South Indian actor Dhanush is set to meet more than 3,000 women executives and volunteers of his official fan club on Sunday, amid growing speculation about his possible entry into politics.
The meeting comes days after the fan club was renamed Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam (Dhanush Welfare Movement), a move that has drawn attention to the actor’s growing focus on social welfare activities.
According to people aware of the details, the 43-year-old actor is expected to meet the members at a private engineering college on the outskirts of Chennai. The campus has been decorated with banners and posters featuring the actor.
Fan club gets a new identity
The organisational change was formally approved at an executives’ meeting in Coimbatore on October 14. The club also unveiled a new logo featuring a large red star, with Dhanush’s image at its centre and a red-and-white circular border.
The renaming has fuelled political speculation, particularly after actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) came to power in Tamil Nadu following the Assembly elections in April.
Dhanush had earlier urged his fans to take up social work alongside their participation in film-related events. Addressing a gathering in Tiruvallur district on July 27, he called on them to use their collective strength for public welfare.
"You need to give this unity a purpose. Not just by attending audio launches (of his movies) but joining hands to do welfare work in your neighbouring areas. Do whatever you can for the people in your respective region, for the families living near you,” he said.
Political parties react to speculation
On October 15, former AIADMK minister K T Rajendra Balaji said the party would welcome Dhanush if he wanted to join.
"He is a top actor and if he wants to join AIADMK, we will welcome him," he said.
Reports last week also suggested that Dhanush had visited Delhi to meet political leaders. DMK veteran S Regupathy said anyone had the democratic right to enter politics.
“In a democratic country, anyone can enter politics. They have the democratic right.”
"When Vijay can enter politics, why not Dhanush?" he added.
Vijay had converted his fan clubs into the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam before launching the TVK on February 2, 2024. The party won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and assumed office on May 10 after forming a post-poll alliance with the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League.