Udhayanidhi Stalin
{{Resume-like|date=April 2025}}{{Short description|Indian politician, film producer and former actor (born 1977)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Indian name|Udhayanidhi|Stalin}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Udhayanidhi Stalin
| image = Udhaya.jpg
| caption = Udhayanidhi in 2020
| office = 3rd Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
| term_start = 28 September 2024
| term_end =
| governor = R. N. Ravi
| 1blankname = Chief Minister
| 1namedata = M. K. Stalin
| predecessor = O. Panneerselvam
| successor =
| office1 = Cabinet Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu
| term_start1 = 14 December 2022
| term_end1 =
| 1blankname1 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata1 = M. K. Stalin
| predecessor1 = Siva. V Meyyanathan
| 2blankname1 = Ministry and Departments
| 2namedata1 = *Youth Welfare
- Sports Development
- Special Programme Implementation Department & Poverty Alleviation Programme
- Rural Indebtedness
| constituency1 =
| office2 = Member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
| term_start2 = 11 May 2021
| term_end2 =
| 1blankname2 = Speaker of the House
| 1namedata2 = M. Appavu
| predecessor2 = J. Anbazhagan
| constituency2 = Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni
| office3 = Youth Wing Secretary of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
| term_start3 = 4 July 2019
| term_end3 =
| president3 = M. K. Stalin
| 1blankname3 = General Secretary
| 1namedata3 = {{ubl|K. Anbazhagan|Durai Murugan}}
| predecessor3 = M. P. Saminathan
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1977|11|27}}
| birth_place = Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
(present-day Chennai)
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| resting_place =
| party = Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (2019-present)
| spouse = {{marriage|Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi|2002}}
| children = 2
| residence = 25/9, Chittaranjan Road, Alwarpet, Chennai
| father = M. K. Stalin
| mother = Durga Stalin
| relatives = See Karunanidhi family
| alma_mater = Loyola College, Chennai
| occupation = {{hlist|Film producer|Actor|Politician}}
}}
Udhayanidhi Stalin (born 27 November 1977) is an Indian politician, film producer and former actor who has been the 3rd and current Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu since 2024, serving under his father M. K. Stalin.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-09-28 |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as deputy CM of Tamil Nadu, Senthilbalaji makes a comeback |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-cabinet-reshuffle-udhayanidhi-stalin-elevated-as-deputy-cm-senthilbalaji-makes-a-comeback/article68695526.ece |access-date=2024-09-29 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928171817/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-cabinet-reshuffle-udhayanidhi-stalin-elevated-as-deputy-cm-senthilbalaji-makes-a-comeback/article68695526.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2024-09-28 |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin appointed deputy CM of Tamil Nadu, swearing-in ceremony on September 29 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/udhayanidhi-stalin-appointed-as-deputy-cm-of-tamil-nadu-swearing-in-ceremony-on-september-29/articleshow/113769142.cms |access-date=2024-09-29 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} He is the youngest person in Tamil Nadu to have ever held the position. He has also been the Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Tamil Nadu since December 2022.{{Cite news |last1=Ahmed |first1=Shabbir |last2=Raju |first2=Nidharshana |date=2024-09-29 |title=How popular support and family legacy shaped Udhayanidhi Stalin |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/how-popular-support-and-family-legacy-shaped-udhayanidhi-stalin |access-date=2024-09-29 |work=The News Minute |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929054801/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/how-popular-support-and-family-legacy-shaped-udhayanidhi-stalin |url-status=live }}
Born and raised in Madras (now Chennai), Udhayanidhi attended the Don Bosco school and later received a degree in commerce from Loyola College in Chennai. Prior to his career as a politician, Udhayanidhi has done social and community work with his grandfather M. Karunanidhi and father M. K. Stalin to many communities around Tamil Nadu.
