Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthoori Raja (born 28 July 1982) better known by his stage name Dhanush, is an Indian film actor, producer, director, writer, lyricist, screenwriter and playback singer who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. Starring in 44 films over his career, he has won nine Vijay Awards, seven Filmfare Awards South, five Vikatan Awards, five Edison Awards and three National Film Awards.
Dhanush's first film was Thulluvadho Ilamai, a 2002 coming-of-age film directed by his father, Kasthuri Raja. He collaborated with debutant director Vetrimaaran in Polladhavan (2007) which was critically acclaimed and commercially successful. He collaborated with Vetrimaaran for the second time in Aadukalam (2010), where his role as a rooster fight jockey in the film won him Best Actor at the 58th National Film Awards and Best Tamil Actor Award at the 60th Filmfare Awards South.
Dhanush made his Bollywood debut with Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa (2013). His performance as an obsessive one-sided lover in the film won him the Best Male Debut Award and earned a Best Actor nomination at the 59th Filmfare Awards. Dhanush produces films through his production company, Wunderbar Films. He made his directorial debut with Pa Paandi (2017).