Twelve years after the release of Why This Kolaveri Di? (The Soup of Love) from the movie 3, actor Dhanush continues to face questions about the song that became a cultural phenomenon. Speaking at a recent event hosted by News18, the actor admitted that the track, which catapulted him to international fame, still “haunts” him.
‘We Forgot We Made It’
When asked to perform the song and recount its origin, Dhanush appeared visibly surprised. “Kolaveri Di… that song still continues to haunt me,” he said with a laugh. Reflecting on its creation, he revealed it was composed during a late-night session that left him and his team so exhausted they forgot about it by the next morning.
“We found an icon on the computer screen saying Kolaveri Di. We opened it, and then it hit us—oh, we made this,” he recounted. “We found it funny, but we never thought it would become such a big sensation. These things, you can’t plan them. God should consider you worthy.”
At the audience’s insistence, Dhanush sang a few lines from the track before leaving the stage, earning applause for his impromptu performance.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Why This Kolaveri Di? is a quirky mix of Tamil and English (Tanglish), featuring Dhanush’s playful lyrics and Anirudh Ravichander’s catchy composition. Upon its release, the song became India’s most-searched YouTube video and a viral sensation across Asia. Despite being part of 3, a film with a heavy narrative centered on mental health and love, the light-hearted track resonated with audiences worldwide.
The song was crafted for 3, directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Dhanush’s ex-wife, and starred Dhanush alongside Shruti Haasan in the lead roles. Its relatability and humor turned it into a global earworm.
What’s Next for Dhanush?
Dhanush’s recent projects include Captain Miller and Raayan, the latter of which he directed. The versatile actor is set to appear in Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera and is also starring, producing, and directing an upcoming film titled Idly Kadai. Despite his current ventures, it seems Kolaveri Di will remain an enduring part of his legacy.