Dhee stands as one of Australia’s most talented playback singers, known for her powerful alto voice and groundbreaking work in Indian cinema. She has captivated audiences through Tamil and Telugu film music and earned recognition for her versatility and distinctive vocal quality. From her debut in Pizza II: Villa (2013) to her current status as an international pop sensation with her album Jackfruit, Dhee has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent throughout her decade-long career in the music industry.
Dhee is a 26-year-old Australian singer with Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Tamil heritage. Born on June 26, 1998, in Sydney, Australia, Dhee rose to fame through her viral hit “Enjoy Enjaami” and the record-breaking “Rowdy Baby” which garnered over 1.5 billion views on YouTube. She is currently working on her English-language debut album Jackfruit while continuing her playback singing career in Indian cinema.
Quick Facts About Dhee
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dheekshitha Venkadeshan |
| Professional Name | Dhee |
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian (Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Tamil heritage) |
| Profession | Playback Singer, Pop Artist, Songwriter |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million – $5 million (2024) |
| Height | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Voice Type | Distinctive Alto |
| Famous For | “Enjoy Enjaami”, “Rowdy Baby”, “Kaattu Payale” |
| Spotify Monthly Listeners | 5.4 million (as of 2024) |
| Languages | Tamil, English, Telugu |
Dhee Early Life and Education
Dheekshitha Venkadeshan was born on June 26, 1998, in Sydney, Australia, to a Sri Lankan Tamil father named Venkadesan from Jaffna and an Indian Tamil mother, Meenakshi Iyer, who is a renowned Carnatic musician. Dhee was raised in Western Sydney, specifically in the Quakers Hill area, where she grew up surrounded by multicultural and immigrant families.
Educational Background
| Years | Institution | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2015 | Northmead High School | Sydney, Australia | Primary and secondary education |
| 2016 | Quit formal education | N/A | Decided to pursue full-time singing career |
Musical Upbringing
Growing up in a family with deep musical roots, Dhee was exposed to music from an early age. Her mother Meenakshi Iyer, grandmother, and even great-grandmother were renowned musicians, creating a rich musical environment in her childhood home. Although never formally trained in classical music, Dhee learned Carnatic music informally by listening to her mother and grandmother’s lessons. Her mother insisted on proper Tamil pronunciation and maintained high standards for linguistic accuracy.
At age six, Dhee purchased her first album after discovering Destiny’s Child, which sparked her interest in diverse musical genres beyond traditional Indian music. Her home was filled with a variety of artists playing constantly, including Tamil legends like M.S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, and A.R. Rahman, alongside global icons. This eclectic musical exposure shaped her versatile artistic sensibility.
Dhee Personal Life and Family
Family Background
| Relationship | Name | Profession/Details | Heritage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Father | Venkadesan | Sri Lankan Tamil from Jaffna, also a writer | Sri Lankan Tamil |
| Mother | Meenakshi Iyer | Carnatic musician and classical singer | Indian Tamil |
| Stepfather | Santhosh Narayanan | Music composer and singer in Tamil cinema | Indian |
| Elder Brother | Sudheekshanan | Studied at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School | Australian |
Current Residence and Lifestyle
Dhee currently splits her time between Sydney, Australia, and Chennai, India. She moved to Chennai to pursue her playback singing career and has been based there since the national lockdown in March 2020. Despite her success in India, Dhee maintains strong connections to her Western Sydney roots and has returned to Australia to launch her English-language music career.
Relationship Status
Dhee maintains a private lifestyle regarding her personal relationships. According to sources close to her, she has an introverted personality and prefers to keep her romantic life out of the public eye. No confirmed relationship details are currently available.
Cultural Identity
Dhee describes her identity as complex and multifaceted, stating that home means different things to her: Jaffna (Sri Lanka), Sydney (Australia), and Chennai (India). Her music explores themes of belonging, cultural identity, and navigating multiple worlds. She credits growing up in Western Sydney’s multicultural environment for making her thick-skinned, open, empathetic, and accepting.
