Simbu, the young superstar

While Tamil star Dhanush is the latest actor-turned-singer with his maverick song Kolaveri di sweeping across India, Silambarasan Rajendar or Simbu is widely regarded as the pioneer of the self-written, self-sung, song. Popularly called STR and Young Superstar by his fans, Simbu has sung over 40 songs for various composers. In December last year, Simbu released his first non-filmy promo single, Love Anthem For World Peace and Love. He is currently in the US, coordinating with international stars for the song.

On his birthday, here's an update on the "Young Superstar".

Simbu's last film, Osthi, which released last year, is a remake of the superhit Bollywood movie Dabangg. It did good business at the box office. Simbu, who played a police officer Osthe Velan in film, got rave reviews.

Simbu along with Bollywood's item queen Mallika Sherawat, recreated the magic of the song Munni Badnaam Hui in the movie.

2011 was a fairly good year for the actor as his other release, Tamil film Vaanam, with an ensemble cast, was a hit too.

Among Simbu's releases this year is Podaa Podi, co-starring Varalaxmi. It shows the journey of a boy and a girl through three stages of their lives. The film is currently in its pre-production stage and is expected to release on February 14, 2012. Two other Tamil films, Vettai Mannan and Vada Chennai are scheduled to release this year.

The talented actor was nominated for Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards South and Vijay Awards for Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa in 2010.

Simbu is the son of director, music composer, actor, screenwriter and politician Vijaya T. Rajendar.

He began his career as a child artist in films produced by his father like Thai Thangai Paasam, Oru Vasantha Geetham, En Thangai Kalyani and Enga Veetu Velan.

Simbu played the lead for the first time in Kadhal Azhivathillai, which was again directed by his father.

Simbu had written the story, screenplay and dialogues for the movie Manmadhan. He also played a double role in it opposite Jyothika. The film became a huge hit.

He has also directed a movie Vallavan in 2006.

Here's wishing the multi-talented star a successful year ahead.