Dhanush’s dig at Simbu: ‘Negative campaigns do nothing to me’

Tamil cinema star Dhanush has ignited fresh speculation in the industry with a cryptic statement that many believe is a veiled swipe at fellow actor Silambarasan TR (Simbu). While promoting his upcoming film Sekhar Kammula’s “Kuberaa” in Chennai, Dhanush addressed attempts to malign his image.

Negative propaganda

Dhanush said:“Negative campaigns do nothing to me. My work speaks for itself, and I’d rather focus on creating than responding to noise.”

Though he refrained from naming anyone, fans and industry insiders are interpreting the remark as a subtle dig at Simbu, amid long-standing rumors of rivalry between the two stars.

The renewed buzz has reignited debates in fan circles—while some applaud Dhanush for his dignified restraint, others view the statement as a quiet challenge.

Dhanush, known for his versatility and recent ventures into direction, emphasized his commitment to creative work, saying: “I’m here to tell stories, not to engage in petty battles.”

Meanwhile, Simbu—who is busy promoting his own film “Thug Life” = has yet to respond publicly, fueling further speculation. Fans are divided: while some accuse Dhanush of throwing indirect shade, others defend him, suggesting he’s merely standing up against industry gossip and smear campaigns.

Past problems

It must be remembered that Dhanush and Simbu have long standing rivalry. While neither actor has confirmed any personal animosity, the narrative has been that they have uneasiness among them due to Dhanush’s ex-wife.

A long-standing rumor in Tamil cinema circles resurfaced online this week, recalling past speculation that Aishwarya Rajinikanth, filmmaker and daughter of superstar Rajinikanth, was once linked to actor Simbu before her marriage to Dhanush.

While neither party ever officially confirmed the relationship, media reports from the early 2000s hinted at a brief romantic connection between Simbu and Aishwarya. The speculation gained traction again amid ongoing chatter about Dhanush and Simbu’s alleged rivalry. Aishwarya went on to marry Dhanush in 2004, and the couple separated in 2022 after nearly 18 years of marriage.