#HappyBirthdayDhanush: 9 reasons the versatile actor is Mr. Cool-a-veri!

Larger-than-life roles and on-screen heroics are not quite Dhanush’s style. But this unlikely actor, who turns 32 today, wins over the masses with his boy-next-door looks and choice of films in which he plays down-to-earth protagonist.

His latest, Maari, in which he plays a sexy gangsta in gaudy shirts, shades and lots of jewellery has been a hit with his fans.

1. Dhanush has had a big line-up of films this year. There was his second Bollywood outing, Shamitabh, Anegan, by K.V Anand and now Maari, to be followed by Dhanush 30. There’s talk also that he’ll be teaming up with Mani Ratnam in the ace director’s next.

2. Dhanush has been more than willing to take the risk of playing characters with dark or negative shades. He revealed his skills in this department quite early in his career, playing an obsessive lover in Kadhal Kondein and, more recently, a man afflicted by bipolar disorder in 3.

3. He’s also a superlative comic talent. Dhanush’s comedies like Thiruvilayadal Aarambam, Padikkathavan and Mappillai have been runaway hits.

4. Dhanush is a top-class actor. His acting talent and his ability to underplay even intense roles were on display in the award-winning Aadukalam, which also won him a National Award for Best Actor. In Maryan, the story of a young man from a fishing village in Tamil Nadu abducted by Somali pirates, he impressed critics with his performance, also going to extreme lengths to look the part.

5. In recent times, Dhanush is the only South Indian actor to make the successful leap to Hindi films. He starred in the 2013 film Raanjhana, opposite Sonam Kapoor and the film was declared a hit. Up next, he jumps into the big league, co-starring with Amitabh Bachchan in Shamitabh. The fact that Kamal Haasan’s daughter, Akshara, is making her debut in the film adds to its cachet.

6. While more than a few Kollywood actors have dabbled in singing, only Dhanush can claim credit for a chart-buster. Yes, we’re talking about the Kolaveri Di song that went viral and became a rage.

7. The singer is also a lyricist. In fact, it’s Dhanush who wrote the catchy lyrics for ‘Why this kolaveri…’ in 3. He also wrote the lyrics for all the songs in Velayilla Pattadhari, his last film, which saw his fan base grow.

8. Dhanush has a unique, effortless sense of style. When he wore dhotis to film functions it became a fashion statement. It’s the same when he sports stubble, glasses or changes his hairstyle. All this without ever taking the six-pack route.

9. Dhanush has been careful not to bask in the glory of his Superstar father-in-law Rajnikanth and is known for his diplomatic responses when comparisons are made. But there’s no denying that being married into the first family of Kollywood gives him an edge and puts him in an enviable position.

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