G. V. Prakash Kumar, born on June 13, 1987, is an esteemed Indian film composer, playback singer, actor, and producer, predominantly known for his contributions to Tamil cinema. Born in Madras, Tamil Nadu, Prakash is the only son of G. Venkatesh and renowned playback singer A. R. Reihana, who is also the elder sister of celebrated music director A. R. Rahman. The artistry of music runs deep in his family lineage, with Prakash himself showing a unique adeptness for a range of musical instruments, including guitar, keyboard, piano, vocals, folk instruments, and drums. His early life was deeply infused with music and film, shaping his future career and achievements in the Tamil film industry.
In his personal life, Prakash married his schoolmate, singer Saindhavi, in 2013, and the couple welcomed their daughter Anvi in 2020. His close-knit family and strong personal relationships have been a source of inspiration for his creative endeavours.
Embarking on his music direction career, Prakash first appeared as a vocalist on the soundtrack of director S. Shankar’s Tamil film Gentleman (1993), composed by his maternal uncle, A. R. Rahman. He later made a successful foray into acting with his debut in the 2015 film Darling. Gaining fame in Tamil films by the early 2010s, his first film as a composer was Veyil (2006), followed by his highly appreciated work in Madrasapattinam (2010). His unique musical style earned him one National Award and three Filmfare Awards, and he has continued to deliver critically acclaimed music for films like Aayirathil Oruvan (2009), Aadukalam (2010), and Mayakkam Enna (2011).
Venturing into film production, Prakash launched his own production house in 2013 under the name “GV Prakash Kumar Productions”. His first film under his banner was Madha Yaanai Koottam, directed by Vikram Sugumaran, a former assistant of Balu Mahendra. The move into production is a testament to his versatile talent and desire to contribute to the Indian film industry in more ways than one.
Prakash has an impressive social media following, amassing 3.8 million followers on Instagram, 5.7 million on Facebook, 450K on YouTube, and 6.6 million on Twitter. His significant online presence showcases his influence in the Tamil film industry and among a global audience. His extensive work, broad talent, and relentless passion for the arts will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the Indian film industry and beyond.
