At the recent audio launch of 'Raayan,' actor Dhanush shared an inspiring story about building his dream house in Chennai's prestigious Poes Garden. However, his speech ignited a wave of negative reactions on social media.

During the event, which was aired on Sun Television, Dhanush spoke about his Poes Garden residence, an area known for housing prominent personalities such as superstar Rajinikanth and the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. His remarks triggered a debate, with many users on X accusing him of benefiting from nepotism, given his father is director Kasthuri Raja and his brother is director Selvaraghavan.

Dhanush addressed the controversy head-on, saying, "If I knew buying a house in Poes Garden would have become such a big topic, I would have stayed in a small apartment. Should I not buy a house in Poes Garden? If I live on the streets, should I stay there only?"

He went on to share an inspiring story from his youth. "When I was 16, my friend and I were driving on Cathedral Road. You all know whose fan I am [hinting at Rajinikanth]. We went to Poes Garden to see Thalaivar's house. We took directions and went there. Then we saw a crowd at another person's house. We were told that it was Jayalalithaa ma's house. I got down from the bike and saw Thalaivar's house on one side and Jayalalithaa Amma's house on the other side."

Dhanush continued, "At that time, I thought - one day, I should buy at least a small house in Poes Garden. I manifested it. The Poes Garden house today is a gift to the 16-year-old Venkatesh Prabhu (his birth name)."

His speech has left the internet divided, with some applauding his determination and others criticizing him for his perceived privileged background.