In 2019, Udhayanidhi made his entrance into politics by being appointed the Youth wing Secretary of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party under the guidance of his father Stalin. In 2021, he was elected a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly with M. Appavu as the speaker. In 2022, he was once again appointed by his father to assume the role of Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in his cabinet after which he became a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Early life and family
Udhayanidhi was born on 27 November 1977 as the son of M. K. Stalin, and the grandson of one of the longest serving Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi. He attended the Don Bosco school and has a degree in commerce from Loyola College in Chennai.{{cite web |last=Govardan |first=D |date=20 March 2021 |title=Tamil Nadu: 7 alumni from Egmore Don Bosco school in fray for assembly election |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-7-alumni-from-egmore-don-bosco-school-in-fray-for-assembly-election/articleshow/81604378.cms |accessdate=4 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |archive-date=4 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504105205/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-7-alumni-from-egmore-don-bosco-school-in-fray-for-assembly-election/articleshow/81604378.cms |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Lakshmi |date=25 September 2010 |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin: Right Heir, Right Now |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20101004-udhayanidhi-stalin-right-heir-right-now-744206-2010-09-25 |access-date=31 October 2018 |work=India Today |archive-date=4 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504072533/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20101004-udhayanidhi-stalin-right-heir-right-now-744206-2010-09-25 |url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine |date=12 January 1997 |title=மேயர் மகன் |url=https://archive.org/download/kalki1997-01-12/kalki1997-01-12.pdf |magazine=Kalki |language=ta |pages=8–10 |access-date=8 June 2023}} Several of his relatives have been actively involved in politics, and Tamil cinema since the 1950s. His cousins Arulnithi and Dayanidhi Azhagiri are also an actor and a producer, respectively.{{Cite web |date=26 October 2016 |title=Arulnithi Tamilarasu Blessed With Baby Boy! |url=https://jfwonline.com/article/arulnithi-tamilarasu-blessed-baby-boy/ |website=JFW Online |access-date=14 March 2021 |archive-date=24 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024144008/https://jfwonline.com/article/arulnithi-tamilarasu-blessed-baby-boy/ |url-status=live}}
Film career
Udhayanidhi's first film as a producer with Red Giant Movies was Kuruvi (2008), starring Vijay.{{Cite web |title=Redgiant Movies |url=https://redgiantmovies.in/about.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510143122/https://redgiantmovies.in/about.html |archive-date=2021-05-10 |access-date=2021-03-12 |website=Red Giant Movies}}{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=2023-06-26 |title=Watch {{!}} No more movies: Udhayanidhi Stalin on quitting acting after 'Maamannan,' and his political road ahead |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/no-more-movies-udhayanidhi-stalin-on-quitting-acting-after-maamannan-and-his-political-road-ahead/article67011193.ece |access-date=2024-09-29 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630131103/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/no-more-movies-udhayanidhi-stalin-on-quitting-acting-after-maamannan-and-his-political-road-ahead/article67011193.ece |url-status=live }}
{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/03kuruvi.htm |title=Vijay fans will love Kuruvi |work=Rediff.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504075457/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/03kuruvi.htm|url-status=live}} He also produced two films directed by K. S. Ravikumar, Aadhavan (2009) and Manmadan Ambu (2010).{{Cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/aadhavan.html |title=Aadhavan – Tamil Movie Reviews – Suriya Nayanthara Ramesh Kanna Vadivelu K.S.Ravikumar Udhayanidhi Stalin Harris Jayaraj – Behindwoods.com |website=behindwoods.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504075835/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/aadhavan.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/manmadhan-ambu-movie-review.html |title=MANMADHAN AMBU MOVIE REVIEW – TAMIL MOVIE MANMADHAN AMBU MOVIE REVIEW |website=behindwoods.