Dharan Kumar
{{short description|Indian singer (born 1983)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Promotional|date=March 2021}}
{{POV|date=March 2021}}
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{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Dharan Kumar
| image =
| caption =
| image_size = 150px
| birth_name =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1983|10|08}}{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-10-02/dharan-08-10-10.html |title=Dharan – Tamil Movie News – Dharan celebrates – Dharan | Parijatham | Laadam | Naan Aval Adhu |website=Behindwoods.com |date=8 October 2010 |access-date=13 February 2012}}
| birth_place = Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
| origin =
| instrument =
| genre = Film score, hip hop
| occupation = Film composer, music director
| years_active = 2006–present
| label =
| associated_acts =
| website =
}}
Dharan Kumar (born 8 October 1983) is an Indian music composer, who mainly produces film scores and soundtracks in the Tamil film industry. He made his film debut Parijatham, featuring the hit single "Unnai Kandene".{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/aug/31/slide-show-1-south-tamil-singers-pay-tribute-to-mj.htm |title=Tamil singers' tribute to MJ |work=Rediff.com|date=31 August 2009 |access-date=13 February 2012}} He credits director and actor K. Bhagyaraj as his guru.{{Cite news|title=Dharan: I owe my success to Bhagyaraj sir|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dharan-i-owe-my-success-to-bhagyaraj-sir/articleshow/78556726.cms|access-date=2021-05-04|website=The Times of India|date=8 October 2020 |language=en}}
Early life
Dharan was born on 8 October 1983 in Madras, Tamil Nadu. He did his schooling at St. Johns, Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School and Anna Gem schools in Chennai. He started working as an assistant to composer Harris Jayaraj in the films Kaakha Kaakha, Chellame and Anniyan.
Career
=Film scores=
Dharan used to participate in music programs in the college, director K. Bhagyaraj's daughter Saranya studied in. Dharan entered the film industry as a composer in 2005.{{Cite web|title='I am still waiting for the right break', says Dharan Kumar|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/aug/31/i-am-still-waiting-for-the-right-break-says-dharan-kumar-2026775.html|access-date=2021-05-04|website=The New Indian Express}} For Saranya Bhagyaraj's debut venture, Parijatham, directed by her father, Saranya recommended Dharan as the film composer. The album became a chartbuster, with the song "Unnai Kandaene" being listed among the top ten songs of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/28077.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070119230320/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/28077.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2007 |title=Musical year this, in Kollywood – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz |access-date=13 February 2012}} Sify in its review described Dharan's songs and background score as "a major highlight" of the film, which became a commercial successful as well.{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/parijatham-is-a-hit-news-tamil-kkfvjMibjif.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001080500/http://www.sify.com/movies/parijatham-is-a-hit-news-tamil-kkfvjMibjif.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2012 |title='Parijatham' is a hit! |website=Sify |date=14 June 2006 |access-date=13 February 2012}}
His next release was the soundtrack album to the low-budget horror thriller Sivi that starred newcomers. The album received very positive reviews and response as well,{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-06/sivi-music-review.html |title=SIVI MUSIC REVIEW MUSIC DIRECTOR DHARAN AUDIO RELEASE AMEER VASNTHABALAN Dharan Yogi grandson of Thengai Srinivasan hot stills picture image gallery |website=Behindwoods.com |date=26 November 2006 |access-date=13 February 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/5869/Bheema-VS-Sivi.html|title=Bheema vs Sivi|work=Yahoo Movies|date=17 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013054752/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/5869/Bheema-VS-Sivi.html |archive-date=13 October 2008 }} while Dharan's background score was highly appreciated by critics and described as "haunting",{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14530968&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014224147/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14530968&ctid=5&cid=2429 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 October 2007 |title=Movie Review:Sivi |website=Sify |access-date=13 February 2012}} and "top-class" that gives the film "its true color".{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/9344.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070920132151/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/9344.