Published Oct 20, 2026 | 10:29 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 20, 2026 | 10:29 AM
Karthik Sabesh. (Special Arrangement)
Tamil actor Karthik Sabesh, son of late music composer Sabesh of the Sabesh–Murali duo, died at the age of 37 following health complications.
His death comes just days after the demise of his uncle, veteran music composer Deva, popularly known as Thenisai Thendral.
According to media reports, Karthik had been hospitalised for the past two months, undergoing treatment including dialysis. His condition reportedly deteriorated over the last two weeks, and he was being treated in the intensive care unit before his death on Tuesday, October 20.
Karthik made his acting debut in the Tamil film Dreams (2004).
He subsequently appeared in several films, including Silambarasan’s Vallavan, Kulir 100°, Kaadhal Solla Vandhen, Pattathu Yaanai, Udhayam NH4, Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum, Burma and Mahabalipuram.
His father, Sabesh, was part of the music composer duo Sabesh–Murali. The duo composed music for several Tamil films, including Samuthiram, Thavamai Thavamirundhu and the hugely successful Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi.
Deva, his uncle, passed away just three days before, on October 17. Widely recognised for his contributions to Tamil film music, particularly his popular Gaana compositions, Deva’s death was widely mourned.
Karthik is survived by his wife, Ramya Karthik, their two daughters, Brishanithara and Hairanithara, and his elder sisters, Geetha Sabesh and Archana Sabesh.
His final rites are scheduled to take place at 4.30 pm on Tuesday at the Valasaravakkam crematorium in Chennai.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose. Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
