PERSONAL INFORMATION
Birth name: R K Vengadesha Prabu [1] Deccan Herald
Real name: Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja [2] Wikipedia
Other name: Dhanush K Raja [3] Instagram
Profession(s): Actor, Producer, Director, Writer, Lyricist, Screenwriter, and Playback Singer
Date of Birth: 28 July 1982 (Wednesday)
Age (as of 2025): 43 Years
Birthplace: Government Children’s Hospital in Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu [4] The Hindu
Zodiac sign: Leo
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Religion: Hinduism [6] India Today
Caste: Naicker (Backward class community) [7] India Today
Food Habit: Vegetarian [8] The Times of India
Marriage Date: 8 November 2004
Marriage Place: Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam, Chennai
Age: 43 Years
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EDUCATION
School: Thai Sathya Matriculation High School, Chennai
College/University: Madurai Kamaraj University
Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Computer Application (distance education) [5] S & S Family First
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″ (175 cm)
Weight (approx.): 70 Kg (154 lbs)
Body Measurements (approx.): – Chest: 38 inches – Waist: 30 inches – Biceps: 11 inches
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Divorced
Affairs/Girlfriends: • Aishwarya R. Dhanush • Shruti Haasan (Actor; rumoured in 2011) [14] Odisha TV • Trisha Krishnan (Actor; rumoured) [15] Odisha TV
Wife/Spouse: Aishwarya R. Dhanush (Director and Classical Dancer) (m. 2004; div. 27 November 2024)
Children: Son(s) – Yatra (born; 2006) and Linga (born; 2010)
Parents: Father – Kasthuri Raja (Filmmaker) Mother – Vijaylakshmi
Siblings: Brother – Selvaraghavan (Elder, Director) Sisters – K. Vimala Geetha, Karthika Devi (Doctor)
Song: “Thendral Vanthu Theendum Pothu” from the film ‘Avatharam’ (2014)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut: Film (Tamil; As an actor): Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002) as Mahesh Film (Hindi; As an actor): Raanjhanaa (2013) as Kundan Shankarin Film (English; As an actor): The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir (2015) as Lavash Patel Film (Tamil; As a producer): 3 (2012) Film (Tamil; As a lyricist): Kadhal En Kadhal from ‘Mayakkam Enna’ (2011)
Awards, Honours, Achievements: National Film Awards 2010: Best Actor for Aadukalam 2014: Best Children’s Film (co-producer) for Kaaka Muttai 2015: Best Feature Film in Tamil (co-producer) for Visaranai 2019: Best Actor for Asuran Filmfare Awards (Bollywood) 2013: Best Debutant Actor for Raanjhanaa Filmfare Awards South 2011: Best Actor for Aadukalam 2012: Best Male Playback Singer for Why This Kolaveri Di from the film 3 2012: Best Actor for 3 2013: Critics Best Actor award for Maryan 2014: Best Actor for Velaiyilla Pattathari 2015: Best Film for Kaaka Muttai (co-producer) 2018: Best Actor for Vada Chennai Vijay Awards 2008: Best Entertainer of the Year for Yaaradi Nee Mohini 2011: Best Crew (actor) for Aadukalam 2012: Best Lyricist for “Po Nee Po” from 3 2013: Best Crew (producer) for Ethir Neechal 2014: Best Actor for Velaiyilla Pattathari South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2011: Best Actor for Aadukalam 2011: Best Male Playback Singer for “Voda Voda” from Mayakkam Enna IIFA Utsavam 2015: Best Lyricist – Tamil for “Don-u Don-u Don-u” from Maari 2018: Best Actor for Vada Chennai 2018: Best Film for Vada Chennai (co-producer) Edison Awards (India) 2013: Best Actor for Maryan 2018: Best Actor for Vada Chennai 2019: Best Actor for Asuran Note: He has many more accolades to his name.
