Dhanush Turns 43: From Kaadhal Kondein To National Awards, & Now Politics?
As Dhanush turns 43 on July 28, Tamil cinema is celebrating an actor who redefined stardom without ever trying to fit the mold.
As Dhanush turns 43 on July 28, Tamil cinema is celebrating an actor who redefined stardom without ever trying to fit the mold. From the lanky lover in Kaadhal Kondein to the raw intensity of Asuran, Dhanush has carved a space in the Tamil film industry with honesty.
Films like Raanjhanaa, Aadukalam, Maryan, Tere Ishk Mein and Vada Chennai have shown his range as an actor, just to name a few from his vast repertoire of over 50 + films. He then crossed borders to the Telugu states, and in 2023, he made his Telugu debut with Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera, where he played a beggar's role with ease. Beyond acting, he’s also a lyricist, poet, singer, director and producer, making him a truly talented all-rounder in Kollywood.
Coming to his latest film updates after Kara and IDli Kadai, he will be reuniting with filmmaker Vetri Maaran for an upcoming film, Thamizh Murugan, marking their fifth collaboration after Polladhavan, Aadukalam, Vada Chennai, and Asuran.
He is also acting in a film titled OM by writer-director Rajkumar Periasamy and is slated for an October 16 release in theatres, which is his 55th film. Apart from Dhanush, the film also stars Sai Pallavi and Mammootty in important roles.
Speaking at an event on Sunday at a fan-organized blood donation camp and welfare event in Chennai, Dhanush addressed the rumours around his films Raayan (which marked his 50th film) and Captain Miller receiving National Awards for the year 2024. He acknowledged that other Tamil films from 2024 may have been more deserving, and said he respects fans who feel that way.
Recalling his career, he said he had been told he’d win for Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, Pudhupettai, 3, Mayakkam Enna, Maryan, Raanjhanaa, Vada Chennai and Karnan, but didn’t, and this time it finally happened. Instead of defending the win, he urged people to celebrate that a Tamilian had won two National Awards, saying the effort behind all his films had always been genuine.
Speaking about “finding purpose” and serving people, he sounded more reflective than usual. "You need to give that unity a purpose. Not just through audio launches and meet-ups. Join hands to do welfare work. Do whatever you can for the people in your area and the families living around you. I want to feel more proud of all of you. I hope you all do it, he said in a fiery speech.
Off-screen, Dhanush’s bond with the current actor and TVK party chief founder C Joseph Vijay has always drawn attention. Their friendship is back in focus now that Vijay has stepped into politics and become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. This is why Dhanush’s speech and the timing, right before his 43rd birthday and Vijay’s political rise, have fuelled speculation - is Dhanush entering politics too?