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=2 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802154444/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/manmadhan-ambu-movie-review.html|url-status=live}} He produced AR Murugadoss's science fiction film 7aum Arivu (2011), while also working as a distributor, achieving success through his four 2010 releases: Gautham Vasudev Menon's Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa,{{Cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-10-01/silambarasan-gautham-menon-vtv-02-06-10.html |title=Silambarasan – Tamil Movie News – Red Giant's plan for Silambarasan – Silambarasan | Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya – Behindwoods.com |website=behindwoods.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229113713/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-10-01/silambarasan-gautham-menon-vtv-02-06-10.html|url-status=live}} A. L. Vijay's Madrasapattinam,{{Cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/red-giant-movies-will-be-releasing-vijays-saivam.html |title=Red Giant Movies will be releasing Vijay's Saivam |website=behindwoods.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416195452/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-14/red-giant-movies-will-be-releasing-vijays-saivam.html|url-status=live}} M. Rajesh's Boss Engira Bhaskaran{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/boss-engira-baskaran-preview-malayalam-movie-11695 |title=Boss Engira Baskaran Malayalam Movie Preview cinema review stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes |website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229113708/https://www.indiaglitz.com/boss-engira-baskaran-preview-malayalam-movie-11695|url-status=live}} and Prabhu Solomon's Mynaa.{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/mynaa-preview-tamilfont-movie-11424 |title=Mynaa தமிழ் Movie Preview cinema review stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes |website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229113710/https://www.indiaglitz.com/mynaa-preview-tamilfont-movie-11424|url-status=live}}
File:Udhayanidhi Stalin at 60th South Filmfare Awards 2013.jpg
In 2012, he debuted as a lead actor in M. Rajesh's romantic comedy Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012), co-starring with Hansika Motwani and Santhanam. Stalin received positive reviews for his performance of an unemployed youth. Behindwoods noted: "Udhay's portrayal of Saravanan is neat and enjoyable. He scored well in his debut supported Santhanam well in the film", while Sify.com added: "Udhay's debut is promising and hats off to him to underplay his role".{{cite news |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/oru-kal-oru-kannadi-review-tamil-pcmau2jdcdhfc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623075219/http://www.sify.com/movies/oru-kal-oru-kannadi-review-tamil-pcmau2jdcdhfc.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 June 2015 |title=Review : Oru Kal Oru Kannadi |work=Sify.com. |access-date=24 June 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/apr-12-02/oru-kal-oru-kannadi-review.html |title=Oru Kal Oru Kannadi Review – Oru Kal Oru Kannadi Movie Review |website=Behindwoods |access-date=24 June 2016 |archive-date=30 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630053311/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/apr-12-02/oru-kal-oru-kannadi-review.html |url-status=live}} Stalin won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his performance.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/okok-immensely-watchable-fare/article3847867.ece |title=OKOK: Immensely watchable fare |first=Y. Sunita |last=Chowdhary |newspaper=The Hindu |date=1 September 2012|access-date=5 April 2021|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229113709/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/okok-immensely-watchable-fare/article3847867.ece|url-status=live}} The success of Oru Kal Oru Kannadi prompted Stalin to continue acting and he appeared in Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal (2014) and Nanbenda (2015), both films featuring him opposite Nayanthara.{{Cite web |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/idhu-kathirvelan-kadhal/idhu-kathirvelan-kadhal-review.html |title=Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal (aka) Ithu Kathirvelan Kadhal review |website=behindwoods.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022151843/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/idhu-kathirvelan-kadhal/idhu-kathirvelan-kadhal-review.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/nanbenda/nanbenda-review.html |title=Nanbenda (aka) Nannbenda review |website=behindwoods.