Best part about performing in Chennai is that I know what they like

Whether it is was the soul-stirring Usurae Pogudhey or the fun Ennakkoru Girlfriend ��� singer Karthik breezes through the hearts of the listeners quite effortlessly. A local favourite for many years now, the firebrand performer has wowed many an audience in different cities, and it is after a gap of three years that the Chennai-lad will be performing in the city.Karthik and his live band are gearing up for a musical extravaganza on October 17, at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall in Chennai.
The singer, whose recent songs Aye Sinamika and Parandhu Sella Vaa from OK Kanmani, set a million hearts fluttering, says that he���s absolutely excited to be performing at the Times Chennai Festival. And this isn���t the first time he���s associated with the Times of India. Karthik says, ���My association with TOI go back a long way. I���ve been part of their fests in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai. In fact, this is the second time I am performing for the fest in Chennai. One of my best performances, and also among my favourite live performances, is the last time I performed for TOI ��� right here, in Chennai, by the Besant Nagar beach. Despite being in Chennai, one doesn���t really get the opportunity to perform by the sea often, and I was so glad I was able to sing in front of such a large audience.���
Even though it���s been three years since he did a concert here, Karthik says that he���s always comfortable in front of the home crowd. ���I choose my concerts in the city carefully, and don���t like to perform often. I am glad this came along! But the best part about performing in Chennai is that I know what they like. In fact, it is always easier to sing in front of my audience. No matter where else I perform, this city has great vibe and energy. Keeping the city���s lovers of music in mind, I can even play around with some fusion,��� says an excited Karthik.
Despite a chock-a-block schedule, with playback singing, composing and working with his band, Karthik finds live performances interesting. ���It is a fun process. You can���t really predict the audience���s response, irrespective of where you are performing. So, one can���t really prepare. You got be on your toes, make it exciting. With this venue being a great one, I am looking forward to my concert for namma ooru, my family and friends,��� he says.
But the AR Rahman-find is quite secretive about his plans for the concert tomorrow. He says, ���Of course, all my hit numbers will be a part of the list and this will also include some of my Hindi numbers. I am also looking at collaborating with some musicians on stage and working on giving the audience an audio-visual treat. It will definitely be a surprise for Chennaiites.���