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28 March 2024

From Kolaveri Di to Raanjhanaa: Is Dhanush Bollywood's new star?

Sonam Kapoor (R) and Dhanush (C) with producer Krishika Lulla (R) attend a promotional event ahead of the Hindi film "Raanjhanaa" In Mumbai. (AFP)

Published
By Sneha May Francis

There’s something genuinely charming about lanky Tamil actor Dhanush. His  unassuming outlook might make him an unlikely Bollywood candidate, he has still managed to strike gold.

After his sensational rendition of ‘Kolaveri Di’, Dhanush is back to create magic with his portrayal of a rustic small-towner in ‘Raanjhanaa’.

Tracing back Dhanush’s acting career, it’s interesting how he never wanted to be part of the movies.

He wanted to be a cook instead. “My mom is an incredibly amazing cook! She is not a professional, she cooks at home, and watching her in the kitchen, all I wanted was to be a cook,” he told the Times Of India.

It was his film-family who forced him into the movies, with him debuting in his dad and renowned filmmaker Kasthuri Raja in 2002. His act in ‘Thulluvadho Ilamai’ was appreciated, but it was his second film and his brother Selvaraghavan’s directorial debute ‘Kadhal Kondein’ that catapulted him to the top.

He suffered a few ups and downs, but his acting was always well appreciated.

He went on to marry into one of the most high profile film families in the Tamil movie industry, and is son-in-law to the iconic star Rajnikanth.

Dhanush, however, has never piggybacked on those illustrious associations, and has gone about carving a niche in the movie industry.

Since then he has acted in 23 Tamil movies, and has been branded a hugely bankable star.

He even won the prestigious National award for the best actor in 2011 for ‘Aadukalam’.

The 29-year-old was born Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, but took Dhanush as his stage name.

Although he was hugely popular in south India, it was his rendition of ‘Kolaveri Di’ for his movie ‘3’ that found him recognition globally.

The music track went viral on the social media, even before the movie was released.

It wasn’t his first-time as playback singer, but it was (and is) his most popular song till date.

He became a rage overnight. But, the actor isn’t too happy with the attention.

Speaking to DNA, he said, “It is just annoying after a point. I don't want to sing that song anymore. It has started haunting me and I just want to stay away from it. Everywhere I go people associate me with it, I want to get away from it.”

The euphoria eventually did die down with other sensational music tracks like ‘Gangnam Style’ and ‘Harlem Shake’ taking centrestage.

But, Dhanush is back to own his place in the spotlight.

His Bollywood debut ‘Raanjhanaa’ is garnering rave reviews for his stellar performance.

“Raanjhanaa is a good Bollywood launchpad for Dhanush,” headlined Indian Express.

“Raanjhanaa shines with Dhanush and Rahman's score,” wrote Rediff.

“‘Raanjhanaa’ review: Dhanush steals the show!” added Zeenews.

The movie, in turn, has benefitted with trade analyst Taran Adarsh reporting that the movie earned INR 5.15 crore on day one.

He tweeted, "#Raanjhanaa Fri *actuals* 5.15 cr."

With not many South Indian stars having made an impressive transition to Bollywood, it’s truly remarkable that Dhanush has cut boundaries and made a mark with his trademark appeal.

So, will he be able to sustain in Bollywood? Well, only time will tell.