Dhee Career and Achievements
Career Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Playback debut in “Pizza II: Villa” | First professional recording at age 15 |
| 2014 | Breakthrough with “Naan Nee” from Madras | First Filmfare Award nomination |
| 2016 | “Ey Sandakaara” and “Usuru Narumbuley” from Irudhi Suttru | Critical acclaim and wider recognition |
| 2017 | Telugu cinema debut with Guru | Expanded to Telugu film industry |
| 2018 | “Rowdy Baby” from Maari 2 | Viral sensation with 1.5+ billion YouTube views |
| 2020 | Won Filmfare Award for “Kaattu Payale” | First major award win |
| 2021 | “Enjoy Enjaami” independent single | Global breakthrough, 500+ million views |
| 2022 | Won SIIMA Award for “Uttradheenga Yeppov” | Recognition for work in Karnan |
| 2023 | Collaborated with Anirudh Ravichander on “Jujubee” | First collaboration with major composer outside stepfather |
| 2024 | Released English singles from Jackfruit album | Transition to international pop market |
| 2024 | “Nain Matakka” from Baby John | Latest Bollywood collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh |
Complete Filmography and Discography
| Year | Film/Project | Song Title | Music Director | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Pizza II: Villa | “Disco Woman” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Debut song |
| 2014 | Cuckoo | Multiple tracks | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Early career work |
| 2014 | Madras | “Naan Nee” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | With Shakthisree Gopalan, Filmfare nomination |
| 2016 | Irudhi Suttru | “Ey Sandakaara” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Breakthrough hit |
| 2016 | Irudhi Suttru | “Usuru Narumbuley” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Critical acclaim |
| 2016 | Kabali | Playback singing | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Rajinikanth film |
| 2016 | Iraivi | Playback singing | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Critically acclaimed album |
| 2017 | Guru (Telugu) | “O Sakkanoda” | Santhosh Narayanan | Telugu | Telugu debut |
| 2017 | Guru (Telugu) | “Gundelothulalo” | Santhosh Narayanan | Telugu | Major Telugu hit |
| 2017 | Meyaadha Maan | Playback singing | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Popular album |
| 2018 | Kaala | Multiple tracks | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Rajinikanth film |
| 2018 | Vada Chennai | Multiple tracks | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Critically acclaimed |
| 2018 | Maari 2 | “Rowdy Baby” | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Tamil | 1.5+ billion YouTube views, record-breaking |
| 2019 | Bigil | Playback singing | A.R. Rahman | Tamil | Major commercial success |
| 2020 | Soorarai Pottru | “Kaattu Payale” | G.V. Prakash Kumar | Tamil | Filmfare Award winner |
| 2020 | Gypsy | Playback singing | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Independent film |
| 2021 | Independent Single | “Enjoy Enjaami” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | 500+ million views, global viral hit, featuring Arivu |
| 2021 | Jagame Thandhiram | “Rakita Rakita Rakita” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Netflix release |
| 2021 | Karnan | “Uttradheenga Yeppov” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | SIIMA Award winner |
| 2023 | Dasara | “Chamkeela Angeelesi” | Santhosh Narayanan | Telugu | SIIMA nomination |
| 2023 | Jailer | “Jujubee” | Anirudh Ravichander | Tamil | First collaboration with Anirudh, featuring Rajinikanth |
| 2023 | Jigarthanda Double X | “Maamadurai” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | SIIMA nomination |
| 2024 | Captain Miller | Playback singing | G.V. Prakash Kumar | Tamil | Dhanush film |
| 2024 | Anweshippin Kandethum | “Viduthal” | Santhosh Narayanan | Malayalam | Malayalam debut |
| 2024 | Independent Single | “Can’t You Stay a Little Longer” | Santhosh Narayanan | English | First English single, from Jackfruit album |
| 2024 | Independent Single | “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal” | Dhee/Santhosh Narayanan/Aditya Ravindran | English | Self-composed, from Jackfruit album |
| 2024 | Kadhalikka Neramillai | “Oye Mayavi” | A.R. Rahman | Tamil | Recent collaboration |
| 2024 | Kadhalikka Neramillai | “Yennai Izhukkuthadi” | A.R. Rahman | Tamil | Recent work |
| 2024 | Baby John | “Nain Matakka” | Thaman S | Hindi/Tamil | With Diljit Dosanjh, latest Bollywood hit |
| 2024 | Vaazhai | “Thenkizhakku” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | SIIMA nomination 2025 |
| 2025 | Various Singles | “Shik Shik Shik” | Santhosh Narayanan | Tamil | Recent release with Gana Muthu |
Major Collaborations
| Collaborator | Role | Notable Projects | Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santhosh Narayanan | Music Composer | Majority of filmography, “Enjoy Enjaami” | Stepfather and primary collaborator |
