 are documented in primary entertainment databases.

Reality shows

Karthik Raj has made limited appearances in , primarily as a contestant, with his popularity from scripted serials leading to select invitations for such formats. His involvement has been sparse compared to his extensive work in dramatic series, often serving as promotional crossovers.
  • Jodi Number One (Season 7) (2014): In this dance competition reality show on , Raj participated as a contestant alongside partner , showcasing his skills beyond .

Awards and nominations

Television awards

Karthik Raj has garnered several accolades for his television roles, particularly highlighting his popularity as a leading actor in Tamil serials. His breakthrough as Adhithya in earned him multiple fan-voted honors, establishing him as a favorite among audiences. These awards underscore his ability to portray relatable and charismatic characters that resonate with viewers. He received the Galatta Nakshathra Award for in 2019 for Sembaruthi. Raj also secured the Zee Tamil Kudumba Virudhugal Favourite Actor award for Sembaruthi in 2018, 2019, and 2020, marking three consecutive wins in the category.
YearAwardCategoryShowResult
2015Favorite Onscreen PairWon
2018Zee Tamil Kudumba VirudhugalFavourite ActorSembaruthiWon
2019Galatta Nakshathra AwardSembaruthiWon
2019Zee Tamil Kudumba VirudhugalFavourite ActorSembaruthiWon
2020Zee Tamil Kudumba VirudhugalFavourite ActorSembaruthiWon
2021Galatta Tamil AwardsDream Lover-Won
2022Zee Tamil Kudumba VirudhugalMakkalin Nayagan-Won
2023Zee Tamil Kudumba VirudhugalBest Actor MaleKarthigai DeepamWon
2023Zee Tamil Kudumba VirudhugalFavourite HeroKarthigai DeepamWon
2025Zee Tamil Kudumba VirudhugalFavourite Actor MaleKarthigai DeepamWon
Raj has won the Favourite Actor or equivalent category at the Zee Tamil Kudumba Virudhugal multiple times, including 2018–2020 for and 2023 and 2025 for Karthigai Deepam, reflecting his sustained appeal.

Other honors

In recognition of his overall career trajectory spanning 13 years in the entertainment industry, Karthik Raj received the Tamil Family Award in 2025, honoring his contributions to Tamil media and family-oriented storytelling.
  • 2025: Tamil Family Award – Awarded for his comprehensive journey in Tamil entertainment, emphasizing family values and resilience.
  • 2025: Zee Awards – Best Supporting Actor (nomination).

References

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