Popular Tamil actor, producer and singer Dhanush, who gained worldwide recognition overnight for his song Why this Kolaveri Di, turns 31 today.
Here's a look at his pictorial journey as he turns a year older.
Dhanush, real name Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, was born on July 28, 1983 in an illustrious family with cinematic background. His father, Kasthuri Raja, is a well-known director and producer in Tamil industry.
His brother Selvaraghavan, also a director, is the one who convinced Dhanush to pursue a career in acting.
Dhanush began his acting career with Thulluvadho Ilamai in 2002.
The movie, directed by his father, brought him to the limelight with much appreciation from the critics and audience.
The following year, Dhanush won the hearts of critics with his stellar performance as a mentally-disturbed boy in Kadhai Kondein, which was his brother Selvaraghavan's debut film as a director.
The movie was also a commercial success and Dhanush established a strong foothold among the A-list actors of Tamil industry.
In 2003, Dhanush's Thiruda Thirudi was a blockbuster hit. It proved to be a turning point in his career and there was no looking back for the actor who bagged a slew of projects after its release.
But Dhanush hit a rocky phase with successive flops Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan(2003), Sullan(2004) and Dreams(2004).
But the actor hit a high note on the personal front on November 18, 2004 with his marriage to Aishwarya, the daughter of southern superstar Rajinikanth.
On the professional side, things still seemed hazy. In 2005, Dhanush delivered Devathaiyai Kanden and Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, which did average business commercially.
It was brother Selvaraghavan who came to the rescue with the 2006 flick Pudhupettai which brought Dhanush back in the reckoning.
Dhanush also experienced the joy of becoming a father that year. Dhanush and Aishwarya named their son Yatra.
Dhanush revived himself with rom-com Thiruvilayadal Arambam opposite Shriya Saran in 2006. The movie was a hit and Dhanush was applauded by audience as well as the critics.
The year 2008 brought in good fortune for the actor. He movie Yaaradi Nee Mohini, opposite Nayanthara, was a hit and the actor bagged the Entertainer of the Year at the Vijay Awards that year.
Dhanush also did a cameo in his father-in-law Rajnikanth's Kuselan.
2009 release Padikathavan brought the much needed appreciation and stability for Dhanush. The actor was seen in commendable action sequences in the hit movie.
Dhanush and Aishwarya had their second son Linga in 2010.
The year 2011 was noteworthy for Dhanush as he won the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 58th National Film Awards for Aadukalam.
Dhanush created history, becoming the youngest actor to receive the award.
Dhanush was also honoured as the brand ambassador of PETA with the title of India's hottest vegetarian celebrity of 2011.
In 2012, Dhanush featured as the lead actor in 3, his wife Aishwarya's debut film as a director in 2012.
The movie starring Dhanush and actress Shruti Haasan got mixed reviews although the song Why this Kolaveri DI from 3 became a sensational hit.
Dhanush reportedly wrote the lyrics of his chartbuster Why this Kolaveri Di in just six minutes. Another feather was added to his cap as the song became the most searched video in India on YouTube, fetching him immense popularity and recognition.
Dhanush cast his spell on Bollywood with his 2013 movie Raanjhanaa opposite actress Sonam Kapoor. The film was declared a Hit by Box Office India.
In Bollywood, Dhanush will next be seen in R Balki's Shamitabh, in which he co-stars with Amitabh Bachchana nd Akshara Haasan.
Here's wishing the actor much more success and a great year ahead!
