Beard or not…groomed or the rustic villager...rural clothes or typical urban…Karthi fits the bill just about anything. As its his birthday today, we at IndiaGlitz wish Karthi a very happy birthday and a fruitful year ahead.

A career that started in the film industry as an assistant director to Indian cinema’s ace, Mani Ratnam and later entering in front of the camera, Karthi started his acting debut not like a star son or a star brother, but a star in the making!

Like we started, a rugged villager or a city bred ‘cool dude’, Karthi is blessed with a tangible charm prevalent in his smile and expressions. An explosive performance in his debut through Ameer’s ‘Paruthiveeran’ in Tamil, showcased his skill at action, comedy and the cheeky romance with his heroine.

Though his first movie ran for almost one year, the audience had to wait for two more years to see him on screen again. A similar character if not a villager but a migrant who works in the city. Typical Tamil lingo with a flawless diction and he nonchalantly delivers abuses in ‘Yuganiki Okkadu’. Flirting with two heroines, Karthi’s body language in the movie was immaculate, of course credit to the director Selvaraghavan for sketching his character.

Quite perceptible in Karthi’s acting is his involvement with the character. The ability to transform himself in to a fictitious character and embracing thought in every dialogue he delivers, Karthi has all the qualities an actor needs. Fear of being typecast is prevalent in any actor. Like his first two movies, one thought Karthi would be the village playboy of south Indian cinema. Here came blockbuster director Lingusamy to the rescue.

He became the ‘Aawara’. A completely urban character that Karthi was desperately looking for. A fresh look was unleashed and Karthi made sure his opportunity was not perished. Short shirts, low waist jeans and to top it off, a cool attitude, Karthi played a lover boy’s role, in simple vocabulary what would be defined as a sweet guy!

Colour ‘lungis’ or classy denims, unbuttoned shirts or chic blazers, Karthi is one adaptable artist, any director would beckon. Village or City, his fans (in particular the female following) would love to see him robe in just about anything! Happy Birthday Karthi, wishing you success throughout!

Listen to Karthi's Aawara Songs on Raaga.com