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Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja (born on 28 July 1983), known by his stage name Dhanush, is an Indian film actor, producer, and singer known for his work in Tamil cinema. In 2011, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor for the movie Aadukalam. The same year, he received international attention with his popular song "Why this Kolaveri Di".
He first received attention in Thulluvadho Illamai, a 2003 coming-of-age movie directed by his father, Kasthuri Raja. Over the next 8 years, Dhanush was featured in another 24 movies, becoming “one of the most bankable stars in Tamil cinema.
Born to Indian film director Kasthuri Raja, he completed higher education at St. John's Matriculation Higher Secondary School Alwarthirunagar and entered acting, after being pressured by his brother, director Selvaraghavan. Dhanush married Aishwarya, actor Rajinikanth's daughter, on 18 November 2004. They have two sons, born in 2006 and 2010.
Dhanush was nominated to become the brand ambassador of PETA with the title of India's Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity of 2011. He worked with WWF India to support Earth Hour 2012.