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113082357/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/nanbenda/nanbenda-review.html|url-status=live}} He worked on Gethu (2016), with Amy Jackson{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Gethu-A-beautifully-shot-thriller-that-isn%E2%80%99t-particularly-thrilling/article13999572.ece |title=Gethu: A beautifully shot thriller that isn't particularly thrilling |first=Sudhir |last=Srinivasan |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 January 2016|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119083407/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Gethu-A-beautifully-shot-thriller-that-isn%E2%80%99t-particularly-thrilling/article13999572.ece|url-status=live}} and then performed in the courtroom drama Manithan (2016), with Hansika Motwani, a remake of the Hindi film Jolly LLB.{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-manithan-is-a-poor-imitation-of-jolly-llb/20160429.htm |title=Review: Manithan is a poor imitation of Jolly LLB |first=S. |last=Saraswathi |website=Rediff|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517033418/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-manithan-is-a-poor-imitation-of-jolly-llb/20160429.htm|url-status=live}}
In 2017, he has worked in the comedy entertainer Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen from director Ezhil,{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/saravanan-irukka-bayamaen-review-a-mundane-comedy-entertainer-review-tamil-rfmk1vcdcfhij.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512140519/http://www.sify.com/movies/saravanan-irukka-bayamaen-review-a-mundane-comedy-entertainer-review-tamil-rfmk1vcdcfhij.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 May 2017 |title=Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen Review: A mundane comedy entertainer |website=Sify}} followed by Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/podhuvaga-emmanasu-thangam-review-tamil-movie-21136 |title=Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam review. Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam Tamil movie review, story, rating |website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030095310/https://www.indiaglitz.com/podhuvaga-emmanasu-thangam-review-tamil-movie-21136|url-status=live}} and action thriller, Ippadai Vellum. Stalin has delivered a decent performance with his share of subtleness.{{Cite web |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/ippadai-vellum/ippadai-vellum-review.html |title=Ippadai Vellum (aka) Ippadai Velum review |date=9 November 2017 |website=Behindwoods|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=14 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914031931/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/ippadai-vellum/ippadai-vellum-review.html|url-status=live}} The next project was the drama Nimir (2018), a remake of Malayalam film Maheshinte Prathikaaram directed by Priyadarshan{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nimir-review-a-soleless-remake/article22528880.ece |title='Nimir' review: A 'sole'less remake |first=Vishal |last=Menon |newspaper=The Hindu |date=26 January 2018|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229113711/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nimir-review-a-soleless-remake/article22528880.ece|url-status=live}} then following the romantic drama, Kanne Kalaimaane.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kanne-kalaimane-movie-review-udhayanidhi-stalin-and-tamannaah-shine-in-optimistic-romantic-drama-1462180-2019-02-22 |title=Kanne Kalaimane movie review: Udhayanidhi Stalin and Tamannaah shine in optimistic romantic drama |author=Kirubhakar Purushothaman |date=22 February 2019 |magazine=India Today|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=18 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618033901/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kanne-kalaimane-movie-review-udhayanidhi-stalin-and-tamannaah-shine-in-optimistic-romantic-drama-1462180-2019-02-22|url-status=live}}
In 2020, he appeared in Mysskin's Psycho which is a dive into the psyche of a serial killer.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/psycho-movie-review-mysskin-s-film-succeeds-in-humanizing-a-serial-killer/story-RMv4GLSZntg3sAAHsxXYuJ.html |title=Psycho movie review: Mysskin's film succeeds in humanizing a serial killer |date=24 January 2020 |website=Hindustan Times|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101095853/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/psycho-movie-review-mysskin-s-film-succeeds-in-humanizing-a-serial-killer/story-RMv4GLSZntg3sAAHsxXYuJ.html|url-status=live}} In 2022, he play as IPS officer in Nenjuku Needhi, remake of the Hindi film Article 15.{{cite web |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/nenjuku-needhi/nenjuku-needhi-review.html |title=Nenjuku Needhi (Aka) Nenjuku Neethi review |date=20 May 2022 | access-date=1 January 2023 | archive-date=20 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520064619/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/nenjuku-needhi/nenjuku-needhi-review.html | url-status=live}} Then, Udhayanidhi starred in Magizh Thirumeni's thriller Kalaga Thalaivan.