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Karthik

Born: 1960-09-13
FAN SCORE
75
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Last Updated on 30 Sep 2025
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Karthik, popularly known as Navarasa Nayagan, is a veteran Indian film actor in the Tamil film industry. Making his debut with Bharathiraja’s Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), he quickly rose to fame for his charming screen presence, versatility, and ability to excel in romance, comedy, action, and emotional roles. Over a career spanning four decades, he has acted in more than 125 films across Tamil and Telugu cinema, earning multiple Filmfare Awards South, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award. Born on 13 September 1960 in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of legendary actor R. Muthuraman. Karthik remains a celebrated figure of 1980s and 1990s Tamil cinema, and his legacy continues through his son, actor Gautham Karthik.

Karthik, popularly known as Navarasa Nayagan, is a veteran Indian film actor in the Tamil film industry. Making his debut with Bharathiraja’s Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), he quickly rose to fame for his charming screen presence, versatility, and ability to excel in romance, comedy, action, and emotional roles. Over a career spanning four decades, he has acted in more than 125 films across Tamil and Telugu cinema, earning multiple Filmfare Awards South, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award. Born on 13 September 1960 in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of legendary actor R. Muthuraman. Karthik remains a celebrated figure of 1980s and 1990s Tamil cinema, and his legacy continues through his son, actor Gautham Karthik.

Karthik, widely known as Navarasa Nayagan, is a celebrated Indian actor who primarily works in the Tamil film industry. Born on 13 September 1960 in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of the legendary actor R. Muthuraman. Karthik made his cinematic debut with Bharathiraja’s Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), which instantly established him as a promising talent in Tamil cinema. Over the next few decades, he showcased remarkable versatility, excelling in romantic, emotional, action, and comedic roles. With a career spanning more than 125 films in Tamil and Telugu, Karthik earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Filmfare Awards South, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award. Some of his most notable films include Agni Natchathiram, Varusham 16, Ponnumani, and Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen. Beyond his on-screen success, he is admired for his ability to portray a wide spectrum of emotions, which earned him the nickname Navarasa Nayagan (“actor of nine emotions”). His legacy continues through his son, Gautham Karthik, who is also an actor in Tamil cinema. Today, Karthik is regarded as one of the iconic figures of 1980s and 1990s Tamil cinema, known for his charisma, acting prowess, and lasting influence on the industry.
Karthik, widely known as Navarasa Nayagan, is a celebrated Indian actor who primarily works in the Tamil film industry. Born on 13 September 1960 in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of the legendary actor R. Muthuraman. Karthik made his cinematic debut with Bharathiraja’s Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), which instantly established him as a promising talent in Tamil cinema. Over the next few decades, he showcased remarkable versatility, excelling in romantic, emotional, action, and comedic roles. With a career spanning more than 125 films in Tamil and Telugu, Karthik earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Filmfare Awards South, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award. Some of his most notable films include Agni Natchathiram, Varusham 16, Ponnumani, and Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen. Beyond his on-screen success, he is admired for his ability to portray a wide spectrum of emotions, which earned him the nickname Navarasa Nayagan (“actor of nine emotions”). His legacy continues through his son, Gautham Karthik, who is also an actor in Tamil cinema. Today, Karthik is regarded as one of the iconic figures of 1980s and 1990s Tamil cinema, known for his charisma, acting prowess, and lasting influence on the industry.

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Personal details

Alternative names Karthik, Navarasa Nayagan
Height 5′ 8″
Born September 13, 1960 · Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
Other works
Actor

FAQ

Karthik, also known as Navarasa Nayagan, is a veteran Tamil actor known for his versatility in romance, action, comedy, and emotional roles.

He made his acting debut in Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), directed by Bharathiraja.

Over 125 films across Tamil and Telugu cinema.

Yes, he has received multiple Filmfare Awards South, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and a Nandi Award.

Gautham Karthik and Thiran Karthik, both of whom are involved in the film industry.

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Trivia

Son of the legendary actor R. Muthuraman.
Nicknamed Navarasa Nayagan for his ability to portray nine emotions on screen.
Acted in over 125 films spanning four decades.
Known for iconic films such as Agni Natchathiram, Varusham 16, and Ponnumani.

Quotes

“Acting is about expressing emotions truthfully, not just performing.”
“Cinema gives life to stories that words alone cannot convey.”

Trademarks

Versatility across genres: romance, comedy, action, and drama.
Emotional depth and nuanced performances.
Charismatic screen presence that appeals to multiple generations.
Strong collaboration with leading directors of 1980s–1990s Tamil cinema.

Nicknames

Navarasa Nayagan , Karthik

Salaries

Earned around ₹1–2 crore per film

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