Dhanush

Dhanush

Dhanush at South Indian International Movie Awards 2013
Born Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja[1]
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Residence Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality Indian
Occupation actor, singer, lyricist and producer
Years active 2002–present
Spouse(s) Aishwarya R. Dhanush
(2004–present)
Children 2
Parent(s) Kasthuri Raja (father)
Vijayalakshmi (mother)
Relatives Selvaraghavan (Brother)
Awards National Film Award for Best Actor (2011)
National Film Award for Best Children's Film (Wunderbar Films) (2015)[2]

Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, known by his stage name Dhanush, is an Indian film actor, producer, lyricist, and playback singer best known for his work in Tamil cinema. As of 2016, he has won three National Film Awards and six Filmfare Awards.

Dhanush's first film was Thulluvadho Ilamai, a 2002 coming-of-age film directed by his father, Kasthuri Raja. Over the next ten years, Dhanush has been featured in over 25 films. In 2011, Dhanush received international attention with his popular song "Why this Kolaveri Di", which became the first Indian video song to cross 100 million views on YouTube.[3] He produces films under his production company, Wunderbar Films.

Personal life

Born to Tamil film director and producer Kasthuri Raja, Dhanush entered acting after being pressured by his brother, director Selvaraghavan.[4] Dhanush married Aishwarya, Rajinikanth's daughter, on 18 November 2004. They have two sons who were born in 2006 and 2010.[5][6] He studied at the Thai Sathiya Matriculation High School.[7]

Acting career

2002–10

Dhanushan debuted in the film Thulluvadho Ilamai, directed by Kasthuri Raja, which received mostly positive reviews from critics and the public. He then appeared in his brother Selvaraghavan's first directorial venture, Kadhal Kondein. The film portrayed Dhanush as a mentally-disturbed youth, Vinodh, who yearned for the love of his friend, eventually turning possessive over her. Upon release, the film won critical acclaim and also became a major commercial success.[8] His next film, released later in 2003, was Thiruda Thirudi.[9]

Dhanush appeared in Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan and Ramana's Sullan.[10] Later, he also appeared in Dreams, another film panned by critics.[11] The film was directed by his father, like their previous ventures. In 2005, Dhanush appeared in Devathaiyai Kanden. Later it was dubbed into Telugurert,[12] and in very same year he also worked on Balu Mahendra's Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam.

Pudhupettai re-united Dhanush with his brother.[13] Dhanush's portrayal was praised by critics.[14] The Telugu dubbed version was titled Dhoolpet.[12] Dhanush went on to star in the commercial entertainer Thiruvilayadal Arambam romancing Shriya Saran.[15][16]

Dhanush's first release of 2007, Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram did not go well.[17] The film, which was a remake of the successful Kannada language film, Jogi'. However, his second film Polladhavan was released during Diwali 2007 . Polladhavan was based on 1948–Italian neorealist film The Bicycle Thieves and Dhanush's performance was appreciated.[18]

The remake of a Telugu film directed by his brother formed the plot line for Dhanush's next movie directed by debutant Mithran Jawahar. The movie titled Yaaradi Nee Mohini.[19] He later appeared in a cameo appearance, for his father-in-law Rajinikanth's venture, Kuselan. His subsequent venture was Suraj's Padikathavan which was released in January 2009.[20] His performance was praised and well received.[21] His next two films Kutty and Uthama Puthiran, were both collaborations with director Mithran Jawahar.[22]

Dhanush with Amitabh Bachchan at the BIG Star Entertainment Awards (2012)

2011–present

Dhanush's first release in 2011, which he had shot for over three years, was Aadukalam, marking his second collaboration with Vetrimaran. Dhanush played the role of a local cockfighter and described the venture as his "Dream Project" during production.[23] The film gained highly positive reviews and won six awards at the 58th National Film Awards, with Dhanush receiving the National Film Award for Best Actor,[24] becoming the youngest actor to win the award.[25] Dhanush appeared in an extended guest appearance in Subramania Siva's Seedan. His next two ventures were action-masala films: Mappillai, a remake of his father-in-law's same-titled 1989 film and Venghai, by Hari, which received mixed reviews but was a commercial success.[22]

