
Happy Birthday, Dhanush: 10 Lesser-Known Facts About The Actor
On the occasion of Dhanush's birthday, fans across the nation and the world are celebrating the actor who continues to push the envelope with every role he portrays on screen. From his gripping performances in Tamil cinema to making waves in Bollywood and even Hollywood, Dhanush has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment world. Whether it is his personal life, soulful voice and National Award-winning acting skills, there is a lot about him that you might not have discovered yet. As Dhanush turns a year older today, here are 10 lesser-known facts about him that might just make you a fan of him yet again.
Kolaveri Di
The viral song Why This Kolaveri Di was written by Dhanush in just six minutes. Wondering what was more mind-blowing? The first version of the recording was ready in under 35 minutes.
Accidental Actor
Dhanush had no intentions of joining the film industry. Instead, he wanted to become a chef. It was his brother, Selvaraghavan, who pushed him towards acting.
Got Ditched at 16
Before his fame, Dhanush was reportedly deeply in love with a girl. They left him after he failed his Class 12 exam.
Shiva Devotee
He is a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Interestingly, his sons are named Yatra and Linga, both linked to Lord Shiva.
PETA's Award
In 2011, Dhanush was awarded PETA's award for Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity.
His Real Name
The actor was born as Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja. He adopted the screen name Dhanush when he entered the cinema. The reason? he wanted to create a different identity in the film world.
Forbes Regular
Dhanush has been a constant presence on the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list. He has been recognised for his successful acting career and his various other ventures.
Cooking Love
Despite a packed schedule, Dhanush manages to take out some time for cooking, especially traditional South Indian dishes, to be specific and considers it his therapy.
Lyricist
Do you know Dhanush started writing lyrics accidentally? It was when a lyricist failed to show up that the actor kicked off his songwriting journey.
Hollywood Fame
Dhanush became the first Tamil actor to bag a Hollywood lead with The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir. Later, he was also seen in The Gray Man alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans.
First Published:
July 28, 2025, 15:34 IST
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