{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/kalaga-thalaivan-movie-review/article66153064.ece |title='Kalaga Thalaivan' movie review: A passive Udhayanidhi Stalin in Magizh Thirumeni's generic thriller |newspaper=The Hindu |date=18 November 2022 |last1=S |first1=Srivatsan | access-date=1 January 2023 | archive-date=24 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124095851/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/kalaga-thalaivan-movie-review/article66153064.ece | url-status=live}} Udhayanidhi made his final film appearance in Maamannan (2023).{{Cite news |date=2022-05-12 |title='Maamannan' will be my last film as an actor, reveals Udhayanidhi Stalin |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/maamannan-will-be-my-last-film-as-an-actor-reveals-udhayanidhi-stalin/articleshow/91494067.cms |access-date=2023-09-03 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405190818/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/maamannan-will-be-my-last-film-as-an-actor-reveals-udhayanidhi-stalin/articleshow/91494067.cms |url-status=live}}
2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
Udhayanidhi Stalin contested and won in the Chepauk – Thiruvallikeni Assembly Constituency in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election.{{cite news |last=Govardan |first=D. |date=3 May 2021 |title=Tamil Nadu: Udhayanidhi Stalin wins big, cements claim to political legacy |language=en |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-udhayanidhi-stalin-wins-big-cements-claim-to-political-legacy/articleshow/82362964.cms |accessdate=4 May 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504081909/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-udhayanidhi-stalin-wins-big-cements-claim-to-political-legacy/articleshow/82362964.cms |archivedate=4 May 2021}}
Udhayanidhi Stalin introduced a robotic sewer cleaner in his constituency of Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni for the first time in Tamil Nadu on 21 June 2021.{{Cite web |title=Robotic sewer-cleaner launched in Chepauk |date=22 June 2021 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/jun/22/robotic-sewer-cleaner-launched-in-chepauk-2319657.html|access-date=22 June 2021|archive-date=22 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622050605/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/jun/22/robotic-sewer-cleaner-launched-in-chepauk-2319657.html|url-status=live}}
Udhayanidhi Stalin was nominated as a member of Anna University's Syndicate for a period of three years. The announcement was made by Speaker M. Appavu in the Assembly on 13 September 2021.{{Cite web |date=13 September 2021 |title=அண்ணா பல்கலை. ஆட்சி மன்றக்குழு உறுப்பினராக உதயநிதி நியமனம்! |url=https://www.nakkheeran.in/24-by-7-news/thamizhagam/udayanithi-appointed-member-anna-university-governing-council|access-date=14 September 2021 |website=nakkheeran |language=en|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914060623/https://www.nakkheeran.in/24-by-7-news/thamizhagam/udayanithi-appointed-member-anna-university-governing-council|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=13 September 2021 |title=Udhayanithi Stalin gets additional post as a member of Board of Governors of Anna University |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2021/09/13145028/1317881/Udhayanithi-Stalin-gets-additional-post-as-a-member-.vpf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914061032/https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2021/09/13145028/1317881/Udhayanithi-Stalin-gets-additional-post-as-a-member-.vpf|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 September 2021|access-date=14 September 2021 |website=dtNext.in |language=en}}
Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development (2022—present)
Udhayanidhi Stalin was sworn in as minister in Youth Welfare and Sports Development, in his father's cabinet in Tamil Nadu on 14 December 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/udhayanidhi-stalin-takes-charge-tamil-nadu-minister-youth-welfare-and-sports-development-2308978-2022-12-14 |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin sworn in as Tamil Nadu minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development |date=14 December 2022 | access-date=1 January 2023 | archive-date=1 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101140325/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/udhayanidhi-stalin-takes-charge-tamil-nadu-minister-youth-welfare-and-sports-development-2308978-2022-12-14 | url-status=live}}
Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (2024—present)