Dhanush's next film, Mayakkam Enna, in which he again collaborated with his brother, casting him with Richa Gangopadhyay, received largely positive reviews. His only 2012 release was 3 directed by his wife, Aishwarya Rajinikanth with Shruti Haasan. The movie was a moderate success, owing to the popularity of the song Why this Kolaveri Di.[26][27] In 2013 he appeared in Maryan opposite Parvathi Menon, which was applauded by critics but became an above-average grosser at the box office.[28] His next release was Naiyaandi, directed by A. Sarkunam, which did not make any notable impact in the box office.[29]

Dhanush's first film of 2014 was Velaiyilla Pattathari, which was also his 25 film and was directed by Velraj. It received mostly positive reviews and was a success.[30] His next release was Shamitabh, released in year 2015 which was also his second Hindi film directed by R. Balki opened to very high positive reviews and was praised for the concept but failed at box-office.[31] His next film Anegan was a psychological thriller directed by KV Anand which generated positive reviews and became a box office success.[32]

Dhanush's next release in 2015 was the action comedy Maari, featuring Kajal Aggarwal, Robo Shankar, and Vijay Yesudas. Directed by Balaji Mohan and composed by Anirudh, it was released worldwide on 17 July 2015. He also appeared in Thanga Magan directed by Velraj with Samantha, Amy Jackson, KS Ravikumar, and Raadhika Sarathkumar.[33] Dhanush has also signed on to appear in his first international film, titled The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir Who Got Trapped In An Ikea Cupboard, to be directed by Marjane Satrapi.[34]

Music

Dhanush occasionally records music, generally for his own films. He was introduced as a playback singer in Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan by its composer Yuvan Shankar Raja and collaborated again with him in his brother Selvaraghavan's directorial, Pudhupettai. He sung further numbers in Selvaraghavan's films Aayirathil Oruvan and Mayakkam Enna; the former featured him alongside his wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth.[35]

"Why this Kolaveri Di" was released on YouTube in 2011 as part of the soundtrack to the film 3, the directorial debut of Aishwarya Dhanush.[36] The song became the most searched video in India and an internet phenomenon across Asia.[37][38][39] Anirudh Ravichander was the soundtrack composer for the film and Dhanush wrote much of the lyrics.[40][41][42]

Other work

Dhanush was the brand ambassador of PETA and named India's hottest vegetarian celebrity of 2011.[43] He worked with WWF India to support Earth Hour 2012.[44] In August 2013, Dhanush was signed by Perfetti India Ltd. as their brand ambassador for Center Fresh[45] chewing gum.

Filmography and awards

Dhanush has won or received nominations at the Filmfare Awards and Vijay Awards ceremony.

