Superstar Rajinikanth celebrated his 74th birthday on December 12, and tributes from fans, celebrities, and politicians have been flooding social media since midnight. Among the most talked-about wishes came from actor Dhanush, his former son-in-law, whose heartfelt message reminded everyone of the deep respect the two continue to share despite personal changes in their lives.
Dhanush, who married Rajinikanth’s eldest daughter Aishwaryaa in 2004, separated from her in 2022, and the couple officially finalised their divorce last year. Even with the end of their 18-year marriage, Dhanush’s relationship with Rajinikanth appears to remain warm and affectionate. The actor took to X (formerly Twitter) to write, “Happy birthday thalaiva,” adding multiple emojis—a simple gesture that quickly went viral as fans praised the mutual admiration between the two stars.
Their bond has been visible on several occasions. Earlier this year, Dhanush surprised fans by attending the First Day First Show premiere of Coolie, Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated action entertainer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Held at the iconic Rohini Theatre in Chennai, the event saw Dhanush arriving early in the morning with his son Yatra. A video circulating online captured the actor stepping out of his car in an all-black outfit, briefly greeting paparazzi before entering the theatre—another moment that highlighted the deep respect he continues to hold for the superstar.
In 2022, when Dhanush and Aishwaryaa announced their separation, they did so through a joint statement that was widely appreciated for its dignity and sensitivity. “18 years of togetherness… Today, we stand at a place where our paths separate,” the statement read, requesting privacy as they transitioned into a new phase of life. Their mutual grace during the separation left a lasting impression on fans.
Happy birthday thalaiva @rajinikanth
— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) December 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Dhanush’s professional career is thriving. His latest release, Tere Ishk Mein, directed by Aanand L Rai, has been receiving praise for its intense storytelling and emotional depth. The film, starring Kriti Sanon, Prakash Raj, and Tota Roy Chowdhury, explores a transformative love story between Mukti and Shankar. Since its theatrical release on November 28, the romantic drama has collected an impressive ₹108 crore, according to Sacnilk.
As Rajinikanth marks another milestone birthday, Dhanush’s affectionate wish stands out as a reminder that some bonds endure regardless of life’s transformations.