Arunraja Kamaraj

Arunraja Kamaraj is an Indian singer, lyricist, actor and director in Tamil-language films. He is known for his works as lyricist in films such as Jigarthanda, Theri, Pencil and Kabali. He also debuted as an actor in Raja Rani and appeared as Neruppu Kumar in the film Maan Karate. He has written and sung the songs "Ding Dong" for the movie Jigarthanda and written "Kaavaalaa" for the movie Jailer which were critically acclaimed. He has also written and sung the song "Neruppu Da" in Rajinikanth's film Kabali. His other notable works includes movies such as Demonte Colony and Trisha Illana Nayanthara.

Life and career
Arunraja Kamaraj was born in Parali near Kulithalai town in Tamil Nadu. Studied schoolings at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kulithalai and higher secondary schoolings at Bishop Heber Higher Secondary School, Trichy. He graduated from J. J. College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirappalli. One of his college mates was actor Sivakarthikeyan. He is an excellent cricketer, during his college days, he represented JJCET as an all-rounder and won many university trophies and cups, he is nicknamed as Tikolo by the teammates in reference to the Kenyan cricket captain Steve Tikolo. He worked as an assistant director in Nelson Dilipkumar's Kolamaavu Kokila. Later, he went on to name a character in his movie Kanaa after Nelson Dilipkumar which was played by Sivakarthikeyan.

Personal life
Arunraja Kamaraj was married to Sindhuja, who died of COVID-19 in 2021. They had two daughters together. Arunraja Kamaraj remarried in late 2022.

Filmography

 * As director and writer


 * As actor


 * As lyricist


 * As singer

Awards and recognitions

 * BOFTA Galatta Debutant Awards 2019 - Best Debut Director (People Choice)
 * Colors Tamil Galatta Nakshatra Awards 2019 - Online Musical Sensation
 * JFW Movie Awards 2019 - Best Director for Kanaa
 * Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards 2019 - Best Social Awareness Award for Kanaa (as director)
 * Zee Cine Awards Tamil 2020 - Best Debut Director for Kanaa