Sai Dhanshika (born 20 November 1989) is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Tamil cinema, alongside roles in Kannada and Telugu films. She gained recognition for her performances in Peraanmai (2009) and Aravaan (2012). Her portrayal of Vanapechi in the period drama Paradesi (2013) earned her the Filmfare Award South for Best Supporting Actress, and she won the same award for her role as Yogi in the Rajinikanth-starrer Kabali (2016).
Early life
Dhanshika was born on 20 November 1989 in the Thanjavur district into a Tamil family. Dhanshika's mother is a Hindu and her father a Christian. Dhanshika stated in an interview that her father worked as an AC mechanic supervisor in Kuwait while she was young and that her mother was a housewife. Dhanshika is the eldest of three daughters. Dhanshika credits her uncle with helping bring her into the industry.
Career
She stepped into the industry with Manathodu Mazhaikalam in 2006, where she was credited as Marina. The film, directed by the late Arputhan featured her alongside Shaam, Nithya Das, and Malayalam actor Jayasurya in a coming-of-age drama. After her debut, she appeared in films such as Maranthen Meimaranthen and Thirudi. She also ventured into Kannada cinema with Kempa where she was credited as Thanushika.
She starred in several Tamils films including Peraanmai (2009), Maanja Velu (2010) and Nil Gavani Sellathey (2010). Regarding her role in Nil Gavani Sellathey, a reviewer stated that "Among the relatively fresh cast, only Dhansika (Maanja Velu, Peraanmai) makes an impression". She starred as the heroine in Aravaan (2012) and Paradesi. She garnered acclaim for her performance in the latter with a critic noting that "Dhansikaa is as good as ever". Her next film Ya Ya released to negative reviews. Thiranthidu Seese (2015) released to positive reviews with a critic stating that "A ravishing Dhanshika plays Charmi with elan". She also garnered recognition for her portrayal of Rajinikanth's daughter in Kabali (2016) with a critic noting that "Watching Yogi (Dhansikaa) is a delight, given her stylish makeover and ease in fight sequence". For her role in the film, she sported a short hair cut. Her next film Enga Amma Rani (2017), which was set in Malaysia, released to positive reviews with a critic stating that "Sai Dhanshika is pretty much the highlight here: tough, determined, and also vulnerable to grief when the situation demands". Her performance was praised in her subsequent films Uru and Solo. Vizhithiru, Kaathadi, and Kaalakkoothu released to negative reviews.
Her Kannada debut Udgharsha (2019) released to positive reviews. Her next film Iruttu released to mixed and positive reviews. She was cast in Laabam (2021) in a negative role. She has also been cast in Yogi Da (2026).
Personal life On August 29, 2025, Tamil actors Vishal and Sai Dhanshika officially announced their engagement in a private ceremony held at Vishal's residence in Anna Nagar, Chennai, which coincided with Vishal's 48th birthday. The couple's relationship began as a friendship 15 years ago.
Filmography
Year Film Role Language Note 2006 Manathodu Mazhaikalam Marina Tamil Credited as Marina Maranthen Meimaranthen Lalli Thirudi Poongavanam 2009 Kempa Bindhu Kannada Credited as ThanushikaKannada Debut Peraanmai Jennifer Tamil2010 Maanja Velu Anjali Nil Gavani Sellathey Jo 2012 Aravaan Vanapechi 2013 Paradesi Maragadham Ya Ya Seetha 2015 Thiranthidu Seese Charmi 2016 Kabali Yogitha Kabaleeswaran (Yogi) 2017 Enga Amma Rani Thulasi Uru Jene/Nisha Solo Radhika MalayalamTamil Malayalam Debut; Simultaneously shot in Tamil Vizhithiru Saroja Devi Tamil2018 Kaathadi Unnamed Heroine Kaala Koothu Gayathri 2019 Udgharsha Rashmi Kannada Iruttu Shikara (Jinn Sila) Tamil 2021 Laabam Vanagamudi's assistant 2022 Shikaaru Devika Telugu Telugu Debut2024 Anthima Theerpu Durga Dhakshina Dhakshina 2026 Yogi Da K. Yogeshwari Tamil Magudam -Co-producer
Television Year Film Role Language Note 2024 Aindham Vedham Anu Panchamavedhi Tamil ZEE5
Short films Year Film Role Language Note 2021 Sinam Shakthi Tamil Short film
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryFilmResultRef.2012Edison AwardsMost Daring RoleAravaan2013Vijay AwardsBest Supporting ActressParadesi Filmfare AwardsBest Supporting Actress – Tamil 2016Kabali 2019Ananda Vikatan Cinema AwardsBest Villain - FemaleIruttu
References
External links