ABP Southern Rising Summit 2025: Udhayanidhi Stalin To Spotlight Tamil Nadu’s Path To Growth With Equity

ABP Southern Rising Summit 2025: ABP Network is all set to roll out the third edition of its flagship “Southern Rising Summit 2025”, returning this year with the forward-looking theme, “Ready for the Future: Innovation, Transformation, Inspiration.” The summit aims to spotlight South India’s growing influence, offering an insightful exploration of the political, cultural, and economic shifts reshaping the region’s role on the national stage.

To be held on 25 November at the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, the event is shaping up to be a vibrant mix of political dialogue and cultural showcase. While policymakers like Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Telangana’s BRS leader K. T. Rama Rao take centre stage in key policy conversations, the summit also highlights the region’s rich soft power. Tamil Nadu’s Deputy CM, Udhayanidhi Stalin, will headline the session titled “Growth with Equity: From a Model State”. The young leader hails from a distinguished political lineage, as his father, M. K. Stalin, is the serving Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and his grandfather, M. Karunanidhi, was a former Chief Minister of the state.

Udhayanidhi Stalin: From Cinema Trailblazer to Rising Political Leader

Udhayanidhi Stalin stands today as one of Tamil Nadu’s most recognisable public figures — a man who has seamlessly bridged the worlds of cinema and politics. Born into a powerful political family, he carved out his own identity through film, public service, and a growing impact on the state's youth. His journey is both dynamic and deeply rooted in legacy.

Early Life and Education

Udhayanidhi Stalin was born in 1977 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into one of the state’s most influential political families. His father, M. K. Stalin, is the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, while his grandfather, the late M. Karunanidhi, served multiple terms as Chief Minister and shaped the state’s political landscape for decades.

He completed his schooling in Chennai, where his fascination with the world of cinema began to take shape. He later pursued Visual Communications at Loyola College after studying at Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School. These early experiences set the foundation for his eventual entry into the Tamil film industry.

The Beginning of a Political Journey

First Steps in Public Life

Udhayanidhi formally stepped into politics in 2019 when he became the Secretary of the Youth Wing in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). That same year, he travelled extensively across Tamil Nadu, campaigning for DMK candidates during the Lok Sabha elections and quickly emerging as a prominent youth face within the party.

Electoral Debut and Rise Within DMK

In 2021, he contested the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections from the Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni constituency — a stronghold long associated with his family. He won the seat and entered the Assembly as an MLA, drawing statewide attention early in his tenure with his proposal to bring AIIMS to Madurai, famously delivering the promise while holding a brick during a rally.

Political Timeline

  • 2019: Appointed Secretary of the DMK Youth Wing; campaigned across the state during the Lok Sabha elections.
  • 2021: Elected MLA from Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni.
  • 2022: Sworn in as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development on 14 December 2022.

Ministerial Responsibilities

After his electoral win, Udhayanidhi took on key roles in the Tamil Nadu Government. As the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, he has focused on creating opportunities for young people, strengthening sports infrastructure, and steering initiatives designed to empower emerging talent.

He also oversees the Special Act Implementation Department, adding another layer of responsibility to his growing political portfolio.

Cinema Career and Achievements

Before entering politics, Udhayanidhi Stalin built a significant footprint in Tamil cinema through acting, production, and distribution. He began working behind the scenes as a distributor and later launched Red Giant Movies in 2008, which went on to become one of the most influential production houses in the Tamil film industry.

As a producer, Udhayanidhi backed major films such as:

  • Vijay’s Kuruvi
  • Suriya’s Aadhavan
  • Kamal Haasan’s Manmadan Ambu
  • Suriya’s 7am Arivu
  • Red Giant Movies also released several notable titles, including Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Madrasapattinam, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, and Mynaa.
  • He made his on-screen debut with a cameo in Aadhavan before taking on his first lead role in Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012). The film became a commercial hit and earned him multiple honours, including:
  • Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut
  • South and Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Newcomer Actor
  • SIIMA Award for Best Male Debutant
  • Over the years, he delivered varied performances in films such as Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal (2014), Nimir (2018), Nannbenda (2015), the psychological thriller Psycho (2020), and the politically driven Nenjuku Needhi (2022).

Influence, Legacy, and Personal Life

Carrying the legacy of both his father and grandfather, Udhayanidhi Stalin balances political responsibility with his deep-rooted connection to the arts. His journey reflects a blend of inherited leadership and individual achievement.

He is married to Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, a film director and head of the lifestyle magazine Inbox 1305. The couple have two children, Inbanithi and Tanmaya.

ABP Southern Rising Summit

Over the years, the Southern Rising Summit has evolved into a key platform for understanding the forces driving South India’s exceptional growth story. The southern states continue to stand out with strong economic momentum shaped by advanced manufacturing, a robust IT sector, and rapid progress in artificial intelligence. Their leadership in education, healthcare, demographic planning, and rising female workforce participation has further cemented the region’s image as a model for inclusive, future-ready development.

As ABP Network returns with the 2025 edition, its vision remains steadfast, to showcase a region that consistently innovates, adapts with confidence, and sets the pace for the rest of the nation.

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