M. R. Charan Raj
M. R. Charan Raj is an Indian composer and singer known for his work in Kannada cinema. Raj trained in Carnatic music with Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath and in Classical music with Neecia Majolly. He also holds a grade eight certificate in piano from the London School of Music.
Raj’s first work in Kannada films came in Harivu in 2014. He received acclaim for his work in Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu. He scored for Pushpaka Vimana. For his work in Jeerjimbe in 2016, he was awarded the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Music Director.
Raj’s first major success came when Winds of Samsara, an album of Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman won the Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2015. The album also featured vocals by Raj. During the time, he also worked as an arranger for composers such as Prashant Pillai.
Raj received praise for his music for the film Tagaru Superstar Shivarajkumar’s movie which is an industry hit. Kavaludaari, Avane Srimannarayana in 2019. He made his mark with Popcorn Monkey Tiger, Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja in 2020. Composed music for Salaga, Mysuru Diaries, Puneeth Raj Kumar’s James, Saptha Sagaradaache Yello, Bad Manners in 2021. He is doing some great projects in Telugu and Tamil industries and making a Bollywood debut which is under discussion.
