Birthday special! Actors who became stars with Mani Ratnam's films

Mani Ratnam, the ace South Indian director, celebrates his birthday today, and social media is flooded with wishes for the beloved director from fans and friends. Mani Ratnam has delivered several classic hits in his 40-year cinema journey and introduced several talents to the cinema world. The popular director has always attractively shown his lead characters, while others got a much-needed breakthrough with the director's films. Here is a look at stars who blossomed through the legendary director's films.

Dhanush's new short-hair look stuns fans again

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Madhavan, who started his journey on small screens, made his debut as a hero with the Tamil film 'Alaipayuthey', which was directed by Mani Ratnam. Madhavan played an attractive character as a young IT developer, and the charming role opened the gates for the actor. Madhavan then used his chances to step higher and higher in the cinema journey, and the actor is now one of the most popular actors in India. Madhavan has acted under Mani Ratnam's direction in four films, which also include 'Kannathil Muthamittal', 'Guru', and "Ayudha Ezhuthu'.

It's a schedule wrap for Kamal Haasan's 'Indian 2'

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After playing a supporting role in 'Thalapathi', Aravind Swamy teamed up once again with Mani Ratnam for 'Roja," and he played the lead role in the patriotic drama. Aravind Swamy displayed his skills well through Mani Ratnam's directorial, and he again teamed up with the director for 'Bombay'. Back-to-back successful films from the actor under Mani Ratnam's direction transformed him into a popular actor.

Shanthanu starrer 'Raavana Kottam' to premiere on OTT soon

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Aditi Rao Hydari was an unfamiliar actress before she was roped into playing the female lead in Mani Ratnam's 'Kaatru Veliyidai' opposite Karthi. The gorgeous actress impressed fans with her role alongside Karthi in the romantic drama, and she shot to fame with her Tamil debut. Aditi Rao Hydari then grabbed more offers across languages, and she is now a popular Indian actress.

Soori travels in an autorickshaw to meet his fan's ill mother

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Shobita Dhulipala acted in a few Hindi and Telugu films before she was roped in to play Vanathi in the historical drama 'Ponniyin Selvan', which is directed by Mani Ratnam. Even though the role of the charming actress was short, she looked the best and most attractive whenever she made her onscreen presence, and she impressed the fans well through it. Shobita Dhulipala is now more popular among fans, and her social media pictures are getting great interaction.

Director Innasi Pandian': 'Diary' gave me confidence for my second film

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