| Yuvan Shankar Raja | Music Composer | “Rowdy Baby” from Maari 2 | First collaboration outside stepfather |
| A.R. Rahman | Music Composer/Label Owner | Bigil, Kadhalikka Neramillai, maajja label | Industry legend collaboration |
| G.V. Prakash Kumar | Music Composer | “Kaattu Payale”, Captain Miller | Multiple successful projects |
| Anirudh Ravichander | Music Composer | “Jujubee” from Jailer | High-profile 2023 collaboration |
| Arivu | Rapper/Lyricist | “Enjoy Enjaami” | Viral independent single featuring artist |
| Dhanush | Actor/Singer | “Rowdy Baby” | Duet collaboration |
| Diljit Dosanjh | Singer/Actor | “Nain Matakka” | 2024 Bollywood collaboration |
| Aditya Ravindran | Multi-instrumentalist/Producer | Jackfruit album co-producer | Contemporary production partner |
| DJ Snake | DJ/Producer | “Enjoy Enjaami” remix | International remix collaboration |
Dhee Awards and Recognition
Major Awards Won
| Year | Award | Category | Film/Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Filmfare Award – Tamil | Best Playback Singer – Female | “Kaattu Payale” from Soorarai Pottru | WON |
| 2022 | SIIMA Award – Tamil | Best Playback Singer – Female | “Uttradheenga Yeppov” from Karnan | WON |
Nominations and Recognition
| Year | Award | Category | Film/Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Filmfare Award – Tamil | Best Female Playback Singer | “Naan Nee” from Madras (shared with Shakthisree Gopalan) | Nominated |
| 2015 | Vijay Awards | Best Female Singer | “Naan Nee” from Madras | Nominated |
| 2016 | SIIMA Award | Best Female Playback Singer | “Ey Sandakaara” from Irudhi Suttru | Nominated |
| 2021 | SIIMA Award – Tamil | Best Playback Singer – Female | “Kaattu Payale” from Soorarai Pottru | Nominated |
| 2024 | SIIMA Award – Telugu | Best Playback Singer – Female | “Chamkeela Angeelesi” from Dasara | Nominated |
| 2024 | SIIMA Award – Tamil | Best Playback Singer – Female | “Maamadurai” from Jigarthanda Double X | Nominated |
| 2025 | SIIMA Award – Tamil | Best Playback Singer – Female | “Thenkizhakku” from Vaazhai | Nominated |
Notable Achievements
| Achievement | Details | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Most-viewed Tamil Music Video | “Rowdy Baby” with 1.5+ billion YouTube views | 2018-present |
| Global Viral Hit | “Enjoy Enjaami” with 500+ million views, DJ Snake remix | 2021 |
| Times Square Billboard | First Tamil independent song showcased in Times Square | 2021 |
| Spotify Global Recognition | 5.4 million monthly listeners, Global X playlist inclusion | 2024 |
| Rolling Stone India Cover | Featured on magazine cover | 2021 |
| Cross-industry Success | Successful work across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema | 2013-2024 |
Dhee Jackfruit Album and International Career
Album Overview
Jackfruit is Dhee’s debut English-language studio album, marking her transition from playback singing to international pop artistry. The album has been in development since 2021 and represents a deeply personal exploration of identity, home, generational trauma, and cultural heritage. The album is named after the jackfruit, which Dhee describes as “an intimidating looking fruit that’s sweet on the inside,” representing her own journey and identity.
Jackfruit Album Details
| Album Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Album Title | Jackfruit |
| Genre | Indie Pop, Jazz-Pop, Folk-Fusion, Contemporary Jazz |
| Language | English |
| Expected Release | February 2025 (tentative) |
| Production Duration | 3+ years (2021-2024) |
| Producers | Santhosh Narayanan, Aditya Ravindran, Dhee (co-producer) |
| Label | Independent (originally planned for maajja, released independently) |
| Recording Location | Chennai, India and Sydney, Australia |
| Themes | Identity, belonging, generational trauma, multicultural heritage, love, heartbreak, home |
| Style Description | “Tamil folk-meets-Disney sound”, cinematic influences, diaristic songwriting |
Released Singles from Jackfruit
| Release Date | Single Title | Theme/Subject | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | “Can’t You Stay a Little Longer” (CYSALL) | Long-distance relationships, Western Sydney nostalgia | Jazzy, groovy sound; debut English single; directed by Peter Marsden |
| August 2024 | “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal” | Generational trauma, cultural identity, three generations’ stories | Tamil folk-inspired beat; music video shot in Jaffna, Sri Lanka; composed by Dhee |
Album Production and Creative Process
Dhee began writing songs for Jackfruit when she was 19 years old. The album features her first-ever written song and showcases her evolution as a songwriter over several years. She describes the songwriting process as diaristic and deeply vulnerable, contrasting with playback singing where she interprets scripts written by others.
