Karthik Kumar

Karthik Kumar (born 21 November 1977) is an Indian stand-up comedian and actor who works in Tamil films and television. He studied chemical engineering at Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering. After earning his Bachelor's degree, Karthik and his friend Sunil Vishnu quit their jobs and started the event management company Evam, which today is a theatre company.

Karthik made his acting debut with Alaipayuthey (2000), portraying a small role as the female lead character's prospective suitor. He went on to portray supporting roles notably in films like Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008) and Poi Solla Porom (2008). In November 2016, he lamented getting typecast in particular roles, especially as the American mappillai, and announced his retirement from the film industry, though he returned with a role in Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022).

As a stand-up comedian, Karthik has done three stand-up specials. His first special, #PokeMe, has more than half a million views on YouTube, followed by Second Decoction and Blood Chutney, which streams on Amazon Prime. He has performed over 1000 shows across India, USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, and is managed by Evam Standup Tamasha, a stand-up movement in South India.