Superstar Rajinikanth turned 74 on December 12, and heartfelt wishes have been pouring in from all corners of the film industry. Among the warmest greetings came from his former son-in-law, actor Dhanush, whose affectionate birthday message instantly drew attention. Despite the changes in their family dynamics, Dhanush’s admiration for the legendary star remains unwavering.
Dhanush, who married Rajinikanth’s eldest daughter Aishwaryaa in 2004, separated from her in 2022. Their divorce was finalised last year, marking the end of an 18-year journey. Yet, the bond between Dhanush and Rajinikanth continues to reflect respect and affection. On Friday, the actor took to X (formerly Twitter) to write, “Happy birthday thalaiva,” accompanied by a series of emojis, delighting fans who have long admired their warm relationship.
This isn’t the first time Dhanush has showcased his fondness for the superstar. Earlier this year, he attended the First Day First Show premiere of Coolie, Rajinikanth’s mass entertainer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The electrifying event, held at Chennai’s iconic Rohini Theatre, saw Dhanush arriving early morning with his son Yatra. In a video that surfaced online, the actor—dressed in an all-black ensemble—was seen greeting paparazzi before entering the theatre, further highlighting the mutual respect shared between him and Rajinikanth.
Back in 2022, Dhanush and Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth announced their separation through a joint statement. They reflected on their journey of nearly two decades, writing, “18 years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well-wishers to each other. Today, we stand at a place where our paths separate… Please respect our decision and give us privacy.” Their dignified and graceful announcement was widely appreciated.
Happy birthday thalaiva @rajinikanth
— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) December 11, 2025
Meanwhile, on the professional front, Dhanush’s latest release Tere Ishk Mein, directed by Aanand L Rai, is performing exceptionally well at the box office. The romantic drama, co-starring Kriti Sanon, Prakash Raj, and Tota Roy Chowdhury, tells a passionate story about Mukti and Shankar—two individuals whose lives are transformed by love. The film, which hit theatres on November 28, has reportedly earned ₹108 crore so far, according to Sacnilk.
As Rajinikanth celebrates another milestone birthday, wishes continue to pour in, while Dhanush’s message stands out as a reminder that respect and affection can endure even beyond personal relationships.
