Yuvan Shankar Raja, born on August 31, 1979, is a prominent figure in the Tamil film industry, excelling as a singer, music director, and songwriter. He stepped into the musical scene in 1997 with the movie “Aravindhan.” As a playback singer, he made his mark with the song “Dhoori Dhoori” in the film “Thendral Sudum.” In 2023, he took on the role of music director for Vijay’s “The Greatest Of All Time.”
Yuvan Shankar Raja extended his talents beyond Tamil cinema, contributing to Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films. In 2015, he founded his music label, U1 Records, and in 2017, he established his film production studio, YSR Films, with the debut movie “Pyaar Prema Kaadhal.”
Born as Yuvan Shankar Raja, Abdul Haliq, to renowned music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, he is the son of Jeeva and the brother of music composer Karthik Raja and sister Bhavatharini. Yuvan, a graduate from Trinity College, London, married Sujaya Chandran in 2005, Shilpa Mohan in 2011, and Zafroon Nizar in 2015, with whom he has a daughter named Ziya.
Yuvan’s musical journey began at the age of 16 with the movie “Aravindhan.” Over the years, he evolved into one of Tamil cinema’s sought-after composers, with notable works like “Thulluvadho Ilamai,” “April Maadhathil,” “Kadhal Samrajyam,” and “Mounam Pesiyadhe.” His Instagram account has garnered over 2 million followers (As of January 2024).
In addition to his extensive filmography as a composer, Yuvan has showcased his versatility as a playback singer and lyricist. He has also ventured into non-film works, including producing films, independent projects, and music videos. His onscreen appearances in various films further highlight his multifaceted presence in the industry.
Yuvan Shankar Raja has received numerous accolades for his contributions, including awards like the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu, Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, and several Filmfare Awards for Best Music Director and Best Male Playback Singer. His impact extends beyond the cinema, with honors recognizing his excellence in music across various platforms.
Yuvan Shankar Raja Biography
- Name: Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Full Name: Yuvan Shankar Raja, Abdul Haliq
- Nickname: Yuvan
- Born: 31 August 1979
- Age (as of 2024): 45
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Hindu
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Composer, Music Director
- Birthplace: Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
- Hometown: Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
Physical Stats
- Height: Not Known
- Weight: Not Known
- Eye Colour: Not Known
- Hair Colour: Not Known
Yuvan Shankar Raja Family
- Father Name: Ilaiyaraaja
- Mother Name: Jeeva
- Brother Name: Karthik Raja
- Sister Name: Bhavatharini
Marital Status
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife: Sujaya Chandran (2005 – 2008), Shilpa Mohan (2011 – 2014), Zafroon Nizar (2015 – Present)
- Children: Ziya
Education Details
- School Name: St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Chennai
- College Name: Trinity College, London, UK
- Educational Qualification: Graduate
Filmography
As Composer
Tamil
- 1997 – Aravindhan
- 1998 – Velai
- 1998 – Kalyana Galatta
- 1999 – Poovellam Kettuppar
- 1999 – Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga
- 2000 – Rishi
- 2000 – Dheena
Other Languages
- Deal (2007) (Telugu)
- Jigarwala (Hindi)
- Dada (2007) (Telugu)
- Thottal Poo Malarum (shared with Haricharan) (2007)
- Dada (2007) (Telugu)
- Aakrosham (2006)
- Pratheekaram (2009) (Telugu)
- Bala-Surya (2011)
- Aakasam Kindundi (Telugu)
Dubbed Releases
- Manasuna Manasai (2005) (Telugu)
- Aakrosham (2006)
- Pratheekaram (2009) (Telugu)
- Bala-Surya (2011)
Upcoming Projects (2024)
- Maayavalai
- Gangs of Godavari
- Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai
- Iraivan Miga Periyavan
- Star
- The Greatest of All Time
- Mr. Zoo Keeper
- Hanuman Gear
- Methavi (TBA)
Web Series
- 2023 – Modern Love Chennai in Amazon Prime Video
- TBA – Nilamellaam Rattham in ZEE5
Playback Singer
Telugu
Lyricist
- Chennai 600028 (2007) – “Natpukkullae”
- Saroja (2008) – “Cheeky Cheeky”, “My Life”
- Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai (2010) – “Introduction”
- Mankatha (2011) – “Vilaiyaadu Mankatha”, “Vilaiyaadu Mankatha (Extended Dance Mix)”
- Biriyani (2013) – “Nahna Na Nah”
- Maari 2 (2018) – “Maari Gethu”
Independent Works and Music Videos
- 1999 – The Blast (Tamil) with Kamal Haasan
- 2011 – Song of Youth (Tamil)
- 2011 – I’ll Be There For You (Tamil)
- 2020 – “Yaa Nabi” (Tamil)
- 2020 – Arivum Anbum (Tamil) with Ghibran, Kamal Haasan, and others
- 2021 – “Tala Al Badru Alayna” (Tamil, Arabic) with A R Ameen
- 2021 – “Top Tucker” (Tamil, Hindi) with Badshah ft.Rashmika Mandanna, Uchana Amit
- 2021 – ‘Dont Touch Me’ – Anti Rape Anthem (Tamil) with Arivu, Yunohoo
- 2022 – “Iruthalai Kolli” (Tamil) with Vairamuthu
- 2022 – “Candy” (Tamil, Hindi) with Dhvani Bhanushali
Onscreen Appearances
- 2003 – Punnagai Poove (Special appearance in the song “En Kadhal”)