MONEY FACTOR
Car Collection: • Audi A8 • Ford Mustang GT • Bentley Continental Flying Spur (worth Rs. 3.40 Crore) • Rolls Royce Ghost Series 2 (worth Rs. 7.95 Crore) • Jaguar XE
Assets/Properties: A mansion in Chennai worth Rs. 25 crore
Net Worth: Rs. 230 Crore (as of 2024)
OTHER INFORMATION
Other Relative: Father-in-law- Rajinikanth (Actor)
Food: Idiyappam, Kadala Curry
Actor(s): Mohanlal , Amitabh Bachchan , Al Pacino, Tom Hanks
Actress(es): Simran, Kajol , Kareena Kapoor , Monica Bellucci
Film(s): Netri Kann (1981), Baashha (1995), Pudhupettai (2006), and Drushyam (2014)
Musician: Ilaiyaraaja
Book: Love Story by Erich Segal
Colour: Black
Sport(s): Tennis, Snooker, Football
Football Club: FC Barcelona
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Dhanush, a multifaceted talent from India, has made a significant mark in the film industry as an actor, producer, director, writer, lyricist, screenwriter, and playback singer. Born into a middle-class Hindu family, Dhanush’s early aspirations were not centered around the silver screen; instead, he dreamed of becoming a chef or a marine engineer during his school years. However, his academic journey faced setbacks when he failed his 12th class final exams. Undeterred, he completed his graduation through distance learning, a testament to his resilience and determination. In candid interviews, he has reflected on his humble beginnings, emphasizing how growing up in a less affluent environment shaped his character and work ethic.
Dhanush’s entry into the film world began with a familial connection, as he debuted in his father’s directorial venture, “Thulluvadho Ilamai,” in 2002. His breakout role came in 2003 with the Tamil film “Kadhal Kondein,” directed by his brother Selvaraghavan. However, the early years of his career were marked by challenges, as several of his films, including “Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan,” “Sullan,” and “Dreams,” failed to resonate with audiences. Despite these setbacks, he persevered and found success with films like “Devathaiyai Kanden” (2005), “Yaaradi Nee Mohini” (2008), and “Padikkadavan” (2009), which revitalized his career and showcased his acting prowess.
A turning point came with his performance in “Aadukalam” (2011), where he portrayed a rooster fight jockey, earning him his first National Award. The following year, he catapulted to further fame with the viral sensation “Why This Kolaveri Di,” a track from the film “3,” which reached audiences worldwide through its engaging lyrics and catchy tune. Dhanush, not just a talented actor but a passionate producer as well, co-founded “Wunderbar Films” with his wife Aishwarya in 2010. Their first production, the film “3,” released in 2012, was a resounding success, leading to several notable projects, including “Ethir Neechal” (2013) and “Kaala” (2018).
In addition to his cinematic endeavors, Dhanush has carved out a niche for himself as a celebrated singer and lyricist. His musical contributions include popular tracks like “Danga Maari” from “Anegan” (2015) and “Polladha Bhoomi” from “Asuran” (2019). His foray into Bollywood began with the critically acclaimed “Raanjhanaa” (2013), and he continued to impress audiences with “Shamitabh” (2015), acting alongside the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Balancing his diverse talents, Dhanush has also made time for philanthropic efforts, such as his involvement with WWF’s Earth Hour initiative in 2012 and a heartfelt birthday celebration with a young fan battling cancer.
Dhanush’s devotion to his craft and his spiritual beliefs are evident in both his professional and personal life; he has named his sons Yatra and Linga, the former symbolizing pilgrimage and the latter honoring Lord Shiva. Recognized as one of India’s most influential figures, he has been featured on the covers of prestigious magazines and has appeared in numerous advertisements, showcasing his wide-ranging appeal. Notably, he has made the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list six times, underscoring his impact on Indian cinema and beyond. Dhanush’s journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep-seated commitment to his roots, continues to inspire many in the industry and his fans worldwide.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.