For “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal,” Dhee incorporated a Tamil folk sound discovered in an old file from her father’s archives. The production involved recording a live band (Buddhar Kalaikuzhu, Rajamelam Band Set) in an open field without a metronome, capturing organic energy. The music video was shot on location in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, including scenes at the historic Jaffna Library, allowing Dhee to connect with her ancestral roots and relive her mother’s childhood experiences.
Dhee Net Worth and Lifestyle
Estimated Net Worth Breakdown
| Financial Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million (as of 2024) |
| Primary Income Source | Playback singing in Indian cinema |
| Secondary Income Sources | Independent music releases, streaming royalties, live performances |
| Spotify Monthly Listeners | 5.4 million (2024) |
| YouTube Impact | “Rowdy Baby” 1.5+ billion views, “Enjoy Enjaami” 500+ million views |
| Social Media Reach | 1M+ Instagram followers, 72K+ Twitter followers |
Dhee’s wealth primarily derives from her extensive playback singing career spanning over a decade in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. Her viral hits “Rowdy Baby” and “Enjoy Enjaami” have generated significant streaming revenue across multiple platforms. As she transitions to independent pop music with her Jackfruit album, her income streams are diversifying to include touring, merchandise, and international collaborations.
Dhee Hobbies and Interests
Creative Pursuits
| Hobby/Interest | Details | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion and Styling | Known for unique fashion sense, credits mother as style inspiration | Personal passion |
| Creative Writing | Loved writing short stories since childhood, now writes song lyrics | Professional skill |
| Interior Design | Interest in creating functional and beautiful spaces | Personal interest |
| Painting | Skilled painter with artistic talent | Accomplished hobby |
| Music Discovery | Listens to diverse genres from Tamil legends to global pop | Lifelong passion |
Musical Influences and Inspirations
| Artist/Influence | Genre/Type | Impact on Dhee |
|---|---|---|
| Destiny’s Child | American girl group/R&B | First album purchased at age 6, sparked music curiosity |
| M.S. Viswanathan | Tamil film composer | Childhood influence, traditional Tamil music foundation |
| Ilaiyaraaja | Tamil film composer | Legendary composer who shaped her musical palette |
| A.R. Rahman | Indian composer | Major influence, favorite album: Kandukondain Kandukondain |
| M.I.A. | British-Tamil rapper | Pioneer for South Asian representation in global music |
| Santhosh Narayanan | Film composer/stepfather | Biggest inspiration, taskmaster mentor, primary collaborator |
| Mother (Meenakshi Iyer) | Carnatic musician | Taught Tamil pronunciation, musical values, style inspiration |
Dhee Favorites and Preferences
Musical Preferences
| Category | Preference | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite Tamil Album | Kandukondain Kandukondain by A.R. Rahman | Personal favorite outside her own work |
| Favorite Songs to Perform | “Usuru Narumbuley” from Irudhi Suttru, “Uttradheenga Yeppov” from Karnan | Most meaningful live performances |
| Vocal Style | Distinctive Alto voice | Known for powerful, rich tone |
| Performance Preference | Live performances | “The best feeling when people sing back at you” |
Personal Preferences
| Category | Preference | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite Fruit | Jackfruit | Loved enough to name debut album after it |
| Style Icon | Her mother, Meenakshi Iyer | “She dresses for nobody except herself” |
| Home Concept | Multiple locations | Jaffna (ancestral), Sydney (raised), Chennai (current) |
| Personality Type | Introverted | Prefers private lifestyle outside music |
Dhee Controversies and Legal Issues
“Enjoy Enjaami” Controversy
The success of “Enjoy Enjaami” in 2021 became embroiled in controversy regarding proper credit and representation. The disputes centered around rapper Arivu’s role in the song and his perceived marginalization in promotional materials.
