MUMBAI: He maybe only 34 years old, but he is already considered a veteran in the Indian music industry. Having crooned more than 5000 songs in various languages like Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, Karthik's music career spans a little less than two decades. Having collaborated with a number of big composers including Illayraja and AR Rahman, Karthik feels that he was extremely fortunate to meet people in the industry.

Unlike many musicians who defy their parents' wishes and get into music, Karthik was pushed to be a musician by his. "At the age of four my mother enrolled me in singing classes and I was obviously clueless about music. I quit after a while, but then went back again at the age of 11 and this was when I started to get a little serious about it,” said Kathik. His interests were later boosted when the Czar of the music industry, AR Rahman heard his voice and invited him to sing with his chorus group for live shows. "When Rahman sir called me for his concerts, I was overwhelmed. I thought if someone of his stature calls me for his live concerts while I am still in college, then maybe I do have something in me,” he said.

According to Karthik, collaborating with so many composers is a great experience. But his biggest influence came from AR Rahman and Ilayaraja. "Considering the kind of stature these artistes enjoy, you learn humbleness from Rahman Sir and discipline from Ilayarajaji. These artistes are so down to earth. Their success is just the kind of a reflection of what they are personally,” he commented. For him, performing on stage is a passion.

The singer recently formed his very own band called Arka in November 2014, and it includes names like V Selvaganesh, Ravichandra Kulur, Gino Banks, Mishko M'ba and Santhosh Chandran. Last month, the band released its debut album 'And a Half', and will start promoting it through live performances. "We are planning to perform at a lot of international festivals and are currently in talks with a lot of event organisers,” he revealed. According to him, creative freedom is essential for an artiste, and independent music is the right channel where artists can be themselves.

The 'Behene De' singer, an ardent fan of cricket, revealed that he loves the IPL team- Chennai Super Kings. "Every IPL I promise myself, not to get glued to it, but after the third match, I end up following the entire tournament,” he said laughingly. When not recording or not in the studio, he loves spending time with his family.