Actor Dhanush has come forward to help his Thulluvadho Ilamai co-star Abhinay, who has been battling severe liver-related health issues. The actor has reportedly offered financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to support Abhinay’s treatment.

At 44, Abhinay is struggling both physically and financially. Unemployed and without anyone to care for him, he has been finding it hard to pay for treatment and meet even basic living costs. In an interview last year, he revealed that he often survives on meals from a government mess and, with a heavy heart, admitted that his days might be numbered.

Abhinay made his acting debut alongside Dhanush and Sherin in Kasthuri Raja's coming-of-age drama Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002). His performance in the film earned him recognition, leading to lead roles in Jjunction (2002), Singara Chennai (2004) and Pon Megalai (2005). He later took on supporting roles and also worked in Malayalam cinema.

Apart from acting, Abhinay was a prolific dubbing artist, lending his voice to Vidyut Jamwal in Vijay’s Thuppakki (2012) and Anjaan (2014), Milind Soman in Paiyaa (2010), and Babu Antony in Kaaka Muttai (2015). However, his career came to a halt as his health declined in recent years. Previously, comedian-turned-actor Bala visited Abhinay to support him financially.

On the work front, Dhanush has a packed lineup with films including Idly Kadai, Tere Ishk Mein, D54 with Vignesh Raja, D55 with Rajkumar Periyasamy, D56 with Mari Selvaraj, Kalam: The Missile Man of India, Vada Chennai 2, and an untitled project with H Vinoth. His fourth directorial, Idly Kadai, is set for release on October 1.