| Date | Event | Details | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2021 | “Enjoy Enjaami” Release | Song released with Dhee and Arivu listed as performers, Santhosh Narayanan as producer | Immediate viral success |
| Mid-2021 | DJ Snake Remix Cover | Arivu not featured on Spotify remix cover, sparking criticism | Public debate about proper credit |
| August 2021 | Rolling Stone India Cover | Dhee featured without Arivu despite song’s joint success | Intensified controversy about representation |
| August 2022 | Dhee’s Public Response | Dhee stated she credited Arivu and Narayanan “every chance she got” | Defended her record of acknowledgment |
| August 2022 | Arivu’s Statement | Arivu maintained he wrote and composed the song entirely | Clarified his primary creative role |
Impact and Resolution
| Area | Impact | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Public Perception | Sparked important conversations about credit and representation in independent music | Both artists continue successful careers |
| Career Effect on Dhee | Minimal long-term negative impact, continued industry collaborations | Successful transition to international pop career |
| Industry Changes | Increased awareness about proper credit for collaborating artists | More transparent crediting practices discussed |
| Song’s Legacy | “Enjoy Enjaami” remains celebrated as groundbreaking Tamil independent music | 500+ million views, cultural impact maintained |
Unknown Facts About Dhee
Beyond her well-known achievements, here are fascinating unknown facts about Dhee that reveal interesting aspects of her personality, background, and life experiences.
Early Musical Development
Although born into a family of accomplished Carnatic musicians spanning four generations, Dhee never received formal classical training. She learned by listening to her mother and grandmother teach other students, absorbing the nuances of Carnatic music without structured lessons. Her mother and grandmother never pressured her to formally study, allowing her to develop her unique musical voice organically.
Dhee’s first album purchase at age six was Destiny’s Child, which became a turning point in her musical curiosity. This early exposure to Western R&B and pop music, combined with the constant presence of Tamil film music at home, created her distinctive fusion sensibility that would later define her career.
Family and Heritage Connections
Dhee’s maternal family includes not just musicians but also her grandfather, who hails from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and works as a writer. This literary influence contributed to her love of creative writing and storytelling, which she initially expressed through short stories before channeling into songwriting.
Her biological father Venkadesan, from Jaffna, provided the Tamil folk sound that became central to “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal.” He had recorded traditional folk music years earlier that remained unused in his archives until Dhee discovered it and was granted permission to incorporate it into her contemporary pop sound.
Working with Her Stepfather
Despite Santhosh Narayanan being her stepfather and primary collaborator, Dhee describes him as “extremely chilled out with every other singer” but transforms into a taskmaster specifically when working with her. He provides harsh criticisms and demanding standards for her performances, which Dhee credits for the high quality of their collaborative work. This professional strictness contrasts with his more relaxed approach to other artists.
Language and Cultural Navigation
Before moving to India, Dhee lacked confidence in speaking Tamil despite being raised in a Tamil-speaking household. Her mother insisted on perfect pronunciation without an accent, which initially felt challenging. However, after relocating to Chennai, her Tamil fluency improved dramatically. She now speaks comfortably and can communicate authentically with people in Jaffna, creating meaningful connections to her ancestral homeland.
Creative Process and Artistic Evolution
Dhee began writing songs for her Jackfruit album when she was only 19 years old. The album includes the very first song she ever wrote, making it a document of her artistic growth over seven years. She describes her early songwriting as overly descriptive, noting she had to learn to “cut down long descriptions and internalize feelings” to express emotions concisely in lyrics.
For “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal,” the rhythm section was recorded with a live band in an open field without a metronome, creating organic timing fluctuations. The production team captured a full hour of live performance, from which they extracted the perfect snippet for the final track.
Performance and Recognition
While shooting the music video for “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal” in Jaffna, Dhee’s mother recognized many people and locations, realizing that her daughter was essentially recreating scenes from her own childhood. This unplanned parallel created profound emotional resonance, as Dhee unknowingly relived her mother’s experiences through the artistic process.
Dhee was featured in Times Square on a billboard, making “Enjoy Enjaami” the first Tamil independent song ever showcased in this iconic New York location. This achievement marked a historic moment for Tamil independent music on the global stage.
Lesser Known Facts About Dhee
These lesser-known facts about Dhee showcase additional dimensions of her personality and career that fans may not be aware of.
Educational Decisions and Career Path
In 2016, at age 18, Dhee made the significant decision to quit formal education to pursue singing full-time. This choice came after she had already gained recognition for “Ey Sandakaara” from Irudhi Suttru. She had been balancing school with recording sessions during breaks, but the increasing demands of her music career led her to commit entirely to her artistic path.