Udhayanidhi was nominated as deputy chief minister in 9.00 p.m on 28 September 2024. He is the youngest person in the state's history to hold the position as deputy chief minister.{{cite news |last1=The Hindu |first1= |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as deputy CM by M.K. Stalin, Senthilbalaji makes a comeback |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-cabinet-reshuffle-udhayanidhi-stalin-elevated-as-deputy-cm-senthilbalaji-makes-a-comeback/article68695526.ece |access-date=28 September 2024 |date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928171817/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-cabinet-reshuffle-udhayanidhi-stalin-elevated-as-deputy-cm-senthilbalaji-makes-a-comeback/article68695526.ece |archive-date=28 September 2024 |language=en-IN}}
Electoral performance
{{transcluded section|source=Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency|2021}}}}
Controversies
= Comments on Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley =
During an election rally at Dharapuram in 2021, Udhyanidhi alleged that both Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley died due to stress from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to comments made by the Prime Minister at Dharapuram, where Modi had said that Udhyanidhi had reached the top post in the party, sidelining many leaders.{{Cite web |last=IANS |date=2021-04-03 |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin's Comments on Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley Trigger Row |url=https://www.thequint.com/elections/tamil-nadu-election/udhayanidhi-stalin-comments-on-sushma-swaraj-arun-jaitley-triggers-row |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905180117/https://www.thequint.com/elections/tamil-nadu-election/udhayanidhi-stalin-comments-on-sushma-swaraj-arun-jaitley-triggers-row |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2021-03-31 |title=Narendra Modi sidelined many BJP leaders to become PM: DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/puducherry/article/narendra-modi-sidelined-many-bjp-leaders-to-become-pm-dmk-leader-udhayanidhi-stalin/739183 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=www.timesnownews.com |language=en |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927083543/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/puducherry/article/narendra-modi-sidelined-many-bjp-leaders-to-become-pm-dmk-leader-udhayanidhi-stalin/739183 |url-status=live}}
Both Bansuri Swaraj, the daughter of Sushma Swaraj, and Sonali Jaitley Bakshi, the daughter of Arun Jaitley, called the comments false.{{Cite news |date=2021-04-02 |title=Don't use my mother's name for your poll propaganda, Sushma Swaraj's daughter tells Udhayanidhi |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/dont-use-my-mothers-name-for-your-propaganda-sushma-swarajs-daughter-tells-udhayanidhi/articleshow/81865944.cms |access-date=2023-09-05 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905175615/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/dont-use-my-mothers-name-for-your-propaganda-sushma-swarajs-daughter-tells-udhayanidhi/articleshow/81865944.cms |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2021-04-02 |title=Stalin's son targets PM; Swaraj, Jaitley daughters protest |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/stalins-son-targets-pm-swaraj-jaitley-daughters-protest-7255120/ |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905175616/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/stalins-son-targets-pm-swaraj-jaitley-daughters-protest-7255120/ |url-status=live}}
Following this, the Election Commission of India (EC) issued a notice of election violation to Udhayanidhi and asked him to respond.{{Cite web |title=Election Commission Notice To DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin For Remarks On Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-notice-to-dmks-udhayanithi-stalin-for-remarks-on-sushma-swaraj-arun-jaitley-2407746 |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905175616/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-notice-to-dmks-udhayanithi-stalin-for-remarks-on-sushma-swaraj-arun-jaitley-2407746 |url-status=live}}
= Remarks on ''Sanatana Dharma'' =
