Vignesh Shivan misses Dhanush, calls him father figure

Director Vignesh Shivan has spoken warmly about actor Dhanush, recalling the time they spent working together and the respect he continues to have for him. His recent comments in an interview with a YouTube channel have drawn attention amid the long-running controversy involving Dhanush, Vignesh Shivan, and his wife, Nayanthara.

Looking back at their professional relationship, the filmmaker praised Dhanush’s dedication to work and described him as someone whose influence on his life went beyond cinema. His words have also brought renewed attention to their association during the making of 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.'

Vignesh Shivan says he misses Dhanush and praises his work ethic

Speaking about Dhanush in a YouTube chat with actor and television presenter Gopinath, Vignesh Shivan said he misses the actor and believes his dedication is difficult to match.

“I miss Dhanush. Someone like him has to be born again for the way he works. Nobody can match him,” he said. The director recalled being surprised by how long Dhanush would work without taking a break. He said there were times when he worried about the actor because of his intense schedule.

Vignesh Shivan’s comments offered a glimpse into the working relationship they shared before their reported differences became a major talking point in the Tamil film industry.

Vignesh Shivan recalls working late nights with Dhanush in Mumbai

Vignesh Shivan also shared memories of staying in the same room as Dhanush in Mumbai and watching him work until the early hours of the morning. “I would sleep in the room where he stayed in Mumbai. He would sit and work until four or five in the morning and then go to bed. At that time, he would tell me, ‘Hey, wake me up at 6.30 am,’” Vignesh Shivan recalled. He said that even when he was about to sleep, Dhanush would get up first and leave for work.

“He would tell me, ‘I am leaving first. You can follow in the other car.’ It is understandable if someone does this for a day or two, but he did it every day. I used to wonder how anyone could work like that,” he added.

Vignesh Shivan calls Dhanush a father figure amid past controversy

Vignesh Shivan further expressed his admiration for Dhanush, saying the actor had played an important role in his life. “Whatever he touches turns into gold. In my mind, he is like a father to me. That is how he has always been in my mind.

The respect I have for him will never go away,” he said.The filmmaker’s comments come against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan,' which Dhanush produced and which starred Nayanthara. A dispute over the use of clips from the film in Nayanthara’s 2024 documentary led to legal action and public exchanges. Vignesh Shivan’s latest remarks have once again brought their past association into focus.