Tamil star Dhanush, who recently attended Dubai Watch Week, stunned everyone with his unexpected reply when asked which watch sparked his love for the timepiece world. Instead of naming a luxury brand, the superstar revealed that the watch closest to his heart costs less than a dollar — a humble beginning to his lifelong passion for watches.

When asked about the first watch that he fell in love with, Dhanush surprised everyone with a humble memory. He recalled a simple, no-brand digital watch his mother gifted him during school — a plastic piece worth less than a dollar. “The first watch I fell in love with was a watch my mom got me when I was in school. It’s less than a dollar, no name on it, it’s plastic, it’s digital and will show just the time. There is a light, and when it runs out of battery, you have a tiny battery behind it."

Dhanush recalled that the watch was a simple, colourful digital one his mother bought during his school days. “We came from a humble background — once the battery died, the watch was done,” he shared. “I come from a very humble background, so once the batteries are out, your watch is done. It came in a lot of colours. Me and my sisters have to choose between violet, yellow, green… it was very shiny and flashy. Even when the battery was down, I would still wear the watch and go to school. It stopped showing time, but I’d still wear it. I really was in love with that watch."

Revealing that he still keeps the watch safely at home, the actor said, “I still have it — it doesn’t work anymore, but it’s kept carefully in a case back home.”

Dhanush’s upcoming release is “Tere Ishq Mein”, with Kriti Sanon playing the lead role. Directed by Aanand L Rai, the film will hit theatres on November 28. He also has another project in the works, tentatively titled “DS 54”, for which the release date has not yet been announced. “Idly Kadai” was the last film he directed.

The 7th edition of Dubai Watch Week 2025 was launched at Burj Park in Dubai Mall and has attracted over 90 brands marking a 46% increase in participation.