Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, known professionally as Dhanush, is an Indian actor, producer, director, screenwriter, lyricist and singer who works mainly in Tamil cinema. One of the most recognizable stars of contemporary South Indian cinema, he is the recipient of numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards for Best Actor. One of the highest paid actors in Indian cinema, he has been included in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list six times.