For me, writing for Raaja sir is even bigger than winning an Oscar: Karunakaran

“My song for Magudam will be a track that brings hope,” says lyricist Karunakaran. Having previously written songs for Chakra and Veeramae Vaagai Soodum , both headlined by Vishal, the lyricist got to collaborate with the actor a third time. “Vishal sir himself asked me to write a song for Magudam ,” he shares.He began his film journey with Kadhal Vandhale from Vallavan , composed and sung by Yuvan Shankar Raja.Speaking about how he comes up with lyrics, he says, “I mostly write on paper and sometimes use voice notes. When I hear a tune, the first thought that comes to mind will almost always be correct. However, I believe that the best version is whatever the director chooses.”Working with Ilaiyaraaja, Karunakaran says, has been the most defining moment of his career. “I first wrote the song Enna Nadakkudhu for him in Maamanithan . Writing for Raaja sir is even bigger than winning an Oscar, for me. If someone asks me what I’ve done in my career, I’ll tell them, ‘I’ve written a song for Raaja sir.’ I’m grateful to Yuvan anna , for he was the one who made the collaboration happen,” shares the lyricist, who went on to collaborate with the legendary composer once again for the song Head Up High in Custody.Apart from writing, Karunakaran has also explored acting. He was featured in Arun Vijay’s Malai Mala i and will next be seen in Arya’s Mr. X . “Manu Anand (director of Mr. X ) is my friend. I wrote the theme song for his previous film, FIR , and that led to him calling me for this film,” he signs off.