References

  1. ↑ Trivedi, Tanvi (29 April 2015). "Spotlight on South Indian actors now". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  2. ↑ 62nd National Film Awards: List of Winners – NDTV Movies. Movies.ndtv.com (24 March 2015). Retrieved on 2015-10-13.
  3. ↑ "Record-breaker: Kolaveri Di becomes 1st Indian video to cross 100 million views on YouTube;". Dna India.
  4. ↑ "K. Selvaraghavan". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 31 May 2007. their father Kasturi Raja
  5. ↑ Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Rajnikanth turns grandfather. The Hindu (13 October 2006). Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  6. ↑ Dhanush's son named Linga – Tamil Movie News. Indiaglitz.com (2 July 2010). Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  7. ↑ Dhanush 1st to 10th Std In Thai Sathya School. Koffee With DD - Dhanush - 10/20/13 . Retrieved 08 November 2015.
  8. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (11 July 2003). "Review: Kadhal Kondain". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  9. ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (12 September 2003). "Review: Thiruda Thirudi". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  10. ↑ "Dhanush". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
  11. ↑ "Review: Dreams". Indiaglitz. 18 November 2004. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  12. 1 2 "Cashing in on papa-in-law's name". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 December 2007.
  13. ↑ Reddy, T.; Krishna, Arvind; Ragu, R (14 February 2006). "We are creative gamblers". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  14. ↑ "Review: Pudhupettai". Indiaglitz. 26 May 2006. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  15. ↑ "Thiruvilayadal Arambam – Breezy masala". Indiaglitz.com. 18 December 2006. Retrieved 20 December 2007.
  16. ↑ Davis, Franko. "Review: Thiruvilayaadal Arambham". Nowrunning. Retrieved 1 January 2007.
  17. ↑ "Review: Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram". Sify. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  18. ↑ "Review: Polladhavan". Sify. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  19. ↑ Kumar, S. Ashok (9 June 2007). "Dhanush pairs up with Nayanthara". The Hindu (Chennai, India). Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  20. ↑ "Dhanush in ‘Padikkathaavan’". Indiaglitz. 20 March 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2008.
  21. ↑ "Padikkathavan". Sify. 14 January 2009. Retrieved 14 January 2009.
  22. 1 2 "Movie Review : Uthamaputhiran". Sify.com. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  23. ↑ "Yatra is my lucky mascot: Dhanush ". The Times Of India. 28 July 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  24. ↑ Bollywood beaten back at National Film Awards – Movies News News – IBNLive. CNN-IBN.in.com. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  25. ↑ Dhanush makes us proud – Tamil Movie News. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  26. ↑ Ramadurai, Charukesi (24 November 2011). "BBC News – Tamil 'nonsense' film song goes viral in India". BBC. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  27. ↑ "'Kolaveri Di': Nonsensical, Semi-English Music Video Goes Viral in India". Time. 30 November 2011.
  28. ↑ "Dhanush – Chimbudevan's 'Mareesan'". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  29. ↑ "Dhanush’s Anniyan moment?". Bangalore Mirror. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  30. ↑ "'Velai Illa Pattathari' Box Office: Dhanush Starrer Earns ₹50 Crore Worldwide". IBTimes. 14 August 2014.
  31. ↑ "Amitabh Bachchan: 'Shamitabh' hasn't done well at the box office because the audience did not like it, period!". 27 March 2015.
  32. ↑ "Anegan team celebrates". 31 March 2015.
  33. ↑ "Dhanush Thangamagan Movie Firstlook Poster HD". TNPlive (Banglore). 11 October 2015.
  34. ↑ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/Dhanush-to-star-with-Uma-Thurman/articleshow/50706170.cms
  35. ↑ Bagchi, Shrabonti; Anshul Dhamija (25 November 2011). "Dhanush's 'Kolaveri di' song is the new youth anthem". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  36. ↑ "Kolaveri is the most searched video". The Times of India. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  37. ↑ "Danush's '3 – Why this kolaveri di' a smashing hit — Video". KollyInsider. 19 November 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  38. ↑ Ramadurai, Charukesi (24 November 2011). "Tamil 'nonsense' film song goes viral in India". BBC. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  39. ↑ "Here's how the Kolaveri Di song happened!". Rediff.com. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  40. ↑ "Dhanush's 'Kolaveri di' song is the new youth anthem". The Times of India. 25 November 2011.
  41. ↑ "'Kolaveri Di' song crosses 4 million mark, Big B hooked on to it". The Times of India. 25 November 2011. Archived from the original on 28 November 2011.
  42. ↑ "Kolaveri di next big thing in popular culture".
  43. ↑ Prakash. "Actor Dhanush | PETA Race". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  44. ↑ Cities / Chennai : Light in darkness: city marks Earth Hour. The Hindu (1 April 2012). Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  45. ↑ Vensoft, Laxman (6 August 2014). "Dhanush-Adah Sharma In Center Fresh Ad". cinesprint.com. Laxman Vensoft. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014.

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