Actor Dhanush returned to the school where his academic journey began with a gesture that has earned widespread appreciation. The actor has funded the construction of a new three-storey academic block at Thaai Sathya Matriculation School in Chennai's Saligramam, replacing an older structure on the campus.
The newly built facility, named the Dhanush Block, was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of the actor, his former classmates, teachers and family members. Dhanush studied at the institution from LKG until Class 10 before completing his higher secondary education elsewhere.
One of the most talked-about moments from the event came when Dhanush greeted his former teachers by touching their feet and seeking their blessings. The actor also spent time interacting with them and posed for photographs, making the reunion an emotional one.
Among those who attended the inauguration was cinematographer Kumaran, Dhanush's long-time friend and schoolmate, along with Kumaran's wife Lakshmi Krupa, who also studied with the actor. Dhanush's sisters, Karthika Devi and Vimalageetha, were also present.
Recalling their school days, Kumaran said he and Dhanush studied together until Class 10 before moving to another school for senior secondary. While Dhanush went on to become an actor, Kumaran pursued engineering before eventually finding his way into cinema as a cinematographer. The two later collaborated on films including Velaiilla Pattadhari and Thangamagan.
Speaking about the actor's contribution, Kumaran said Dhanush had enquired about the condition of the school's infrastructure before deciding to finance the new building. He added that the actor has also expressed interest in renovating other ageing structures on the campus and constructing additional buildings in the available space. "Dhanush's gesture has truly touched our hearts," Kumaran said, adding that the contribution would benefit future generations of students.
On the work front, Dhanush, who is working on Om: Chapter 1, has D56 with Tamilarasan Pachamuthu immediately after. He is also set to reunite with Mari Selvaraj after Karnan for a film which will feature music by AR Rahman. It was also recently announced that Dhanush and Vetri Maaran will join hands once again for Thamizh Murugan. Noted author Arivumathi will serve as the film's writer.
Some reports suggested him joining hands with PS Mithran for a film backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and another with Siva, which are yet to be confirmed. Also in his pipeline are his Ilaiyaraaja and APJ Abdul Kalam biopics—the production development details of which are scanty.