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 September 2007 |title=Sivi Tamil Movie Review – cinema preview stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes |website=IndiaGlitz |date=20 September 2007 |access-date=13 February 2012}} Behindwoods, in particular, praised his work, citing that Dharan had "enjoyed his work and threatened [the audience] continuously with his music", further adding that he had understood his role "perfectly well" and "delivered the goods with a sharp flourish".{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-06/sivi-review.html |title=SIVI REVIEW MOVIE Thriller Dharan Yogi Jayashree Rao K Sundar K R Senthil Nathan Funky Shankar Anuja sibi picture wallpaper stills image gallery |website=Behindwoods.com |date=26 November 2006 |access-date=13 February 2012}} The film, despite garnering favourable reviews, performed poorly at the box office. In 2009, his next album, the soundtrack to the gangster film Laadam, released, which was based on Hip-hop music, featuring Malaysian rappers Dr. Burn and Emcee Jezz.{{cite web|title=Music review By Malathy Sundaram|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-music-reviews/review-1/laadam.html|website=Behindwoods|access-date=25 March 2013}} The film, directed by Prabu Solomon, also bombed at the box office, failing to propel his career.{{cite web|title=Charmme on a comeback trail|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Charmme-on-a-comeback-trail/articleshow/5596814.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411040908/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-02-21/news-interviews/28122158_1_malayalam-film-kannada-film-charmme|url-status=live|archive-date=11 April 2013|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 March 2013}}
In 2010, Dharan first release was Bharath's Thambikku Indha Ooru, which, too was highly unsuccessful at the box office, while his next release would be Siddu, collaborating again with K. Bhagyaraj. The soundtrack to the film was released in 2009, for which he made composer Yuvan Shankar Raja and director Venkat Prabhu to sing each a song,{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-09-04/shantanu-siddu-plus-2-k-bagyaraj-21-10-09.html |title=Yuvan and Venkat Prabhu croon for Dharan – Tamil Movie News – Siddu +2 First Attempt | K Bagyaraj | Moser Baer Entertainment | Shantanu |website=Behindwoods.com |date=21 October 2009 |access-date=13 February 2012}} with the former's song "Poove Poove" emerging a chartbuster.[https://web.archive.org/web/20101113074725/http://sify.com/movies/siddu-gets-ready-for-release-on-nov-26-news-tamil-klkkXvedcge.html Siddu gets ready for release on Nov 26]. Sify.com (13 November 2010). Retrieved on 8 November 2012. He made his Malayalam debut with The Thriller, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and worked on the Salsa-based romantic-musical Podaa Podi which also features a Bhangra number.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/Poda-Podi-is-a-romantic-musical-Dharan/articleshow/6251962.cms |title=Poda Podi is a romantic musical: Dharan |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=4 August 2010 |access-date=13 February 2012}} Upon the release on 10 October 2012, the album became a big chartbuster.{{cite web|title=Podaa Podi like Minnale|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-12-04/podaa-podi-minnale-23-10-12.html|website=Behindwoods|access-date=25 March 2013}}{{cite web|title=Tell us what you think about Poda Podi!|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/88163.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114223126/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/88163.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 November 2012|website=IndiaGlitz|access-date=25 March 2013}}{{cite web|title='Podaa Podi' takes on 'Thuppakki' for Diwali!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/podaa-podi-takes-on-thuppakki-for-diwali-news-tamil-mlfm3Cfgfii.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107052442/http://www.sify.com/movies/podaa-podi-takes-on-thuppakki-for-diwali-news-tamil-mlfm3Cfgfii.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2012|website=Sify|access-date=25 March 2013}}
=Non-film ventures=
Dharan has worked on non-film projects as well. In 2009, he produced a single "Sing One More Time" as a tribute to Michael Jackson,{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-09-05/dharan-29-08-09.html |title=Tribute to Michael Jackson – Tamil Movie News – King of Pop | Dharan | Paarijatham |website=Behindwoods.com |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=13 February 2012}} who Dharan describes as his "biggest inspiration in his childhood". The single, which also partly features lyrics by him, was rendered by ten singers and released as a video album. He had also composed the theme song for the 2010 Challenger Beach Volleyball Championship, held in Chennai,{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/speednewsshow/6649351.cms |title=CHENNAI-SAVAAL: Beach Volleyball World Cup, thats happening in our very own |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=29 September 2010 |access-date=13 February 2012}} apart from composing jingles for television advertisements. Dharan composed team anthems for the cricket team Ruby Trichy Warriors in the 2016 and 2017 editions of Tamil Nadu Premier League.