A versatile talent Indian actor Dhanush not only has acted in Tamil-language, Hindi-language, and Hollywood movies but also has worked as a playback singer, director, and screenwriter. (more) Dhanush Indian actor, singer, film producer, director, and lyricist Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dhanush Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja Written by Shatarupa Chaudhuri Shatarupa Chaudhuri is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica, bringing over 15 years of editorial experience in news media and publishing. Shatarupa Chaudhuri Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Jan 17, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Quick Facts Byname of: Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja (Show more) Born: July 28, 1983, Madras [now Chennai], Tamil Nadu, India (Show more) { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What is Dhanushu2019s real name, and how did he choose his screen name? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Dhanushu2019s real name is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja. His screen name was inspired by u201COperation Dhanush,u201D a covert police mission in the Tamil movie Kuruthipunal (1995; u201CRiver of Bloodu201D)." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What was Dhanushu2019s first film as an actor? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Dhanush began his acting career with the lead role in the teen drama Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002; u201CExuberance of Youthu201D)." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What are some of Dhanushu2019s notable films in Tamil cinema? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Notable films include Kaadhal Kondein (2003; u201CI Fell in Loveu201D), Pudhupettai (2006; u201CNew Hoodu201D), Polladhavan (2007; u201CWicked Manu201D), Aadukalam (2011; u201CPlaygroundu201D), and Asuran (2019; u201CDemonu201D)." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What was Dhanushu2019s Bollywood debut film? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Dhanushu2019s Bollywood debut was in Raanjhanaa (2013). His performance was well received, and he won the Filmfare Award for best debut actor." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " Which Hollywood movies has Dhanush acted in? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Dhanushu2019s Hollywood debut was in The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir (2018). He has also played a role in the espionage thriller The Gray Man (2022)." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What controversy was Dhanush involved in with actress Nayanthara? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "In 2024 Dhanush was involved in a legal battle with Nayanthara and her husband, Vignesh Shivan, over copyright infringement related to the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015; u201CIu2019m a Rowdy Toou201D)." } } ] } Top Questions What is Dhanush’s real name, and how did he choose his screen name? Dhanush’s real name is Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja. His screen name was inspired by “Operation Dhanush,” a covert police mission in the Tamil movie Kuruthipunal (1995; “River of Blood”).

　　What was Dhanush’s first film as an actor? Dhanush began his acting career with the lead role in the teen drama Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002; “Exuberance of Youth”).

　　What are some of Dhanush’s notable films in Tamil cinema? Notable films include Kaadhal Kondein (2003; “I Fell in Love”), Pudhupettai (2006; “New Hood”), Polladhavan (2007; “Wicked Man”), Aadukalam (2011; “Playground”), and Asuran (2019; “Demon”).

　　What was Dhanush’s Bollywood debut film? Dhanush’s Bollywood debut was in Raanjhanaa (2013). His performance was well received, and he won the Filmfare Award for best debut actor.

　　Which Hollywood movies has Dhanush acted in? Dhanush’s Hollywood debut was in The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir (2018). He has also played a role in the espionage thriller The Gray Man (2022).

　　What controversy was Dhanush involved in with actress Nayanthara? In 2024 Dhanush was involved in a legal battle with Nayanthara and her husband, Vignesh Shivan, over copyright infringement related to the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015; “I’m a Rowdy Too”).

　　Dhanush (born July 28, 1983, Madras [now Chennai], Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian actor, singer, film producer, director, lyricist, and playback singer. He is known for his versatile performances in Tamil cinema (often called Kollywood, a portmanteau of Kodambakkam, a neighborhood in Chennai where the Tamil film industry is based, and Hollywood) and Hindi movies (Bollywood), gaining both popularity and critical acclaim for his intense acting and captivating screen presence. Having won two National Film Awards before he turned 40 and performed in more than 50 films and dozens of songs, Dhanush is a powerhouse of Indian cinema. Dhanush ...(100 of 1944 words)

　　Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!