Santhosh Narayanan Biography: Height, Nationality, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Songs

Santhosh Narayanan is a renowned Indian film composer, musician, and playback singer, celebrated for his innovative fusion of Tamil gaana, folk, and electronic music in South Indian cinema.

Known for his collaborations with directors Pa. Ranjith and Karthik Subbaraj, his work on films like Kabali and Kalki 2898 AD has redefined Tamil film music.

Profile

• Full Name: Santhosh Narayanan
• Stage Name: Santhosh Narayanan
• Born: May 15, 1983
• Age: 42 years old
• Birthplace: Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Film Composer, Musician, Playback Singer, Music Producer
• Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Narayanan
• Siblings: One elder sibling
• Spouse: Meenakshi Iyer
• Children: Dheekshitha Venkadeshan, Sudheekshanan
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth:$1 million to USD 3 million

Early Life and Education

Santhosh Narayanan, an accomplished film composer and musician, was born on May 15, 1983, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India, to Mr. and Mrs. Narayanan.

As the younger of two children in a Hindu family, he grew up immersed in Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage, which sparked his early passion for music.

He attended RSK Higher Secondary School in Tiruchirappalli, where he excelled academically. He later earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science from J.J. College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirappalli.

Despite his technical education, his love for music led him to work as a recording engineer and bassist for independent bands, such as La Pongal, laying the foundation for his career in film composition. His ethnicity is Tamil, and his religion is Hinduism.

Career

Santhosh Narayanan, a trailblazing film composer and musician, debuted as a music director with the 2012 Tamil film Attakathi, directed by Pa. Ranjith, introducing the gaana genre with hits like “Aadi Pona Aavani,” sung by Gana Bala, which popularized both the artist and the genre.

His 2012 soundtracks for Pizza and Uyir Mozhi were recorded in Sydney with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, earning critical acclaim for their eclectic style.

Subsequent works include Soodhu Kavvum (2013), with the viral “Kaasu Panam”; Cuckoo (2014), praised for its live instrumentation; and Jigarthanda (2014), noted for its electronic fusion.

His collaborations with Rajinikanth (Kabali, Kaala), Dhanush (Vada Chennai, Kodi), and Suriya (Retro, 2025) showcase his versatility across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema.

Notable films include Madras (2014), Irudhi Suttru (2016), Pariyerum Perumal (2018), Master (2021), and Kalki 2898 AD (2024), marking his 50th film in 12 years.

He also produced his stepdaughter Dhee’s hit “Enjoy Enjaami” (2021), sparking controversy over co-artist Arivu’s credits. In 2025, he composed for VJS 52 and Parandhu Po.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @santhoshnarayanan
• Facebook Handle: Santhosh Narayanan
• Twitter Handle: @Music_Santhosh
• YouTube Channel: Santhosh Narayanan

Personal Life

Santhosh Narayanan, a renowned film composer and musician, is married to Meenakshi Iyer, an Australian-based Indian classical singer, and is the stepfather to her children, Dheekshitha Venkadeshan (Dhee), a playback singer, and Sudheekshanan. He stands at 5 feet 9 inches, with a creative energy that shines in his work.

Based in Chennai, he enjoys cooking, reading music theory, playing guitar and piano, photography, and traveling, often sharing these passions on social media, where he has over 1 million Instagram followers.

His collaboration with Dhee on “Cuckoo” and “Enjoy Enjaami” highlights their close bond, although the latter faced controversy over credit disputes.

Santhosh remains dedicated to pushing musical boundaries, drawing inspiration from his travels and Tamil heritage.

Filmography

• Advaitham (2012, Short Film, Composer) – Two songs
• Attakathi (2012, Film, Composer) – “Aadi Pona Aavani,” “Nadukadalula Kappala”
• Pizza (2012, Film, Composer) – “Mogathirai”
• Uyir Mozhi (2012, Film, Composer)
• Soodhu Kavvum (2013, Film, Composer) – “Kaasu Panam”
• Pizza 2: The Villa (2013, Film, Composer)
• Billa Ranga (2013, Film, Composer)
• Cuckoo (2014, Film, Composer) – “Manasula Soora Kaathey”
• Jigarthanda (2014, Film, Composer/Singer)
• Madras (2014, Film, Composer) – “Naan Nee”
• Enakkul Oruvan (2014, Film, Composer)
• 36 Vayadhinile (2015, Film, Composer)
• Irudhi Suttru/Saala Khadoos (2016, Film, Composer, Tamil only)
• Kabali (2016, Film, Composer)
• Kodi (2016, Film, Composer)
• Iraivi (2016, Film, Composer/Singer)
• Kashmora (2016, Film, Composer)
• Bairavaa (2017, Film, Composer)
• Meyaadha Maan (2017, Film, Composer)
• Kaala (2018, Film, Composer)
• Vada Chennai (2018, Film, Composer)
• Pariyerum Perumal (2018, Film, Composer)
• Jagame Thandhiram (2021, Film, Composer)
• Master (2021, Film, Composer)
• Sarpatta Parambarai (2021, Film, Composer)
• Kalki 2898 AD (2024, Film, Composer)
• Retro (2025, Film, Composer) – “Kanimaa”
• VJS 52 (2025, Film, Composer)
• Parandhu Po (2025, Film, Composer)

Net Worth

Santhosh Narayanan, an accomplished film composer and musician, has an estimated net worth of $1 million to USD 3 million.

His income is derived from composing for over 50 films, playback singing, and producing independent music, such as “Enjoy Enjaami.”

His YouTube channel and social media endorsements, which boast over 1 million Instagram followers, contribute to his earnings.

His innovative soundtracks and collaborations with top stars, such as Rajinikanth and Vijay, have solidified his financial success in South Indian cinema.