{{Citation|title=RUBY KANCHI WARRIORS (TNPL) - Official Music Video {{!}} DHARAN KUMAR {{!}} T.RAJENDHARR {{!}} MIRCHI VIJAY|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx1YO5BhfEk|language=en|access-date=2021-05-04}} The multi-talented T. Rajendar gave voice for team anthem of 2016 edition and the lyrics were written by RJ Vijay, while for 2017 edition anthem, both voice and lyrics were given by RJ Vijay.{{cite web|url=https://www.desimartini.com/news/tamil/dharan-gives-music-for-ruby-kanchi-warriors-article36287.htm |title=Dharan Gives Music For Ruby Kanchi Warriors |publisher=Desimartini.com |date=22 August 2012 |access-date=28 September 2018}} In January 2018, RJ Vijay and Dharan associated again to produce a single "Yaaru Kitta"- a Jallikattu anthem as a tribute to 2017 pro-jallikattu protests.{{Citation|title=Jallikattu Anthem - Official Video {{!}} Dharan Kumar {{!}} Mirchi Vijay|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6lSNkKxy-w|language=en|access-date=2021-05-04}} In March 2021, Dharan collaborated with Sivaangi Krishnakumar and released an album song "Asku Maaro" featuring Kavin and Teju Ashwini with lyrics penned down by Ku. Karthik and was directed by Dongli Jumbo.{{Citation|title=Asku Maaro Video {{!}} Kavin, Teju Ashwini {{!}} Dharan Kumar {{!}} K. Sivaangi {{!}} Dongli Jumbo {{!}} Sandy|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-u9gR8ceQg|language=en|access-date=2021-05-04}}{{Cite news|title=Watch Latest Telugu Song Music Video - 'Asku Maaro' (Promo) Sung By Dharan Kumar and K. Sivaangi Featuring Kavin and Teju Ashwini |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/telugu/watch-latest-telugu-song-music-video-asku-maaro-promo-sung-by-dharan-kumar-and-k-sivaangi-featuring-kavin-and-teju-ashwini/videoshow/82291265.cms|access-date=2021-05-04|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en}}
Personal life
Discography
=Released projects=
| class="wikitable" | ||||
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
!Year !Tamil !Other language !Dubbed Releases !Notes | ||||
| 2006 | Parijatham • | |||
| 2007 | Sivi • | |||
| rowspan="2"|2008 | Yaaradi Nee Mohini • | 2 songs (Second release) | ||
| Ennai Theriyuma | Nenu Meeku Telusa? # | |||
| rowspan="3"|2009 | Laadam • | 16 Days (Telugu) | ||
| Naan Aval Adhu • | Nenu Tanu Aame (Telugu) | 1 song (Promo) | ||
| Siddu +2 • | ||||
| rowspan="2"|2010 | Thambikku Indha Ooru • | Varasudochadu (Telugu) | ||
| The Thriller (Malayalam) • | ||||
| rowspan="1"|2012 | Podaa Podi • | Mr. Manmadhan for Sale (Telugu) | ||
| rowspan="5"|2013 | Samar # | Vetadu Ventadu (Telugu) | ||
| Virattu | Dega (Telugu) | |||
| Endrendrum | ||||
| Thagaraaru | ||||
| Inga Enna Solluthu | ||||
| rowspan="2"|2014 | Aaha Kalyanam | |||
| Naaigal Jaakirathai | ||||
| rowspan="1"|2015 | Kaaval # | 1 song | ||
| rowspan="1"|2016 | Manal Kayiru 2 | |||
| rowspan="1"|2017 | Kadhal Kasakuthaiya | |||
| rowspan="2"|2018 | Abhiyum Anuvum | Abhiyude Katha Anuvinteyum (Malayalam) | ||
| Maanik | ||||
| rowspan="4"|2019 | Zhagaram | |||
| Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma | ||||
| Puppy | ||||
| 50/50 | ||||
| 2020 | Irandam Kuththu# | |||
| rowspan=2|2021 | Murungakkai Chips | |||
| Naduvan | ||||
| rowspan=3|2022 | Pistha | |||
| Aruvaa Sanda | ||||
| Nitham Oru Vaanam# | 1 song (Promo) |
Notes:
- The films are listed in order that the music released, regardless of the dates the film released.
- The year next to the title of the affected films indicates the release year of the either dubbed or remade version in the named language later than the original version.
- # indicates that Dharan has only the background score, while the songs are by another composer.
- • indicates original language release. Indicates simultaneous makes, if featuring in more languages.
- ♦ indicates a remade version, the remaining ones being dubbed versions.
=Independent songs=
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
!Year !Songs !Notes !Ref. |
| 2018
|Yaaru Kitta | | |
| 2019
|Rasathi Nenja | | |
| rowspan="2" |2020
|Enga Pora De | |
| Paadatha Pattellam
|Recreated and Produced |
| 2021
|Asku Maaro | | |
| rowspan=2|2022
|Aaruyir Ayyappa | | |
| Dhama Thundu
| | |
=Singer=
| class="wikitable" | |||
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
!Year !Films !Songs !Notes | |||
| 2021 | Devadas Brothers | Rottula Train, Soodana Theneer | |
| 2021 | Asku Maaro | ||
| 2018 | Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma | Inky Pinky | |
| 2018 | Puppy | Sothumuttai | |
| 2017 | Kadhal Kasakuthaiya | Complan Boy | |
| 2012 | Podaa Podi | Hare Rama |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|id=5326501|name=Dharan}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Dharan}}
Category:Tamil film score composers
Category:Tamil playback singers
Category:Don Bosco schools alumni
Category:Indian male playback singers