Western Sydney Roots
Dhee specifically grew up in Quakers Hill and Northmead in Western Sydney, areas known for their multicultural working-class communities. She credits this environment with making her “thick-skinned, more open, empathetic, and accepting,” qualities that directly influence her songwriting. She describes herself as “one of those kids,” referring to growing up in a modest immigrant family context that shaped her worldview.
Multiple Artistic Talents
Beyond singing, Dhee is an accomplished painter and has serious interests in fashion and interior design. She considered pursuing creative fields like interior design or fashion before music became her primary focus. Her distinctive fashion sense, which has become part of her public image, stems from genuine creative interest rather than stylist intervention.
Personality and Philosophy
Dhee describes experiencing a major shift in her personality in recent years, moving from overthinking to trusting her instincts. She has developed a philosophical outlook that “everything in the world happens for a reason” and embraces this belief as “liberating.” This evolution reflects increased confidence and self-acceptance as she enters her late twenties.
Streaming and Digital Success
“Rowdy Baby” is not only the most-viewed Tamil music video of all time but also ranks among the most-viewed Indian videos across all languages on YouTube. The song achieved over 300 million views within just days of its release, an unprecedented achievement for Tamil cinema at the time.
“Enjoy Enjaami” was added to Spotify’s prestigious Global X playlist, a significant achievement for Tamil independent music. The song crossed 2 million streams on Spotify shortly after release, demonstrating strong engagement beyond just video views.
Film Industry Perception
Despite singing for major blockbuster films and working with legendary actors like Rajinikanth and Dhanush, Dhee maintains that she’s primarily interested in the music itself rather than the film industry glamour. She has stated that she “can never be bored in Chennai because you go outside and there are thousands of stories,” showing her focus on storytelling over celebrity culture.
International Album Journey
The Jackfruit album was originally planned for release under A.R. Rahman’s maajja label, but Dhee ultimately released it independently. The album took nearly three years to complete, with the first English single “Can’t You Stay a Little Longer” arriving in May 2024, followed by “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal” in August 2024. The full album is expected in February 2025, though Dhee notes the date isn’t set in stone.
Live Performance Passion
Dhee has stated that performing live represents the pinnacle of her musical career, saying “Every show feels amazing. It reaffirms why I do what I do.” She considers the moment when audiences sing her songs back to her as the ultimate validation of her work. Following the Jackfruit album release, her primary goal is extensive touring to connect with global audiences.
Dhee Online Presence and Social Links
Official Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers/Status | Link/URL | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @dhee___ | 1M+ followers | instagram.com/dhee___ | ✓ Verified | |
| Twitter/X | @talktodhee | 72.1K followers | twitter.com/talktodhee | Active since July 2020 |
| Dhee | Active page | facebook.com/dhee.venka | Public figure page | |
| TikTok | @dhee.music | 34K+ followers | tiktok.com/@dhee.music | Active creator |
Music Streaming Platforms
| Platform | Profile Status | Statistics | Link/URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Verified Artist | 5.4M monthly listeners | open.spotify.com/artist/dhee |
| Apple Music | Active Artist Profile | Complete discography available | music.apple.com/artist/dhee |
| YouTube Music | Official Artist Channel | 1.5B+ views on “Rowdy Baby” | Available on YouTube Music |
| JioSaavn | Active Profile | Extensive Tamil/Telugu catalog | jiosaavn.com/artist/dhee |
| Deezer | Artist Profile | Full discography | deezer.com/artist/dhee |
Professional and Database Profiles
| Platform | Profile Type | Content | Link/URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | Music Department Profile | Complete filmography, 3 awards, 5 nominations | imdb.com/name/nm6106110 |
| Wikipedia | Biography Page | Comprehensive career overview | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhee_(singer) |
| The Movie Database (TMDB) | Artist Profile | Film credits and biography | themoviedb.org/person/dhee |
| Last.fm | Music Profile | Scrobbling data and listener stats | last.fm/music/Dhee |
Content and Engagement
Dhee actively uses Instagram as her primary social media platform, sharing updates about new releases, behind-the-scenes content from recording sessions and music video shoots, and glimpses into her cultural heritage and travels. Her Instagram bio currently promotes “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal,” reflecting her focus on the Jackfruit album rollout.
On Twitter/X, Dhee maintains a more selective presence, using the platform for major announcements and responding to industry figures. Her account became particularly active during the “Enjoy Enjaami” promotion in 2021 and during her response to the subsequent controversy in August 2022.
