Kept fast to avoid acting, became star due to luck, one song went viral with over 10 crore views, name is...
Dhanush went to extremes; he stopped eating, hoping his family would change their minds. When excuses didn't work, he turned to fasting and prayer. But fate had other plans. Reluctantly, he stepped into the world of films and, in time, found his rhythm and passion. How did he make his mark in cinema?
He debuted in 2002 with Thulluvadho Ilamai, directed by his father. Recognition came in 2006 with Pudhupettai, helmed by his brother, where he played a gangster. But it was Aadukalam in 2011 that earned him national acclaim and his first National Film Award for Best Actor.
In 2011, he casually recorded a song titled Why This Kolaveri Di. Written in 6 minutes and recorded in 35, it became India's first YouTube hit, crossing 100 million views and turning Dhanush into a viral sensation. Bollywood and beyond
Absolutely. Dhanush's Bollywood debut came with Raanjhanaa (2013), where he played a small-town boy from Banaras and left a lasting impression. He went on to star in Shamitabh alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Atrangi Re with Sara Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar. His Tamil hits include Maari, Kodi, Asuran, and Karnan, the first and last of which also won him National Awards. Dhanush's Hollywood debut
In 2022, Dhanush appeared in The Gray Man, sharing screen space with global names like Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. With that, he joined the rare league of Indian actors making an international mark.
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Time of India
3 hours ago
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When Dhanush made a big statement about being 'forced' to do acting even though he didn't enjoy it
Dhanush is one of the superstars of South cinema. The actor has come a long way and made a place for himself in everyone's hearts. But did you know he was not fond of acting? In fact, Dhanush once revealed that he was forced to do acting even though he didn't enjoy it and wanted to run away. When Dhanush said he wanted to run away from acting In an interview with Film Companion in 2021, the actor opened up about his initial days when he started working as an actor. Dhanush shared, "Acting just happened. In fact, during the first two films, I just wanted to run away. I didn't enjoy it. I was forced to do it." What did Dhanush want to pursue as a career if not acting? When he was asked about the same during the interview, Dhanush revealed that he wanted to be a chef. The actor shared that he always thought of cooking as one of the finest arts, as it brings happiness to the faces of the people when they love what is served. Why did Dhanush continue to work as an actor? Dhanush went on to reveal that only because of his brother Selvaraghavan and the film 'Kadhal Konden' did he start liking the art of filmmaking and acting. The actor called his brother a "genius" and added he kept doing films, and after talking to certain people, he started to take the job seriously. He said, "Sometimes, you identify your calling; your calling might also identify you. I am just really lucky that the latter happened to me." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo Dhanush's projects The actor marked his debut with 'Thulluvadho Ilamai' in 2002. His career started taking shape after the box office success of his film, 'Thiruda Thirudi.' The actor marked his international debut with 'The Gray Man,' directed by the Russo Brothers. He will next feature in 'Idly Kadai,' 'D54' with Vignesh Raja , 'Tere Ishk Mein,' 'D55' with Rajkumar Periyasami, 'Kalam: The Missile Man of India' directed by Om Raut , and more. 'Idly Kadai,' which is his fourth directorial, is set to hit theatres on October 1.
India Today
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8 must-watch movies of Dhanush
8 must-watch movies of Dhanush July 28, 2025 Credit: Instagram/@dhanushkraja The film is about a spirited boy who falls for a girl who doesn't love him back. Dhanush captured Kundan's innocence, intensity, and eventual heartbreak with aching honesty. Raanjhanaa Credit:IMDb Dhanush delivered a power-packed performance as a man fighting caste and class. This gripping drama is both a family saga and a fiery social statement. Asuran Dhanush's rage simmered in a film in which a young man from a marginalized community rises in revolt. The film is unforgettable with symbolic storytelling and powerful visuals. Karnan The actor played a vulnerable yet fiery youth caught in an ego war on roosters. His National Award-winning performance is full of rawness and depth. Aadukalam A quiet man with a mysterious past is forced back into the world of violence he once left behind. Dhanush directed and acted in this gritty film on redemption. Raayan Two different people are forced into marriage, only to finally fall in love. Dhanush brought soulful charm into the film, also starring Sara Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar. Atrangi Re A dark and intense thriller, Kubera explored wealth, power, and moral dilemmas. Dhanush played a character navigating greed and guilt in a world driven by money. Kuberaa A carrom player gets pulled into a decades-long gang war. This Dhanush-starrer is full of twists, betrayals and fierce character arcs. Vada Chennai Wishing Dhanush a very happy birthday. Which film would you be watching today?
Time of India
4 hours ago
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Dhanush turns 42: From Sonam Kapoor to Kajol, celebrities pen heartfelt wishes for 'Raanjhanaa' actor
Dhanush has turned 42 years old today. The film fraternity has poured in their birthday wishes for the 'Raanjhanaa' actor. Dhanush has turned 42 years old today. The film fraternity has poured in their birthday wishes for the 'Raanjhanaa' actor. Dhanush's Bollywood debut co-star Sonam Kapoor shared a throwback photo with the actor on his 42nd birthday. In the picture, the duo is seen giving a pose for the camera, dressed in ethnic wear. Dhanush donned a traditional South Indian attire comprising a while lungi and shirt, while Sonam Kapoor wore a saree. "Happy Birthday Dhanush," wrote Sonam Kapoor on her Instagram handle while sharing the photo. Dhanush's 'Velaiilla Pattadhari 2' co-actor and superstar Kajol also penned a beautiful message for the actor on his 42nd birthday. She wrote, "Happy birthday to the ever-cool and quietly brilliant Dhanush". She also shared a beautiful photo along with the caption. Aanand L Rai , the director who gave a huge break to South actor Dhanush in Bollywood with the film 'Raanjhanaa', penned the lyrics of the song 'Tum Tak' to convey his heartfelt emotions for the actor on his 42nd birthday. He wrote, "Meri har mann mabas tumtak. Mere sukh dukh aate jaate yaar tumtak !!! I never thought these lines will become my emotions for you. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Confirmed - This is the deadliest snake in the world Novelodge Undo Love you always. Happy birthday, mere bhai." Popular South Indian movie industry musician GV Prakash Kumar also shared a birthday wish for Dhanush. "Happy bday dear brother @dhanushkraja have a healthy and prosperous year ahead," wrote GV Prakash Kumar from his Instagram handle on Monday. The musician also gifted the fans of Dhanush by releasing the first single track from the actor's upcoming film Idli Kadai, starring Nithiya Menon in the lead role. The song is titled 'Enna Sugam'. Dhanush's upcoming spiritual sequel to 'Raanjhanaa' titled 'Tere Ishk Mein', co-star Kriti Sanon also shared a beautiful birthday message for the actor. Taking to her Instagram handle, she wrote, "Happiest Birthday Shankar. May that smile of yours be as bright. Keep shining, keep inspiring and keep lighting up the screen." Meanwhile, Dhanush's directorial 'Idli Kadai' is slated to release on October 1, 2025.
