M. L. R. Karthikeyan

MLR Karthikeyan (30 November 1982 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian playback singer. He has lent his voice in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films.

Karthikeyan studied at Sir M. Venkatasubba Rao school in Theagaraya Nagar, Chennai. During his schooling he was inspired by Devi Sri Prasad to sing in inter-school cultural competitions. He was later the main singer in the school band which took part in many competitions. He started professionally as a stage singer at the age of 14.

Karthikeyan earned his BSc degree in Mathematics and Masters of Computer Application from the University of Madras.

DSP introduced him in the film Aaru, in which he sang in both Tamil and Telugu. Later, he joined music director Deva and sang solos in Tamil films such as Vyabaari. He also met D. Imman, for whom he got the first hit song Vaada Vaada Paiyya from the film Katcheri Arambam. In his compositions, Karthikeyan has sung additional songs in the films Vaada – Agni Kunjondru Kanden, Oorambo, Marudhamalai – marudhamalai marudhamalai.

He joined Bharadwaj for the song Engey engey with the Ajith Kumar film Aasal. MLRK performed Satta chada chada for the Tamil film Aanmai thaverel.

He performed Kannitheevu ponna in the film Yuddham Sei, directed by Mysskin. This song became a hit fast-beat number.

Karthikeyan sang the song hey Raama Rajyam in Telugu for the film Gaayam 2. His first song for A. R. Rahman was a Shankar film with Rajinikanth, Enthiran – the Robot, in which Karthikeyan sang backup vocals in the song Arima Arima.

He has sung songs in Kannada movies for V. Harikrishna in the film Raam, the song Ready Ready. He sang a melody number in the film Matthe Mungaaru – Kangalu Kanlidhe for music director X-Paulraj.

• 2016: 63rd Filmfare Awards South, Best Playback Singer - Telugu – Pora Srimanthuda (Srimanthudu)
• 2011: Kannadasan Awards, Tamil – Kannitheevu Ponna (Yudham Sei)
• 2010: Mirchi Music Awards, Best Upcoming Playback Singer – Kannada – Kangalu Kanalive (Mathe Mungaru)