On September 2, 2023, while addressing a conference organized in Tamil Nadu, Stalin made a controversial statement likening Sanatana Dharma to diseases like malaria and dengue. He emphasized that Sanatana Dharma should not merely be opposed but must be eradicated, claiming that it opposes social justice and equality. This remark was met with widespread outrage across the nation, with many interpreting it as a call for genocide. Political leaders from the INDIA bloc, notably the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, publicly distanced themselves from Stalin's remarks, expressing their disapproval.{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2023-09-02 |title=Sanatana is against social justice and has to be eradicated: Udhayanidhi |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sanatana-is-against-social-justice-and-has-to-be-eradicated-udhayanidhi/article67264565.ece |access-date=2023-09-02 |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |title="Respect People Of Tamil Nadu But...": Mamata Banerjee On 'Sanatana' Remark |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/respect-people-of-tamil-nadu-but-mamata-banerjee-on-sanatanaa-dharma-row-4359099 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311000507/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/respect-people-of-tamil-nadu-but-mamata-banerjee-on-sanatanaa-dharma-row-4359099 |url-status=live }}
Following this, senior Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal reported the remarks to the Delhi Police calling them "provocative, inciting and defamatory."{{Cite web |title=Udhayanidhi Stalin's 'Sanatan Dharma' Remark: SC Lawyer Files Complaint With Delhi Police, Seeks FIR Against DMK Leader |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/udhayanidhi-stalin-sanatan-remark-row-case-filed-against-dmk-leader-for-provocative-defamatory-statement |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}} Lawyer Sudhir Kumar Ojha also filed a complaint with the Muzaffarpur Magistrate Court.{{Cite news |last=Bhelari |first=Amit |date=2023-09-04 |title=Complaint filed against Udhayanidhi Stalin in Muzaffarpur court for his remarks on Sanatana Dharma |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/complaint-filed-against-udhayanidhi-stalin-in-muzaffarpur-court-for-his-remarks-on-sanatana-dharma/article67269829.ece |access-date=2023-09-05 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905060941/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/complaint-filed-against-udhayanidhi-stalin-in-muzaffarpur-court-for-his-remarks-on-sanatana-dharma/article67269829.ece |url-status=live}}
Stalin said he was standing by his stance despite the Madras High Court's criticism of the police for not taking action against him. He claims he hasn't said anything wrong and is ready to face legal consequences, stating that his ideology aligns with that of B.R. Ambedkar, Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy (Periyar), and Thirumavalavan.{{cite web |title='Will oppose Sanatana forever': Udhayanidhi Stalin after High Court's criticism |date=6 November 2023 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/udhayanidhi-stalin-dmk-tamil-nadu-sanatana-dharma-madras-high-court-criticism-2458809-2023-11-06}}
A letter signed by 262 notable citizens and sent to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud pressed for the Supreme Court to take up the case on its own.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-05 |title=In letter to CJI Chandrachud, eminent citizens demand action against Udhayanidhi Stalin |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/udhayanidhi-stalin-sanatana-row-in-letter-to-cji-chandrachud-eminent-citizens-demand-action-against-udhayanidhi-stalin-101693899109643.html |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905165235/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/udhayanidhi-stalin-sanatana-row-in-letter-to-cji-chandrachud-eminent-citizens-demand-action-against-udhayanidhi-stalin-101693899109643.html |url-status=live}} The Supreme Court subsequently began an investigation into the remarks.{{cite web |author=The Hindu Bureau |title=Sanatana Dharma row {{!}} Supreme Court issues notice to T.N. government, Udhayanidhi Stalin | website=The Hindu | date=2023-09-22 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sc-notice-to-tn-govt-udhayanidhi-stalin-on-his-sanatana-dharma-remarks/article67333837.ece | access-date=2023-09-28 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928182500/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sc-notice-to-tn-govt-udhayanidhi-stalin-on-his-sanatana-dharma-remarks/article67333837.ece | url-status=live }} On March 4, 2024 during the hearing of a plea, the Supreme Court of India rebuked Udhayanidhi Stalin over his reported comments and questioned why he had approached the court to consolidate the FIRs filed against him after allegedly misusing his right to freedom of speech and expression. The court also noted that, as a minister, Stalin should have exercised caution in his statements and been mindful of the potential consequences.{{Cite web |title=SC: Udhayanidhi Stalin's Sanatana Dharma remark voluntary, can't get same immunity as media |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/elections/sc-udhayanidhi-stalins-sanatana-dharma-remark-voluntary-cant-get-same-immunity-as-media/article68017030.ece |website=The Hindu Business Line |date=2023-10-10 |access-date=2024-08-19}}
Personal life
