Dhanush turns 42

Venkatesh Prabhu is the real name of Dhanush who was born on 28 July 1983. He is the winner of four national awards, 14 SIIMA Awards and 9 Filmfare Awards

Dhanush made his debut to films in the 2002 film Thulluvadho Illamai which credited his father – Kasthurieraja – as director, but was actually unofficially directed by his elder brother, Selvaraghavan. Unlike many other actors who had directors select a screen name for them, it was Dhanush himself who selected the name after the covert operation called Dhanush in the Kamalhaasan-Arjun starrer, Kurudhpunal.

Thulluvadho Illamai had a low key release but the youngsters took to the brave new style of filmmaking and the film went on to becoming a hit, despite getting mixed reviews from the critics.

Dhanush and his brother teamed up again for the psychological thriller Kaadhal Konndain. It was a career breakthrough for both of them. Dhanush’s acting performance was widely lauded, while Selvaraghavan’s fresh directorial style was also praised.

Dhanush had a hat-trick of successes when his third film- Thiruda Thirudi – also went on to become a hit, but his career slumped when he had three consecutive box-office failures with Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan, Sullan and Dreams.

He bounced back through the directorial debut of Bhoopathy Pandian in Devathaiyai Kandaen, but his next film – Balu Mahendra’s Athu oru Kanaa Kaalam – failed at the box-office.

The turning point came with his next film with Selvaraghavan – titled Pudhupettai – which was a moderate box-office success but a huge hit with the critics.

More mixed success was to follow – a hit with Thiruvilaiyadal Aarambam and then a flop with Parattai Engira Azhau Sundaram followed immediately by the movie that catapulted him into the big league – Polladhavan – which was the debut directorial of Vettrimaran. The film won six national awards – including Best Actor for Dhanush. Polladhavan inspired five remakes.

From this point onward, it was largely an upward trajectory for Dhanush who put in heart, body and soul into every film, ensuring that he gave his directors the best possible output.

He made his debut to Hindi films in 2013 and has since appeared in two English movies.

In 2017 he made his debut as a director and screen writer through the film Pa. Pandi. His 25^th film – Velaiilaa Pattathari and his 50^th film – Raayan – were both hits.

In 2012 he launched his own production company – called Wunderbar Films – and has thus far produced 18 films. His 19^th  production – Idly Kadai – will also mark his fourth directorial.

Dhanush turns 42 today.