Dhanush is a name that is synonymous with Tamil cinema. But over the years, he has gained recognition and popularity across India and even beyond. Born on February 28, 1983, as Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, he changed his name to Dhanush when he made his acting debut in 2002. Dhanush belongs to a family of filmmakers, and his father, Kasthuri Raja, and brother, Selvaraghavan, are also successful directors in the Tamil film industry. In this article, we will delve into Dhanush’s career, his notable performances, and his journey from Tamil cinema to international recognition.
Dhanush started his acting career with Thulluvadho Ilamai in 2002, directed by his father, Kasthuri Raja. Despite the film not doing well at the box office, Dhanush was praised for his performance, and it marked the beginning of a long and successful career. He went on to star in several Tamil films such as Kadhal Kondein, Pudhupettai, and Aadukalam, which won him a National Film Award for Best Actor. With his unconventional looks and acting talent, Dhanush has made a mark in the industry.
One of the factors that have contributed to Dhanush’s success is his versatility. He has portrayed a variety of roles, from a rustic gangster in Pudhupettai to a young man suffering from intermittent explosive disorder in 3. Dhanush’s ability to immerse himself in his characters has been praised by critics and audiences alike.
Dhanush’s talent has not gone unnoticed outside of Tamil cinema. In 2013, he made his Bollywood debut with Raanjhanaa, which was a critical and commercial success. Dhanush played the role of Kundan Shankar, a young man from Varanasi, who falls in love with a Muslim girl. His performance was widely praised, and he won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for the film. Dhanush’s success in Bollywood opened the doors for him to work in international films.
Dhanush’s first international project was The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, a French-English film, directed by Ken Scott. Dhanush played the lead role of Ajatashatru Lavash Patel, a street magician from Mumbai, who sets out on a journey to find his estranged father in Paris. The film was well-received, and Dhanush’s performance was praised. He went on to star in the Hollywood film, The Gray Man, directed by the Russo Brothers, which also stars Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. The film is set to release on Netflix in 2022.
Apart from acting, Dhanush is also a singer, songwriter, and producer. He has sung several hit songs in Tamil, and his song “Why This Kolaveri Di” from the film 3 became a viral sensation, making him a national phenomenon. He has also produced several successful Tamil films under his banner, Wunderbar Films.
In conclusion, Dhanush is a talent that the Tamil film industry can be proud of. His journey from Thulluvadho Ilamai to The Gray Man is a testament to his acting abilities and versatility. He has not only made a mark in Tamil cinema but has also gained recognition and appreciation in Bollywood and international cinema. With his upcoming projects, including Jagame Thandhiram and Atrangi Re, Dhanush’s fans have much to look forward to.