Udhayanidhi married Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi in 2002. The couple has a son named Inba and a daughter named Tanmaya. Kiruthiga, who heads the lifestyle magazine Inbox 1305,{{Cite web |title=Inbox 1305 celebrates its first anniversary |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2009/aug/11/inbox-1305-celebrates-its-first-anniversary-76502.html |website=The New Indian Express|date=15 May 2012 |access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902235112/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2009/aug/11/inbox-1305-celebrates-its-first-anniversary-76502.html|url-status=live}} has also directed the films Vanakkam Chennai (2013) and Kaali (2018).{{Cite web |title=Vanakkam Chennai Movie Review Vanakkam Chennai, வணக்கம் சென்னை விமர்சனம் |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/vanakkam-chennai/vanakkam-chennai-review.html |website=behindwoods.com|access-date=14 March 2021|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902235114/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/vanakkam-chennai/vanakkam-chennai-review.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=18 May 2018 |title=Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi's Kaali: What Works, What Doesn't |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/tamil-features/kaali-kiruthiga-review-udhayanidhi-vijay-anthony/}}{{cbignore}} In 2021, their son signed for NEROCA FC football club which plays in the I-League.{{cite web |date=28 August 2021 |title=Popular Indian football club signs Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's grandson Inban Udhayanidhi |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/football/2021/aug/28/popular-indian-football-club-signs-tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-grandson-inban-udhayanidhi-2351047.html|access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The New Indian Express|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903001428/https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/football/2021/aug/28/popular-indian-football-club-signs-tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-grandson-inban-udhayanidhi-2351047.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=27 August 2021 |title=A goal away from politics for Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin's grandson Inban Udhayanidhi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/a-goal-away-from-politics-for-tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalins-grandson-inban/articleshow/85677033.cms|access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Times of India|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903001428/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/a-goal-away-from-politics-for-tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalins-grandson-inban/articleshow/85677033.cms|url-status=live}} Udhayanidhi describes himself as an atheist.{{Cite web |date=24 August 2020 |title=I'm an atheist, my daughter wanted a photo: Udhay Stalin on Vinayagar idol tweet |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/im-atheist-my-daughter-wanted-photo-udhay-stalin-vinayagar-idol-tweet-131498 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509082653/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/im-atheist-my-daughter-wanted-photo-udhay-stalin-vinayagar-idol-tweet-131498 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |access-date=25 May 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}
Filmography
{{pending films key}}
= As actor =
= As producer =
= As distributor =
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of Udhayanidhi Stalin film credits as distributor ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes |
| 2010
| |
| 2010
| |
| 2010
| |
| 2010
| Mynaa | |
| 2019
| Bakrid | |
| 2021
| |
| 2022
| Tamil version |
| 2022
| |
| 2022
| Beast | |
| 2022
| Don | |
| 2022
| Vikram | |
| 2022
| Cobra | |
| 2022
| Captain | |
| 2022
| |
| 2022
| |
| 2022
| |
| 2023
| Thunivu | |
| 2023
| Varisu | |
| 2023
| |
| 2023
| |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
= Official =
- [https://www.tn.gov.in/ministerslist Udhayanidhi Stalin Deputy Chief Minister] official website
- [https://www.tn.gov.in/department/34 Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin]
= Other =
- {{IMDb name|3561350}}
{{Commons category|Udhayanidhi Stalin}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Deputy chief ministers of Tamil Nadu
Category:State cabinet ministers of Tamil Nadu
Category:Indian Tamil politicians
Category:21st-century Indian male actors
Category:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians
Category:Film producers from Chennai
Category:Filmfare Awards South winners
Category:Indian male film actors
Category:Male actors from Chennai
Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema