Dhanush

Dhanush
Born	Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja 28 July 1983 Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Actor, filmmaker, lyricist, playback singer
Years active	2002–present
Spouse	Aishwarya Rajinikanth (m. 2004; div. 2024)
Children	2
Known for	Tamil cinema, "Why This Kolaveri Di", versatile acting

Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja (born 28 July 1983), known professionally as Dhanush, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, lyricist and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema, along with Hindi and Telugu films. Over his career, he has appeared in more than 50 films and received several prestigious awards, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. He is regarded as one of the leading actors in Tamil cinema and has featured multiple times in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list.

Early Life and Education

Dhanush was born in Madras, Tamil Nadu, to filmmaker Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi. He initially aspired to pursue a career in hotel management and become a chef. However, under the influence of his elder brother Selvaraghavan, he entered the film industry. He has two sisters, Vimalageetha and Karthiga.

Career

2002–2010: Early career and breakthrough

Dhanush made his acting debut in the 2002 film Thulluvadho Ilamai, directed by his father. His breakthrough came with Kaadhal Kondein (2003), directed by Selvaraghavan, where his performance received critical acclaim. He followed it with commercially successful films such as Thiruda Thirudi (2003).

After appearing in several films with mixed results, he gained recognition for Pudhupettai (2006), which later achieved cult status. His performance in Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam (2006) was widely appreciated. In 2007, Polladhavan marked a major commercial success, followed by Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008), further strengthening his position in Tamil cinema.

2011–2015: Critical acclaim and national recognition

Dhanush's performance in Aadukalam (2010) earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He continued to gain recognition with films like Mayakkam Enna (2011). In 2012, he starred in 3, which became widely popular due to the song "Why This Kolaveri Di", making him internationally recognized.

In 2013, Dhanush made his Hindi debut with Raanjhanaa, which was a commercial success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. His film Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014) was also a major success, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

In 2015, he appeared in films such as Anegan and Maari, both of which were commercially successful and added to his growing popularity.

2016–present: Continued success and expansion

Dhanush continued his success with films like Kodi (2016), where he played dual roles. In 2017, he made his directorial debut with Pa. Pandi, which received positive reviews. His films Vada Chennai (2018) and Asuran (2019) were critically acclaimed, with Asuran earning him his second National Film Award for Best Actor.

He also appeared in international and Hindi projects, including The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir (2019) and The Gray Man. In recent years, films such as Thiruchitrambalam (2022), Vaathi (2023), and Raayan (2024) have been commercially successful.

Personal Life

Dhanush married Aishwarya Rajinikanth, daughter of actor Rajinikanth, in 2004. The couple has two sons. They announced their separation in 2022 and finalized their divorce in 2024. Dhanush is known for his interest in cooking and devotion to Hindu traditions.

Music Career

Apart from acting, Dhanush is a successful playback singer and lyricist. He gained global recognition with the song "Why This Kolaveri Di", which became a viral sensation. He has sung numerous songs in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films and is often credited as "Poet-u Dhanush" for his lyrical work.

His song "Rowdy Baby" from Maari 2 became one of the most-viewed Indian songs on YouTube, crossing one billion views.

Other Works

Dhanush has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including disaster relief efforts and environmental campaigns. He has also served as a brand ambassador for several products.

Production and Direction

Dhanush co-founded the production company Wunderbar Films in 2010. Under this banner, he has produced several successful films. He made his directorial debut with Pa. Pandi (2017), which was well received by critics and audiences.

Awards and Recognition

Dhanush has received multiple awards throughout his career, including National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and SIIMA Awards. His performances have been widely appreciated for their depth and versatility.