As Dhanush turns 35 today, here's a pictorial look at his life and career so far.
An award-winning actor, singer and filmmaker, Dhanush is a man of multiple talents. He might have starred in films such as Maari, Thanga Magan and Raanjhanaa but Dhanush is best known for his song Why This Kolaveri D, which became an anthem of sorts for young India.
As Dhanush turns 35 today, here's a pictorial look at his life and career so far.
Dhanush, real name Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, was born on July 28, 1983. His father, Kasthuri Raja, is a well-known director and producer in Tamil industry.
His brother Selvaraghavan, also a director, is the ones who convinced Dhanush to pursue a career in acting.
The following year, Dhanush won the hearts of critics with his 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 the 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 earned a slew of projects after its release.
The rom-com Thiruvilayadal Arambam opposite Shriya Saran in 2006 also helped revive his career. The movie was a hit and Dhanush was applauded by the audience as well as the critics.
The year 2008 brought in good fortune for the actor. Yaaradi Nee Mohini, opposite Nayanthara, was a hit and the actor won the Entertainer of the Year Award at the Vijay Awards the same year.
Dhanush also did a cameo in his father-in-law Rajinikanth's Kuselan.
Dhanush reportedly wrote the lyrics of his chartbuster Why This Kolaveri D 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.
Between blockbuster Velaiyilla Pattathari and box office dud Shamitabh, 2014 was a mixed year for Dhanush. Velaiyilla Pattathari was Dhanush's 25th film. In R Balki's Shamitabh, the actor was teamed with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and newcomer Akshara Haasan.
2015 started on an excellent note for Dhanush with the stupendous success of Anegan and Maari. The same year, he also starred in movies like Thanga Magan and Vai Raja Vai.
Image courtesy YouTube
In 2016, Dhanush featured in films like Thodari and Kodi.
In the 2017 film Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 or VIP 2, Dhanush was seen sharing screen space with Kajol. The film was directed by his sister-in-law Soundarya Rajnikanth.
His other upcoming projects are - Enai Noki Paayum Thota, Vada Chennai and Maari 2.
Here's wishing Dhanush a very happy birthday and all the very best for his future endeavours.