Dhee’s TikTok account features performance clips, song promotions, and cultural content related to her Tamil heritage. She uses the platform to connect with younger audiences and showcase her music in the short-form video format.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dhee
What is Dhee’s net worth?
Dhee’s estimated net worth is between $1 million to $5 million as of 2024, primarily from her successful playback singing career in Indian cinema, particularly Tamil and Telugu films. Her viral hits “Rowdy Baby” (1.5+ billion views) and “Enjoy Enjaami” (500+ million views) have generated significant streaming revenue. She also earns from live performances and her emerging international pop career.
How old is Dhee?
Dhee is 26 years old, born on June 26, 1998, in Sydney, Australia.
Is Dhee married?
Dhee maintains a private personal life and no confirmed relationship or marriage information is publicly available. According to sources close to her, she has an introverted personality and prefers to keep her romantic life out of the public eye.
What is Dhee famous for?
Dhee is best known for her viral song “Rowdy Baby” from the 2018 film Maari 2, which has over 1.5 billion YouTube views and is the most-viewed Tamil music video of all time. She’s also famous for “Enjoy Enjaami” (500+ million views), her collaboration with rapper Arivu that became a global hit. Additionally, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Singer for “Kaattu Payale” from Soorarai Pottru (2020).
Where does Dhee live?
Dhee currently splits her time between Sydney, Australia (her hometown where she was raised) and Chennai, India (where she has been based since March 2020 for her playback singing career). She maintains residences in both cities to balance her international pop career and her continued work in Indian cinema.
What is Dhee’s real name?
Dhee’s full legal name is Dheekshitha Venkadeshan. She professionally uses the shortened stage name “Dhee.”
What languages does Dhee sing in?
Dhee sings professionally in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, and Hindi. The majority of her work has been in Tamil cinema, with significant contributions to Telugu films as well. She recently debuted in Malayalam with “Viduthal” (2024) and is transitioning to English-language pop music with her Jackfruit album.
Who is Dhee’s stepfather?
Dhee’s stepfather is Santhosh Narayanan, a renowned music composer and singer in Tamil cinema. He has been her primary collaborator throughout her career, composing the music for the majority of her hit songs including “Enjoy Enjaami,” “Ey Sandakaara,” and many others. He is married to Dhee’s mother, Meenakshi Iyer.
What is Dhee’s vocal type?
Dhee is known for her distinctive alto voice, which is rich, powerful, and deeper than typical female singing voices. This unique vocal quality has become her signature characteristic and sets her apart in the playback singing industry.
How many monthly listeners does Dhee have on Spotify?
As of 2024, Dhee has 5.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making her one of the most-streamed pop stars from Australia with South Asian heritage.
What is the Jackfruit album?
Jackfruit is Dhee’s debut English-language studio album exploring themes of identity, generational trauma, cultural heritage, and belonging. The album blends indie pop, jazz, and Tamil folk influences with what Dhee describes as a “Tamil folk-meets-Disney sound.” It has been in development since 2021 and is expected to release in February 2025. Singles released include “Can’t You Stay a Little Longer” and “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal.”
What awards has Dhee won?
Dhee has won two major awards: the Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer – Female (Tamil) in 2022 for “Kaattu Payale” from Soorarai Pottru (2020), and the SIIMA Award for Best Playback Singer – Female (Tamil) in 2022 for “Uttradheenga Yeppov” from Karnan (2021). She has also received multiple nominations at the Filmfare Awards, Vijay Awards, and SIIMA Awards throughout her career.
What is Dhee’s connection to Sri Lanka?
Dhee’s biological father, Venkadesan, is Sri Lankan Tamil from Jaffna. Her paternal heritage connects her deeply to Sri Lankan Tamil culture and the experiences of the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora. The music video for “I Wear My Roots Like a Medal” was filmed in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, including at the historic Jaffna Library, honoring her ancestral homeland and exploring themes of generational trauma from the Sri Lankan civil war.
Has Dhee collaborated with international artists?
Yes, Dhee’s song “Enjoy Enjaami” was remixed by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer DJ Snake in 2021, bringing her work to global audiences. She is currently working on collaborations with global artists for her Jackfruit album, though specific names have not been publicly announced. Her 2024 collaboration “Nain Matakka” with Diljit Dosanjh represents a crossover between South Asian and Punjabi pop music markets.
