Sivakarthikeyan

Sivakarthikeyan (born 17 February 1985 ), also known by the initialism SK, is an Indian actor, singer, film producer, lyricist, and television presenter, who works predominantly in Tamil films.

He is a recipient of a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, four Edison Awards, four SIIMA Awards, and two other Vijay Awards.

Sivakarthikeyan married Aarthi on 27 August 2010.

The couple have two children, including a daughter Aaradhana and a son.

Aaradhana sang parts of the song "Vayadi Petha Pulla" from Kanaa alongside her father.

During college, Sivakarthikeyan took part in various cultural events and performed mimicry and standup comedy onstage.

Between his studies, he took a three month-break, and during this period, his friends convinced him to go for auditions of Kalakka Povathu Yaaru?, a comedy reality TV show airing on Star Vijay.

He started his career as a mimicry artist.

Despite initial reluctance to participate, he won the show.

He appeared in short films, including his friend Atlee's Mugapputhagam, Identity, Kurahl 786, and 360°.

The makers of Aegan noticed Sivakarthikeyan and offered him a supporting role in the film, but his portions did not make the final cut.

Director Pandiraj approached Sivakarthikeyan to play the lead role in his film Marina, and he signed the project.

He prepared for the role by paying close attention to Pandiraj's instructions and visiting Marina Beach extensively to study the surroundings, while revealing that he hoped that his natural talent of humor would come through onscreen.

Featuring alongside Oviya as a young couple in the film, Sivakarthikeyan's performance was well-received, with a critic noting "the romance adds color to a monochrome film", while the reviewer also noted that the "role of Senthilnathan requires Siva to be just himself, it is just a cake walk in terms of performance for this actor."

Prior to Marina's release, Aishwarya Dhanush had signed Sivakarthikeyan up to play a supporting role as Dhanush's friend in 3, after being impressed with his work onstage as a host.

Following significant pre-release hype, the film opened to predominantly positive reviews with critics appreciating Sivakarthikeyan's work providing comic relief in a serious film.

The project also marked the beginning of an association with Dhanush, whom Sivakarthikeyan has often stated is his mentor in the film industry.

He was next seen in Ezhil's romantic comedy Manam Kothi Paravai, which opened to mixed reviews but had a decent run at the box office.

A critic from Behindwoods noted that the film "might not provide Sivakarthikeyan the platform he is aspiring for – lead roles in movies. But it does showcase his potential as an actor."

In 2013, Sivakarthikeyan appeared in three films.

In his first release of the year, Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga, a dual hero coming-of-age comedy, Sivakarthikeyan partnered once again with Pandiraj and shot for the film in his hometown of Tiruchirappalli alongside Vimal.

The film opened to positive reviews from critics.

The film became a surprise success at the box office and ended up being a profitable venture for producers and distributors.

His next success was through Dhanush's debut production venture Ethir Neechal, written and directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, a former assistant of film director, Vetrimaaran.

It is a story about a young man having talent as a runner, who strives to make an identity for himself.

His third release in 2013, director Ponram's comedy Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam, saw him portray a carefree rural youth where he paired up with another newcomer Sri Divya.

Actor Soori played an important role in the film as Sivakarthikeyan's close friend.

It was also the first time that Sivakarthikeyan sang a song in a film, and a promotional video of its making was released to market the film.

He won positive reviews for his performance from critics, with Sify noting "Sivakarthikeyan is terrific as Bosepandi because he makes it look so believable on screen with his body language, eyes and dialogue delivery".

Another reviewer called him a delight to watch and claimed that he carried the script.

The film completed 100 days during its theatrical run and was Sivakarthikeyan's biggest commercial box office success at that time.

Sivakarthikeyan's entertaining performances in 2013 led him to win the year's Vijay Award for Entertainer of the Year, an onstage moment which Sivakarthikeyan described as "memorable".

He started the year 2014 with a comedy film Maan Karate produced by A. R. Murugadoss.

The film featured him as a carefree urban youth who fakes himself as a boxer to impress a girl.

In 2015, Sivakarthikeyan paired up once again with Durai Senthilkumar for a police action film, Kaaki Sattai.

The film released on 27 February 2015.

It was a story about a sincere constable who takes risks to stop black market organ donation and having the aim to become an Inspector.

He again joined hands with Ponram in the film Rajini Murugan, starring another newcomer Keerthy Suresh.

The film's producer, N. Linguswamy, ultimately failed to provide Sivakarthikeyan with his salary due to losses incurred by the film's delayed release.

His film Remo, directed by debutant Bakkiyaraj Kannan and produced by R. D. Raja, featured Sivakarthikeyan playing a lovestruck youth disguising himself as a female nurse to befriend his love interest.