- 2008 – Saroja (Special appearance in the song “Cheeky Cheeky”)
- 2012 – Billa II (Special appearance in the song “Gangster”)
- 2012 – Ameerin Aadhi Baghavan (Special appearance in the song “Aadhi Baghavan Rap”)
- 2013 – Thillu Mullu (Special appearance in the song “Thillu Mullu Title Song”)
- 2017 – Gowdru Hotel (Kannada) (Special appearance in the song “Kshanavu”)
- 2018 – Pyaar Prema Kaadhal (Special appearance in the song “Dope Track”)
- 2018 – Pei Pasi (Special appearance in the song “Pei Pasi”)
- 2021 – Top Tucker (Video Song) (Special appearance in the song “Top Tucker” by Badshah)
- 2022 – Maamanithan (Separate feature in the song “Ye Rasa”)
Producer
- 2018 – Pyaar Prema Kaadhal
- 2019 – Muthamida (single)
- TBA – Alice
- 2022 – Maa Manithan
Non-film Works
Television
- Perai Solla Vaa
- Panchavarnakili
- Ananda Bhavan
- Ladies Club-Senior Junior
- Hero Splendor Tamil
- Senior Junior
- Super Singer Junior Season 8
Albums
Theatre
Awards
Special Honours
- 2018 – Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu
- 2022 – Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
Cyprus International Film Festival
- Best Musical Score Feature Film for Raam (2006)
South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)
- SIIMA Award for Best Playback Singer – Telugu for Panjaa (2012)
Filmfare Awards South
- Best Music Director – Tamil for 7G Rainbow Colony (2004)
- Special Jury Award for Oy! (2009)
- Nominated, Best Music Director – Tamil for Paruthiveeran
- Nominated, Best Music Director – Telugu for Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule (2007)
- Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Tamil for Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008)
- Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Tamil for Paiyaa (2010)
- Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Tamil for Naan Mahaan Alla (2010)
- Nominated, Best Male Playback Singer – Tamil for “Iragai Pole” – Naan Mahaan Alla (2010)
- Nominated, Best Male Playback Singer – Tamil for “Kadal Rasa” – Maryan (2013)
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
- Best Music Director for Pattiyal (2006)
- Best Music Director for Paiyaa (2010)
- Best Music Director Kalaimamani Award (2018)
Vijay Awards
- Favourite Song of the Year for “En Kadhal Solla” (Paiyaa) (2010)
- Best Background Score for Aaranya Kaandam (2011)
- Best Background Score (2012)
- Best Male Playback Singer for “Kadal Rasa” (Maryan) (2013)
- Nominated, Best Music Director for Paruthiveeran (2007)
- Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Music Director for Saroja (2008)
- Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Music Director for Siva Manasula Sakthi (2009)
- Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Music Director for Paiyaa (2010)
- Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Music Director for Kazhugu (2012)
- Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Music Director for Anjaan (2014)
Other Awards
- Ananda Vikatan Award for Best Composer of the Year (2007)
- Ananda Vikatan Award for Best Male Playback Singer of the Year for “Neethane” (Sarvam) (2009)
- Swarna Saravanan Excellence in Music Award (2013)
- Big FM Tamil Entertainment Awards – Most Entertaining Music Director of the Year Award for Paiyaa (2011)
Favorite Things
- Favourite Colour: Not Known
- Favourite Food: Not Known
- Favourite Movie: Not Known
- Favourite Destination: Not Known
Other Details
- Hobbies: Listening to music, Songwriting, Singing, Driving
Social Media
Yuvan Shankar Raja Facts
- Yuvan started learning music from Jacob Master.
- He had his breakthrough with the soundtrack of the movie “Thulluvadho Ilamai” in 2001.
- Yuvan created his music label, U1 Records, in 2015.
- He got married to Sujaya Chandran in a secret registered marriage in London in September 2003.
- His Instagram account has over 2 million followers (As of January 2024).
FAQ
- Full Name: Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Q: What is Yuvan Shankar Raja’s full name?
- A: Yuvan Shankar Raja’s full name is Yuvan Shankar Raja, Abdul Haliq.
- Age:
- Q: How old is Yuvan Shankar Raja?
- A: As of 2024, Yuvan Shankar Raja is 45 years old.
- Height:
- Q: What is Yuvan Shankar Raja’s height?
- A: Details not available.
- Family:
- Q: Who are Yuvan Shankar Raja’s siblings?
- A: Yuvan’s siblings include his brother Karthik Raja and sister Bhavatharini.
- Biography in Short:
- Q: Can you provide a brief overview of Yuvan Shankar Raja’s biography?
- A: Yuvan Shankar Raja is a versatile Indian singer, music director, and songwriter known for his significant contributions to the Tamil film industry. Born on 31 August 1979 in Theni, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of the legendary music maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Yuvan has not only excelled in composing music for numerous films but has also made a mark as a playback singer, lyricist, and producer. His journey in the industry has been marked by success, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the world of Indian music and cinema.
