Udhayanidhi Stalin, born on November 27, 1977, in Chennai (then Madras), Tamil Nadu, is an Indian actor, film producer, and prominent politician. As the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and grandson of legendary Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader M. Karunanidhi, he hails from one of India’s most influential political dynasties, deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s social justice movements and the film industry since the 1950s.

Early Life and Education

Raised in a family steeped in public service, Udhayanidhi attended Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai and graduated with a commerce degree from Loyola College. Before venturing into films or politics, he actively participated in community work alongside his grandfather and father, focusing on social initiatives across Tamil Nadu.

Entry into Cinema

Udhayanidhi’s foray into the entertainment world began as a producer with Red Giant Movies, the family-owned production house. His debut production, Kuruvi (2008) starring Vijay, marked a successful start, followed by hits like Aadhavan (2009), Manmadan Ambu (2010), and the sci-fi thriller 7aum Arivu (2011). As a distributor, he handled blockbusters such as Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010) and Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022-2023).

Transitioning to acting, he made his lead debut in the romantic comedy Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012), which he also produced, earning acclaim for portraying an unemployed youth and winning awards like the Filmfare Best Male Debut – South. His filmography spans over a dozen roles, blending comedy, drama, and thrillers, including Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal (2014) opposite Nayanthara, Nimir (2018), Kanne Kalaimaane (2019), Nenjuku Needhi (2022)—a remake of Article 15—and his final acting role as Athiveeran in Maamannan (2023), another self-produced project. In 2024, he produced Indian 2, and upcoming releases include Kadhalikka Neramillai and Thug Life (both 2025). In early 2025, he assumed the role of CEO at Red Giant Movies, continuing the family’s cinematic legacy.

Political Ascendancy

Udhayanidhi entered politics in 2019 as the DMK Youth Wing Secretary, succeeding M. P. Saminathan under his father’s leadership. He won the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni assembly seat in the 2021 Tamil Nadu elections with a resounding 67.89% vote share, becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Appointed Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development in December 2022, he spearheaded initiatives like introducing Tamil Nadu’s first robotic sewer cleaner in his constituency in 2021 and promoting sports achievements, such as felicitating chess prodigy WGM Nandhidhaan.

His rapid rise culminated on September 28, 2024, when he was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s youngest-ever Deputy Chief Minister, a position he holds alongside portfolios in Special Programme Implementation and Poverty Alleviation. As a nominated member of Anna University’s Syndicate since 2021, he has advocated for educational reforms. In 2025, Udhayanidhi has been vocal against the BJP’s policies, accusing them of imposing Sanskrit through the New Education Policy and conspiring with rivals like AIADMK and actor Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to “capture” Tamil Nadu. He has also condemned attacks on Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud as reflective of “fascism” and drawn parallels between his own controversies and judicial challenges.

Controversies

Udhayanidhi’s career has not been without turbulence. In 2021, he faced backlash for claiming that former ministers Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley died from stress under Narendra Modi’s leadership, drawing Election Commission notices. More notably, in September 2023, his remarks likening Sanatana Dharma to diseases like malaria—arguing it hinders equality—sparked nationwide outrage, FIRs, and Supreme Court scrutiny. The court rebuked him in March 2024 for misusing free speech, but he defended his views as aligned with reformers like B. R. Ambedkar and Periyar, expressing willingness to face legal repercussions.

Personal Life

An avowed atheist, Udhayanidhi married filmmaker Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi in 2002; they have two children, son Inba and daughter Tanmaya. Kiruthiga directs films like Vanakkam Chennai (2013) and runs the lifestyle magazine Inbox 1305. The family resides in Chennai’s Alwarpet. In 2021, Inba signed with I-League club NEROCA FC, and recent reports suggest he may debut as a lead in director Mari Selvaraj’s next film.

Udhayanidhi Stalin embodies the blend of Tamil Nadu’s cinematic glamour and Dravidian politics, positioning himself as a dynamic force in the state’s future.