‘People used to ridicule me saying that I am lean...’: Dhanush on overcoming challenges in career

Actor Dhanush has opened up about the challenges and triumphs of his career, revealing that he faced significant ridicule due to his physical appearance. He stated that had he claimed back then that he would one day win a National Award, everyone would have laughed in mockery. The actor noted that an unwavering belief in his own talent was the strength that helped him overcome all hurdles. He was speaking at an event held ahead of the release of his new film, Kara.

Dhanush shared that the film Polladhavan was the major turning point in his career. Before that movie, people used to dismissively call him "the lean boy." He revealed that when he showcased his six-pack physique in a pivotal scene in that film, the audience cheered and whistled in theaters for the first time. Dhanush recalled that it was after this movie that the perspective of those who ridiculed his physique began to change.

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Addressing his young fans, Dhanush urged them to believe in themselves despite the challenges they may face. "The Bhagavad Gita says, 'You are what you think.' We should have no doubts about our success; we must manifest it ourselves. If I had said in 2002-2003 that I would win a National Award, everyone would have laughed. But I strongly hoped that one day I would win it, and that time did eventually come," he said.

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Dhanush won his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2010 film Aadukalam. Later, in 2019, he secured the Best Actor award again for Asuran. Additionally, the films he produced, Kaaka Muttai and Visaranai, have also received National Awards.

Kara is directed by Vignesh Raja, following his success with Por Thozhil. The film features Mamitha Baiju, Suraj Venjaramoodu, K.S. Ravikumar, and Sreeja Ravi in other prominent roles. Dhanush plays the role of a bank robber in this movie, which is set to hit theaters on the 30th of this month.